Part 3 of a series on developing learning stations for gifted and talented students, the article discusses the various mental processes and components that evoke individual growth and flavor in the gifted child's life and act as foundation stones for future creative productivity. For Parts 1 and 2, see EJ 206 375 and EJ 211 095. (Author/DLS)

Characteristics, across categories, of 198 students previously identified as educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, and emotionally disturbed were analyzed in order to validate their relevance in distinguishing among the three groups of children. (Author)

This study tested six propositions for which empirical support is expected if an IQ meritocracy governs the process of socioeconomic achievement. Results indicated that the model of an IQ meritocracy is only partially supported. (Author/DB)

High school student opinions concerning competencies to be taught in high school were surveyed through a questionnaire asking subjects to indicate the importance of 100 competencies by means of a 7-point scale. Results indicated the importance of competencies having practical value in day-to-day living. (Author/GSK)

Classroom interaction patterns between male and female students perceived as either high or low achievers were examined in the fall, winter, and spring. Expectation and sex results were consistent with previous findings. Results suggest that teachers make major socialization efforts early in the year. (Author/GDC)

Fifty-one very bright adolescents participated in a productive-thinking program and a challenging course in either creative writing or the social sciences. The program produced significant gains in verbal intelligence scores. The productive-thinking program also significantly raised scores on measures of creativity. (Author/GDC)

This study sought to discover the relationship between Adult Performance Level (APL) Survey scores and General Educational Development test scores. In Cook County, Illinois, 269 students were examined on both tests; scores were found to be correlated. Author discusses the need for both approaches. (Author/CSS)

At Texas A&M University, a diagnostic pretesting system has been developed for use in the Freshman Biology Program. The system provides a profile of student competency levels for students, instructors, and the course coordinator that indicates where the curriculum of methods needs to be altered, and identifies students who need remedial help.…

An alternative view to a 1979 study on institutional quality done by Astin and Solomon is presented. The study indicates significant changes in rank have occurred among the 25 most selective four-year undergraduate institutions. Kuh proposes naturalistic inquiry research. A rebuttal by Astin is appended. (MLW)

A discussion of identification procedures and instruments used for the six talent areas of giftedness is provided. The six areas covered include general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creative and productive thinking, leadership abilities, visual and performing arts, and psychomotor skills. (PHR)

This article increases the awareness of individuals of all ages of the need for career resource materials and candid counseling in planning one's educational goals. Career counselors can assist students in making personal and academic assessments and can help them explore suitable possibilities in both higher education and employment. (Author)

Describes a mathematics fair prepared by the University of Missouri Mathematics Teachers Organization (UM2TO) which includes games involving numbers and computation, logic puzzles, geometry and spatial-visualization exploration, and probability and statistics activities. Presents tips for developing a mathematics fair. (ASK)

A two-year study randomly assigned children (K-grade 2) with advanced mathematical skills (n=276) to two groups, an intervention group reflecting a constructivist approach or a control. Boys gained more than girls on quantitative and visual-spatial measures in the control, whereas the intervention group made greater gains in quantitative measures…

Investigated word reading abilities in Argentine Spanish-speaking children learning to read in Spanish. The study compared the performance of skilled and less skilled readers in phonological recoding, knowledge of grapheme-phoneme correspondences, and phonemic awareness. Findings indicate that the children rely on phonological recoding strategies.…

Describes a study done at Oakton Community College which assessed how student characteristics, self-perceptions, academic skills, and course-taking patterns can predict academic achievement. Findings show that students have unrealistic perceptions of their own academic competency and that math skills are a stronger predictor of academic…