Identifies some of the obstacles in the nontraditional career choice and implementations process of women. Counselor bias and client attitudes are crucial factors, as are physical strength, co-worker relations, and mathematical ability. Suggests ideas for neutralizing these obstacles and maximizing the chances for success. (Author)

Estimates of teacher effects on pupil achievement and attitudes in the seventh and eighth grades were obtained, controlling for entering achievement. Results indicated strong teacher effects on pupil attitudes in both mathematics and English. Teacher effects varied depending upon subject matter and class mean initial achievement level. (Author/RD)

A survey of 219 Ohio State University students before and after freshman year investigated the relationship between retention and changes in freshman perspectives on social and academic issues. Results indicate faculty contact may play a significant role in student attitudes but may not affect retention. Retention may be only indirectly related to…

Outlines a simple classroom demonstration that illustrates Piagetian conservation. Piagetian conservation refers to the illusion of an increase in mass by changing an object's form. This demonstration, done by forming an ellipse with an extension cord, shows that college students are as susceptible to this effect as are young children. (MJP)

Two studies with poor readers in grade 4 (total N=68) examined the relationship between word identification speed and story reading fluency. Benefits were found for single-word practice prior to reading stories containing those words, even for children who were particularly poor namers. Results are related to theoretical links between fluency and…

Discusses collaboration between secondary school teacher-librarians and English teachers to promote literacy and reading through choice book units, where students can choose from a selection of suggested titles. Topics include nonfiction books; advantages for low-ability readers; audio books; and Teachers as Readers book discussion groups. (LRW)

This study investigated the verbal interactions of fifth grade students within groups when using simulation and word processing software. Students were grouped according to ability, and conversations were analyzed, which found the largest proportion of student talk was cognitively oriented, predominantly in directing and reporting language; group…

Two experiments examined the relationship between reasoning skills, student grade, ability, and knowledge levels. Findings were interpreted in terms of a two-component model: a knowledge-experiential component and the conventions of reasoning. Results indicated that consideration of the relation of reasoning to learning and to instruction…

Surveyed 249 faculty at two British universities regarding their perceptions of changes in teaching and research since the introduction of separate funding for teaching and research in 1986. Faculty at both the research-oriented and teaching-oriented university reported spending less time on research and more time on teaching and administrative…

Reports on the ability of preschool age children to interpret a black-and-white aerial photograph and to solve a simulated navigation problem on the photo. By placing the problem in a story context with personal reference points, the children were able to identify landscape features and solve simple problems. (MJP)

Reviews the current theories concerning individual differences in cognitive functioning. While some argue that heredity places a genetic cap on intellectual development, others emphasize the dynamic interrelationship between cultural and environmental factors. Concludes that intelligence is more complex than the heredity advocates allow. (MJP)

Examines family encouragement and selected background variables influencing Mexican American female academic achievement at a large southwestern university. Results revealed that students with a positive view of their academic ability combined with a strong sense of personal responsibility for their academic future were likely to be academically…

Interviews with 27 counselors in 8 high schools demonstrate that counselors do not like to give students bad news about their college prospects and do not believe that they have the authority to do so. Counselors' unwillingness to act as gatekeepers may prevent students from getting the information they need. (SLD)

Explores the empirical evidence that explains the increasing attrition rates of first year college science, math, and engineering (SME) majors. Results suggest that the interaction of instructional factors, differing high school and college faculty expectations for entering SME undergraduates, and epistemological considerations contribute to…

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…