Discusses specific instruments and procedures that university-level foreign languages and literatures departments can use in outcomes-assessment of their undergraduate majors, including standardized tests, oral assessments, questionnaires, and portfolios. Case studies of outcomes-assessment programs in language departments at the University of…

Describes design and development of work skills simulation intended to help youth acquire skills, attitudes, behaviors, and effective competencies necessary for making the transition to work. Discusses the degree to which the simulation met its objectives in recent field tests, and briefly reviews student learning outcomes. (Author/LKS)

Reports the results of a survey of recent and ongoing aging-related data sources supported by U.S. federal agencies. The purpose of the study was to determine the suitability of the data sets for research on minority elders. Formal tests of the adequacy of data set sample sizes to support analysis on various minority groups were performed; most…

Reports on the reading habits of native-English speaking and nonnative-English speaking undergraduate college students who completed a reading habits questionnaire. Results revealed that nonnative students read more widely for longer periods of time and had higher perceptions of themselves as readers in their native language than did…

The process of screening and selecting new employees is viewed as one having discrete steps, each with implications concerning Equal Employment Opportunity and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Several screening and selection methods are examined, with questionnaire forms used by Indiana University, South Bend provided for illustration. Typical…

Describes results of a survey of library and information studies programs in the United Kingdom that was conducted to determine what courses included information on patents. Teaching methods are discussed, the use of British Library publications is explored, and program changes are discussed. The survey questionnaire is appended. (two references)…

Describes a study of student online searches at Cornell University that was conducted to explore the value of staff assistance to trained end users searching the BRS Menus system. Analysis of audio tapes of the search process, questionnaires, and interviews is presented; student attitudes are discussed; and future possibilities are considered.…

Discussion of the use of computers in classrooms in Third World countries focuses on a survey of secondary school students in Lagos (Nigeria) that examined pupils' conception of a computer and their perceptions of the role and sociocultural consequences of computers in the classroom. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses the role of school library media specialists as instructional consultants and the gap between theory and practice in the roles of curriculum support and instructional design. A study of school media specialists in DeKalb County (Georgia) Public Schools is described that investigated the theory-practice gap. (23 references) (LRW)

Discussion of school improvement focuses on a study of Ontario educators that examined their use of various sources of information, including conferences, workshops, and inservice training, for improvement purposes. Knowledge utilization is discussed; interactive processes between the information and the setting are considered; and predictor…

This study, conducted at Illinois State University library, evaluated the ability of professional librarians to answer reference questions. Evaluations by undergraduate students were scored for accuracy of response and attitude of the librarian to determine the best attitudinal predictor of accuracy scores. The evaluation form is appended. (three…

A questionnaire on attitudes toward war play was given to 316 Italian and 84 English parents of children aged 2 to 6 years. In both cultures, boys were significantly more likely than girls to engage in solitary and social war play. Parental attitudes, television, and peers were the major sources of influence on war play. (Author/LB)

Reports the results of a survey of graduates of the University of Pittsburgh's Masters of Library Science (M.L.S.) program that was conducted to investigate reasons for leaving the profession for other fields or to leave the workforce entirely. Highlights include characteristics and attitudes of at-home versus employed women and their educational…

Explains 2 decision-making problems presented to 188 undergraduates enrolled in introductory psychology classes to teach the principles governing individual and collective decisions. Shows individual interest outweighed mutual benefit. Promotes active learning about psychology and scientific skills while stimulating personal development (CH)

Reports results of an electronic survey of users of CD-ROM databases at a university library. Data are presented on experience level, database selection, how users learned of the service, use of multiple databases, favorite features, user satisfaction, preferred source of help, research strategies, and use of printed versions. A copy of the…