Explains the philosophy that forms the basis of a high school physical science course based on astronomy and the activity-based textbook that accompanies it. Cites specific examples of misconceptions related to astronomy and recommends various diagnostic and concept change strategies. (DDR)

Presents a validation study on the Hausa Speaking Test (HAST), a simulated oral proficiency interview. Addressed validity of the HaST through examination of the ratability on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale of elicited speech sample and an investigation of the nature of probes on the HaST through speaking…

Donald Secreast, author of two collections of stories about life in Appalachia, discusses how his experiences growing up in Lenoir, North Carolina; his parents' lives as factory workers; and his escape into academia influenced his writing. His work presents "place" as a far more complex and conflicted reality of Appalachia than do other…

Examines the role played by voiced stop spirantization in the acquisition of English "b, d, g," and "d" by native Spanish speakers. Results reveal that accuracy in English pronunciation is hindered by native language transfer, including the transfer of spirantization and native language syllable structure constraints, and that…

Interviewed Chinese English-as-a-Second-Language students enrolled in a summer program and faculty members teaching these students. Data revealed a number of effective strategies instructors might use to teach these students, including homogeneous grouping, a structured classroom environment, and incorporating instruction on American culture and…

Three authors describe their motivations to write and influences on their writing careers, including love of reading, desire to escape other occupations, and influential teachers. Advice for teachers includes using the writers' workshop model; encouraging editing and revision; steering students toward literary, rather than mass media sources;…

Reports results of a study investigating patterns of publication for 14 Western-trained Chinese TESOL professionals in China. Open-ended interviews revealed trends in publishing practices, including the perceived influence of English on their writing of Chinese. (Author/VWL)

This reprint of a 1985 interview with Natalie Barraga, a leader and researcher in visual impairment, is prefaced by personal comments of the interviewer and also includes comments by Dr. Barraga in 2003. These comments address trends in personnel preparation, proposed changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, early intervention…

Presents findings from a longitudinal study of teachers learning to teach English in Hong Kong secondary schools who were enrolled in a Teaching English as a Second Language course at the city University of Hong Kong. Reveals that preservice teachers beliefs are based on their experiences as students within the education system, are strongly…

Investigates whether authentic materials increase student motivation in the classroom. Findings reveal that while on-task behavior and observed motivation increased significantly when authentic materials were used, self-reported motivation only increased over the last 12 days of the study. Students reported authentic materials to be less…

The usefulness of small-scale interview studies to explore the validity of science achievement tests in several formats was studied with 141 high school students and 49 fifth and sixth graders. Results, which provided evidence of test validity, also support the use of small-scale qualitative interviews in test validation. (SLD)

Examined variations in adolescent time use within Europe and their relation to culture, focusing on organization of free time, most frequent leisure activities, and resulting emotional states. Found that European adolescents spent free time in a range of activities, including electronic media, computer games, playing musical instruments, reading,…

Explores the coverage and effectiveness of child protection training within school-centered teacher training courses in England in the aftermath of the new requirements for these courses. Concludes with a call for a full evaluation of the effectiveness of child protection training within teacher training. (CMK)

Focuses on the conflicts that emerged among powerful interest groups in determining the shape of the curriculum during 1988 and 1989. Explores the processes of developing what became known as the whole curriculum, or the basic curriculum of the National Curriculum and religious education, and the cross-curricular themes, skills, and dimensions.…

Investigated Japanese students' first language (L1) writing experience and instruction received in high school in order to help their university English-as-a-Second-Language writing teachers understand their needs. Analysis of interview data suggests ways teachers can draw on students' strengths in terms of their literacy background to help them…