Survey results reveal trainee primary teachers are well informed about the nature and location of the ozone layer and appreciated that it screens the earth from ultraviolet (UV) rays, although some thought that it protects the earth from acid rain. Identifies themes in students' thinking and groups of students with different concepts. (LZ)

Preschool children interviewed in small groups identified expected characteristics of a garden as part of a needs assessment. Students identified gardening activities they anticipate doing themselves. The young children's expectations were used to design and construct a garden that would have strong appeal to this age group. (LZ)

Discusses various survey findings regarding college student pathological gambling tendencies for blacks compared to nonblack students. Findings indicate a wide range of student difficulties associated with problem gambling, both academic and personal. The article reveals no appreciable differences in gambling habits between black and nonblack…

Reports the establishment of links between Northern Ireland school science departments and other European schools through a special project. Survey results reveal that the benefits to teachers and students gained from these links extend beyond the science curriculum. (DDR)

Addresses the problems related to research design and the improper interpretation of survey results at the institutional level. Analyzes the validity of student opinion surveys. Discusses the importance of response rates. Encourages developmental educators to question results of surveys when outcomes are contrary to the findings of research…

A survey of 97 Florida and Georgia middle schools and their receiving high schools revealed that schools with two or fewer transition practices had significantly higher attrition and dropout rates than schools implementing three or more practices. Sample programs include the ninth-grade house, parent nights, advisory/mentoring programs, and…

Asks what teachers must know about ethnic backgrounds to facilitate instruction for immigrant students, how cultural values in the United States and values of specific ethnic groups diverge, and how teachers can improve their understanding of other cultures. Answers through firsthand accounts from research interviews with students who are recent…

Uses a survey of (British) college graduates from two cohort years (1985 and 1990) to examine determinants of overeducation (mismatch for jobs requiring degrees). Cross-sectional measures of mismatch obscure significant changes for individuals over time. Job satisfaction and earnings are significantly adversely affected by mismatch. (23…

Describes the development of an online self-assessment of students' technology skills based on a summer program for middle school students. Explains how the course design was based on feedback from a student survey that indicated a need to learn PowerPoint and Web-page-design skills rather than word-processing skills. (LRW)

Compares university, community college, and high school students' evaluations of 15 common textbook learning aids along three dimensions: (1) familiarity, (2) probability of use, and (3) educational value. Finds striking agreement about which aids are most useful, including boldface technical terms, running or chapter glossaries, chapter…

Four surveys examined middle school students' attitudes toward school. Findings indicated that, regardless of achievement, students in general do not hold positive attitudes toward school. Students classified as high achievers based on achievement data held more positive attitudes toward school than non-high-achieving peers. Findings support…

Surveys of students who had prematurely left six institutions of higher education in England during 1994-1996 generated 2,151 responses. Six main factors, led by dissatisfaction with the quality of the student experience, contributed to their non-completion. Other factors included wrong choice of field of study, age, gender, and academic subject…

Examines whether high school (n=142) and college students (n=112) favored the death penalty for certain criminal acts. Findings indicate that high school students rated more criminal acts as meriting the death penalty. Gender and personality were not found to be associated with attitudes toward the death penalty. (RJM)

States that earlier research led to the conclusion that speech communication as a major offers considerable flexibility in the job market. Surveys 969 graduates in speech from the University of Maryland as to their entry-level jobs, positions held now, and about which communication issues are most pressing. Provides continuing support for the…

Analyzes data on exposure to and use of computers by students, focusing on gender-related differences. Provides information on frequency and duration of computer use, computer experiences, computer interests, attitudes toward computers, and emotional responses while using computers. Supports the assumption of gender-related differences, but not…