Sets out the advantages of a functional/notional syllabus as opposed to a grammatical syllabus. Presents topics around which to build a functional/notional syllabus in teaching college-level French. Makes suggestions, based on students' perception of their communicative needs, for the sequencing of these materials. (PMJ)

Two studies contrasted formal and informal teaching practices in open-plan and conventional classrooms, focusing on grouping patterns and pupil choice as discriminative components of teaching style. (BW)

Fourth- through sixth-grade classrooms were observed, and a social climate questionnaire and the Test Anxiety Scale for Children were administered. Analysis of variance showed that high-structured classrooms had the most work involvement. Both high child activity and low control by teachers were related to more active deviancy. (Author/RD)

Undergraduates and graduates indicated their degree of satisfaction with their major department. Two highly correlated factors, General Satisfaction with Major and Satisfaction with Mentorship, were obtained. Factor scores did not differ for class level, grade point average, sex, field of study, or reason for choosing their major. (Author/RD)

Traditional objections to student involvement and recent research supporting the validity of student comments are explored. The value of student comments depends upon asking appropriate questions: deciding what should be asked, what form the questions and results should take, and what use should be made of the information. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the lack of clarity in which proficiency in written English was taken into account in the assessment of the academic writing of second-language students at a South African university. Argues that, if universities are to be accountable to their students, the criteria used in the assessment of assignments and examinations should be made…

Describes a study of faculty and researchers' use patterns and perceptions of CD-ROM services at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) library. Highlights include CD-ROM search forms; a questionnaire survey; the need for user training; library planning; document delivery and interlibrary loan; and financial issues.…

Reports the retrospective thoughts of 161 former participants of Saturday and summer gifted programs at Purdue University (Indiana). The programs offer enrichment and accelerated classes in all areas of the curriculum for children from age 2 through middle school. The programs' role in shaping career choices is discussed. (CR)

Investigates what can be learned about second language (L2) speech acts using English language multiple choice (MC) instruments and discourse completion tests (DCTs). The study focuses on the primary language (L1) responses of native speakers and the L2 responses given by speakers of Chinese to MC questionnaires and DCTs dealing with the…

Investigates listening performance in a computer-based multimedia environment. Learner success rates were compared on comprehension of English as a Second Language and language recall tasks while using audio, video, and multimedia. Results of performance on tasks reveal more effective comprehension and recall while using multimedia than either…

A study of the faculty evaluation system at Nene College (England) is reported and compared with studies in other British universities. Evaluator, faculty, and administrator views of the program were generally positive, particularly concerning the opportunities the evaluation interviews present for discussing issues. Assessment by line manager…

Describes study conducted at King Faisal University to determine the effectiveness of closed-circuit television instruction for use with female students in a sex-segregated environment where there is a lack of qualified female instructors. Simultaneous instruction with male and female classes is evaluated, hypotheses tested are explained, and…

Examines the extent to which microcomputer availability has affected the use of traditional information sources. Surveys of microcomputer use are summarized, results of surveys conducted at the Liverpool Public Library (New York) and University College Dublin are reported, and future roles of libraries or information services are suggested. (44…

Discussion of library cooperation focuses on a survey that investigated cooperation among university libraries in Ghana. Library cooperation in the United Kingdom, United States, and Nigeria is described; areas of cooperation in Ghana are discussed, including interlibrary loans, cataloging, and acquisitions; and recommendations for library…

Discusses results of a national survey of Canadian secondary school students that investigated their conceptions of the role of computer technology within the educational system. Topics discussed include equal access; gender differences; patterns in access and usage of home computers; and implications for further research, including international…