Issues of instructional effectiveness need to be examined at three levels: (1) the context in which instruction takes place and the rewards provided for teaching well; (2) comparison of teaching paradigms; and (3) the knowledge to be learned and the skills that are part of the learning process. (MSE)

Research on intelligent tutoring systems is discussed from the point of view of providing moment-by-moment adaptation of content and form of instruction to the changing cognitive needs of individual learners. Implications of this goal for cognitive diagnosis, subject matter analysis, teaching tactics, and teaching strategies are analyzed. (Author)

Studies in self-questioning designed to improve students' prose processing are reviewed in the context of three theoretical perspectives: active processing perspective, metacognitive theory, and schema theory. The effects of self-questioning training on students' prose processing seem successful. Constraints of content knowledge and metacognitive…

Reviews empirical studies dealing with the relationship between teaching effectiveness and teachers' research activities. Looks at the intricacies involved in measuring teacher effectiveness. Presents reasons for continuing to promote research by teachers (e.g., to prevent burnout and to expand sensitivity to the discipline). (DMM)

Traces historical development of soap operas and presents results of surveys conducted with college students to determine how viewing affects their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. Results indicate students neither seek nor take advice from soap operas whereas early radio soap opera listeners sought practical explanations of appropriate behavior…

Reports results of studies with an unsupervised learning paradigm called competitive learning which is examined using computer simulation and formal analysis. When competitive learning is applied to parallel networks of neuron-like elements, many potentially useful learning tasks can be accomplished. (Author)

Reviews author's opinions of the evaluation process as applied to microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary classrooms and discusses additional specific evaluation issues that need to be considered, i.e., motivational value, computer simulations, and social interaction among students and teachers and students and peers. (23…

In a study to determine whether a male/female difference existed in the type of software preschool children selected and preferred (drill and practice or problem solving), results indicate no preference by sex was expressed; rather, there was an overwhelming preference for problem solving software by both males and females. (MBR)

Notes the major historical works or chronicles on college reading and study skills instruction and proposes 10 directions for further historical research. (HOD)

Focuses on implications for intervention and highlights conceptual and methodological advances in studies establishing a causal link between social behavior and peer status. Studies reviewed investigate social interaction over time, use fine-grained coding systems, employ multiple measures, and videotape behavior in carefully designed analogue…

Argues that an academic discipline displays certain characteristics and functions, and explores the question whether distance education, in its current state, reflects these characteristics. A need for further research is noted, and examples of topics about which analyses and theories are needed are included. (MBR)

Some promising topics for research into increasing Native Americans' participation and achievement in mathematics are presented. They focus on raising expectations for performance, devising culturally based programs, and improving pedagogy. (MNS)

The underparticipation and underachievement of Black students in precollege mathematics courses are documented, and some possible contributing factors are discussed. A major research program is called for that would explore the problem in depth, and other suggestions are included. (MNS)

Presents results of a market research survey conducted by Athabasca University to determine interest in a natural resources planning and management home study degree program. Responses related to employment prospects, usefulness for professional development, home-study options, degree offerings, proposed program design, and format of proposed…

Reexamines the persistent reading failure of black students in light of current research in an effort to encourage new efforts to discover the real cause or causes of the problem and to provide solutions. (FL)