Suggested research procedures for higher education practitioners with little research background, emphasizing college persistence and education studies, include seeking advice from qualified colleagues and statisticians, especially in the planning stages. Focal areas include scientific interest, practical significance, research design, previous…

This study analyzed follow-up information on graduates (n=95) and noncompleters (n=54) of the University of Lancaster (Great Britain.) Data on family background, educational qualifications, and labor market experience suggested that part of the salary differential in favor of graduates was accounted for by other factors such as other professional…

A study of beginning teachers (N=391) in North Dakota led to a group mentoring program to deal with the unique induction needs of new teachers in rural districts. (Author/IAH)

Examined differences in self-concept, attributions, and teacher-related persistence in students with learning disabilities (N=49) and in nonhandicapped students (N=57). Results indicated students with learning disabilities reported lower self-concepts on items related to academic achievement, and were rated by their teachers as less persistent…

Reports the initial results of a survey of the career satisfaction and plans of foreign language teachers. The survey compared foreign language teachers with teachers in general in such areas as educational background, teaching specialties, income, and assessment of their profession. (Author/CB)

The results of an adaptation to a community college of Simpson's (1987) model for tracking student persistence within major and at the institution is presented. The software used is described and a discussion of the issues that arise in looking at persistence within a community college setting is provided. (Author/MLW)

Surveys 37 science education graduates from 1977 through 1983 who had not taught or had taught but left. Reports the responses of the graduates on 19 questions and follow-up interviews designed to determine why they did not teach or why they left. Low salary, lack of respect, and lack of professionalism are cited as the major reasons. (YP)

Northern Arizona University's introductory coursework for prospective teachers was revised from a survey-type covering of various education topics to a field-experience-based course focusing on four areas of teaching as a career choice: motivation, rewards, commitment, and skills. (CB)

Explored moderating effects of academic self-efficacy beliefs on relationship of scholastic aptitude to academic achievement and persistence. Measured personal efficacy of students (N=105) completing technical/science majors (Educational Requirements-Strength; ER-S) and achieving specific academic goals (Academic Milestones-Strength). Found lower…

Enlisted servicemen are signing up for the Montgomery GI Bill at rates well above those of previous contributory benefit programs. These figures and program regulations may help project veterans' use of benefits, but there are also a variety of factors that could change, influencing enrollments. (MSE)

This review of research at Athabasca University provides a short description of the university and highlights such projects as the success and retention program, instructional quality index for distance education materials, information technology planning, and the alternative tutoring project. (SK)

Assessment of the relationships among self-concept, motivation, teacher, student, and parent attitudes, and achievement with students academically held back showed significant improvement in primary and intermediate grade retainees but not for secondary school students. Attitude scales also showed decreasing effectiveness of retention at higher…

Reviews achievements and limitations of the current educational reform movement. Argues that the coming teacher shortage can best be averted, and real reform achieved, by restructuring the teaching profession to allow for greater flexibility, expanded use of educational technology, and a more extensive support staff. (TE)

The "Ziegarnik effect," a learner's tendency to recall uncompleted tasks longer than completed ones and to remember failures more easily than successes, is applied to improving programs for the subgroup of students with emotional/behavioral disorders who show little benefit from special education interventions, and to teacher…

This is the first of a three-part series on grant writing for technology in education. Topics include types of proposals, unifying ideas, communicating effectively, establishing a mission, major components (problem statement and needs assessment, methodology, operational plan, evaluation, personnel, adequate resources, impact, and organizational…