Describes a middle school program that focuses on creating educational experiences that foster life-long learning for all students. The Discovery Program provides a range of differentiated teaching/learning activities, including research competitions, language-arts studies, social-action projects, art exhibitions, mathematics projects, and…

A study extends recent research on college-faculty research productivity by examining the relationship between research productivity and institutional factors, drawing on recent National Research Council data on research universities and their programs in four broad fields: biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences and mathematics, and…

Explored the variables that affect enrollment in eighth-grade algebra for African-American students. Studied constructs that fell into three broad categories: individual characteristics, home/parent variables, and school-related variables. Assessed data from the base-year student and parent data files of the National Education Longitudinal Study…

The 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress math scores for eighth-graders show that when socioeconomic status is considered, English-proficient Asian students have no achievement advantage over other ethnic groups. However, Chinese sixth-graders, using abstract reasoning skills, outperformed American students on 12 open-ended math…

The math-related interests and academic-choice intentions of black college students (N=164) are explored. A social cognitive path model offered good overall fit to the data. Although racial identity contributed little to the model, self-efficacy and outcome expectations predicted interests, which predicted choice intentions across racial attitude…

Reports the results of a meta-analysis that integrates research on undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education since 1980. The meta-analysis of 39 studies demonstrates that various forms of small-group learning promote achievement, improve attitudes toward learning, and increase persistence in these fields. Contains…

States that lack of resources in math and science education is forcing faculty to seek external grants. Asserts that such fundraising efforts consume time and energy, and often detract from the teaching, community-service, and other nurturing missions of the college. Suggests that administrators acknowledge the changing role of teachers and offer…

Documented differences in frequency and type of mathematical explanations during lessons in U.S., Taiwanese, and Japanese first- and fifth-grade classrooms. Found that explanations occurred more frequently in Japanese and Taiwanese classrooms than in U.S. classrooms. Typical explanations in Asian classrooms were more substantive than in U.S.…

This article reviews the revised KeyMath Revised-Normative Update American and Canadian editions, and a draft version of the 1999 pending revision. The assessment instrument is intended to test basic mathematical concepts, operations, and applications of students in grades K-12. Its administration, standardization, reliability, and validity are…

Compared reading, writing, and mathematics achievement of Title I and non-Title I third graders in comparable multiage and single-age classrooms in three school districts. Found higher achievement among non-Title I students in multiage settings when compared to those in a single-age setting. No setting differences were observed for Title I…

Interviews and roundtable discussions with 32 junior and senior female students majoring in math, science, and engineering (MSE) identified factors contributing to MSE retention and graduation, including: (1) support networks and university acclimation; (2) faculty associations; (3) financial assistance; and (4) university support programs that…

Investigates the effects of computer-assisted video-based anchored instruction on promoting students' attitudes toward mathematical instruction and problem-solving skills. Examines the effects of different media attributes on students' mathematical achievement and attitudes in a situated learning environment. Findings suggest that anchored…

Examines the effects of participation in the Fifth Dimension after-school computer program on far transfer achievement in the subject areas of reading and math. Provides evidence that children who participate in the Fifth Dimension master knowledge and skill structures and acquire practices that mediate their performance on global measures of…

Whether there is a gender-by-item interaction that makes easy mathematics test items easier for females than for males and difficult items harder for females than for males was tested in two studies, involving 10,321 eighth graders and 5332 ninth graders and results from nine mathematics tests. The hypothesis was generally supported, as discussed.…

A review of the research on the talent-search identification protocol of gifted students finds talent-search scores on Scholastic Assessment Tests at the junior-high level are valid indicators of students who can succeed in courses that are accelerated in terms of content and learning pace. Effects may be especially positive for academically…