The internal/external (I/E) frame of reference model describes relations among Verbal self-concept (VSC), Math self-concept (MSC), and corresponding achievement scores (VACH, MACH). In support of the model Marsh (1986) found that: (1) VSC and MSC were nearly uncorrelated; (2) the effect of VACH on VSC, and of MACH on MSC, were positive; but (3)…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 19 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the relationship between the use of intonation and reading comprehension; (2) developmental and information processing factors in second and third graders'…

Two studies were conducted to determine how students perform psychomotor tasks and how teacher behavior influences performance. Study 1, conducted with about 100 technical students in a metal working class in a technical school in The Netherlands, showed that a process-based heuristic approach, stimulating students to perform complex psychomotor…

This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critiques of 11 research reports. Three of the reports concern problem solving; the remainder pertain to the following topics: the impact of secondary schooling and secondary mathematics on student mathematical behavior; figural matrices; computer-video instruction in mathematics; equivalent…

Evidence from the research literature suggests that a variety of cognitive factors are responsible for chemistry achievement. This investigation examined the role that four cognitive factors, namely, prior knowledge, formal reasoning ability, memory capacity and field independence/dependence, play on achievement in chemistry as measured by tests…

Although over 77 percent of American school districts use ability grouping, or tracking, research overwhelmingly indicates that the practice benefits only the gifted. High schools commonly have two or three tracks. Regardless of the methods used to place students, the effects of ability grouping are uniform; furthermore, placement in low ability…

Far West Laboratory conducted a series of interviews with employers to identify the characteristics of a successful applicant for entry-level professional employment. The job opportunities investigated were possible avenues of employment for college graduates in general studies fields, and did not include those requiring specialized degrees or…

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) is an instructional program designed to ensure that all college students in Texas have the reading, math and writing skills necessary to perform effectively in college courses. One component of the TASP is a diagnostic test of reading, math and writing skills. Answers to the following questions about the…

Methods and approaches used at the U.S. Army Research Institute to investigate intelligent computer-assisted foreign language instruction are discussed. The research described explores the use of hypertext and natural language processing for improving language training by articulating student knowledge structures and for providing, incidentally, a…

This report evaluates the special education component of the 1986-87 Attendance Improvement/Dropout Prevention program of the New York City Board of Education. The program was designed to provide intensive services to special education students at risk of dropping out of school. The report presents characteristics of students in the program,…

Covariance structural analyses (LISREL) were used to examine latent mean differences in general self-concept (SC), academic SC, English SC, and mathematics SC between low-track and high-track high school students. The study report is preceded by a theoretical model of adolescent self-concept and discussions of academic track as a social referent…

A study examined the processes and results of children's involvement in interrelated reading/writing activities. First, descriptions of 23 children's reading and writing behavior were drawn from a group of case studies of children who were participating in Reading Recovery, an early intervention program that targets first grade children at risk of…

Eighteen papers, 11 in English, and 6 in Finnish and 1 in German are presented on the general theme "Language--Knowledge and Skill," a theme that emphasizes the need to examine the communicative goal in foreign language education from the perspective of both theory and practice. The English-language articles on foreign language testing,…

The Alaska School Effectiveness Project produced several reports in a series of reviews of research literature on such topics as instructional grouping: ability grouping. Using an ERIC search and conventional library methods, the question raised was "Do students in the aggregate perform equally well academically and have comparable attitude…

A comprehensive guide to the kinds of verbal and mathematical questions likely to appear in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is presented. The current GMAT consists of multiple-choice questions, which are divided among eight separately timed sections. A general description and brief discussion are presented of the objectives and…