This article provides evidence regarding the effects of schools, teachers, and teaching processes on enhancing eighth grade mathematics achievement in Nigeria and Swaziland. Findings suggest that teaching quality (teaching practices) is more important than teacher quality (education, experience, certification) in determining student outcomes. (IAH)

Describes the ImpacT study that was conducted in England and Wales to evaluate the effect of information technology (IT) on elementary and secondary school students' achievements in English, geography, math, and science. Research design and methodologies are explained, and results are compared with students not using IT. (Contains 15 references.)…

Reports the results of a reanalysis of data from a major longitudinal database on school effectiveness. Finds the existence of differential effectiveness for prior measures of mathematics and reading achievement. Also finds marked differences in schools' rank positions and discusses the implications for the assessment of Britain's National…

Describes a study of Korean elementary school students that was conducted to investigate the effects of differing types of instructional control strategies and cognitive style on achievement in arithmetic skills using computer-assisted instruction. Hypotheses tested are discussed, time on task is investigated, and future research is suggested.…

Reviews factors contributing to the low participation and negative attitudes of girls toward science and contends that science and math teachers play a major role. The author provides a sexism quiz and discussion that enables teachers to assess their classroom behaviors and attitudes toward girls. An extensive bibliography follows the article.…

Reports on a study of eighth-grade mathematical performance of 77,000 students in 19 countries, data from 1964 and 1982 studies in 9 countries, and data on gender stratification and its impact on mathematics performance. Finds that a cross-national variation exists and that it is related to gender stratification. (CFR)

Compares Asian and white eighth graders' performance on reading and math test scores and grades. Results indicate that the difference between these two groups can be explained by family background. Whites and Asians differed substantially in their grade performance, suggesting that cultural and behavioral differences may be an important influence.…

Examined sociocultural influences on mathematics achievement. First generation Chinese American and Caucasian American mother-father-daughter triads were audiotaped as the fifth- and sixth-grade girls solved a spatial puzzle. Chinese American triads were quieter, more respectful, more serious, and more orderly, whereas Caucasian American triads…

Infants' visual recognition memory (VRM) at seven months was associated with their general intelligence, language proficiency, reading and quantitative skills, and perceptual organization at six years. Infants' VRM, object permanence, and cross-modal transfer of perceptions at one year were related to their IQ and several outcomes at six years.…

Discusses computerphobia and its relationship to other anxiety literature, and describes a study of university students that explored the reasons for computerphobia. Retrospective computer and mechanical experiences are investigated, personality style and the effect of various media are examined, and comparisons are made between severe and milder…

Presents activities to teach the formula for the area of a rectangle that require students to determine the cost of refurbishing their school's tennis courts. Students collect their own data, organize information, and make decisions individually and as a group to solve the problem. Worksheets are provided. (MDH)

The validity of the assumptions under which the ordinal true score test theory was derived was examined using (1) simulation based on classical test theory; (2) a long empirical test with data from 321 sixth graders; and (3) an extensive simulation with 480 datasets based on the 3-parameter model. (SLD)

Some unresolved methodological and philosophical issues in the assessment of performance trends are discussed as they relate to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). How to measure performance change while remaining responsive to advances in curriculum and the technology of assessment is a central dilemma. (SLD)

Examines curriculum and achievement in the United States and Japan in seventh and eighth grade algebra and twelfth grade elementary functions and calculus using data from the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS). Results suggest that U.S. curricula do not match the SIMS as well as do Japanese curricula. (SLD)

The Microcomputer Adaptive Testing High-Risk-Urban Students (MATH-R-US) project made computerized assessment an integral part of remedial high school mathematics at an inner-city school with predominantly African-American students. Results suggest that the girls exhibited greater self-esteem toward using computers than did boys and that…