Argues that ignorance is a better criterion than truth for determining the usefulness of knowledge generated through educational research. Implications for conceptualizing and teaching research are discussed, illustrating how attention to ignorance can increase understanding in areas such as practitioner research and cooperative research. (SLD)

This paper describes an awareness project involving presentations to secondary school students on the nature of learning disabilities. A university student with learning disabilities gave the presentation to approximately 450 students in 24 Newfoundland schools. Participants rated the presentation highly and demonstrated better understanding of…

Sixty teachers responded to questions about the permissibility of 51 possible test modifications for pupils with disabilities on South Carolina-mandated criterion-referenced tests. Results indicated that teachers were not very knowledgeable about which modifications are allowed, and with few exceptions, special educators were no more informed than…

A survey of 62 third- and 105 fourth-year pharmacy students found a number of misperceptions concerning cancer pain and its management that may translate into inadequate provision of care to future patients. Research on educational strategies to address these misperceptions is recommended. (Author/MSE)

Developed and administered 17-item instrument to assess knowledge of specific mental health problems (depression, agitation, disorientation) and behavioral approaches to them to 191 nurse's aides and 21 clinicians with training in behavioral management and experience with older nursing home residents. Aides averaged 11 correct answers; clinicians…

Analysis of data from a longitudinal study of Indiana high school students (n=56) reveals that parents are more interested than students in information about postsecondary education costs and student financial aid. It also suggests efforts to increase family knowledge should focus on general information rather than specific aid programs.…

This study analyzed the impact of child and family variables (such as child's functioning level, parent-child interaction, and parent and family adaptation) on the progress of 12 children (ages 2-4) with autism. Analyses showed a strong inverse relationship between mother-reported stress and child progress. (Author/JDD)

The study surveyed 48 teachers in British primary schools concerning the use of computer-assisted learning by children with special educational needs in mainstream settings. Findings are reported concerning computer/pupil ratio, computer time for these children, teachers' knowledge of software, classroom practices, effects of increased computer…

A study assessed the effectiveness of medical resident training programs during 1983-88 by evaluating students' certification scores and comparing them to the program's evaluation of students' clinical competence. Results are reported and analyzed for top-rated, university-affiliated, and non-university-affiliated programs, focusing on trends over…

A survey of 129 medical residents in an urban teaching hospital revealed a general lack of knowledge about computers, although most had used a microcomputer. Students were most likely to be able to use word processing (73%) and bibliographic retrieval (71%) programs. Better access to and training for computer use are recommended. (Author/MSE)

Describes the development, validation, and testing of the Mexican American Attitude and Knowledge Scale (MAAKS) which measures knowledge of and attitudes toward traditional, less acculturated Mexican American culture among university students. The MAAKS was established as a valid, reliable instrument for use with college students. (SM)

Analysis of a writing lesson delivered to 22 children in their first year of school shows that instruction in grammar occurs without the use of a metalanguage for the concepts under instruction. Teacher control of knowledge through contingent question and answer is analyzed. (SLD)

Two studies examined the relationship between a measure of metacognitive word knowledge, the KMA (knowledge monitoring ability), and performance in college. Using undergraduate grade point average in a number of academic domains as criterion measures, this research provides support for the validity of the KMA as a predictor of success in college.…

A study investigated the English vocabulary knowledge of 324 first-year students at an Indonesian university. Results indicate that on average, students had some knowledge of 1226 English words, far less than the 3000-5000 word range widely considered a threshold level for independent reading of unsimplified texts. Only a small portion of students…

This study investigated how well 273 teachers in Georgia understood the needs of hard-of-hearing children who were mainstreamed in their classrooms. The survey found deficiencies in teachers' level of awareness and knowledge regarding their students' hearing, loss across all grade levels. The study identified limitations in using the audiology…