Forty students enrolled in elementary science methods courses were surveyed about their beliefs that lie behind decisions to not join professional science teachers organizations. Generates a first look at why one group of preservice elementary teachers was not interested in NSTA membership. (LZ)

This article demonstrates that colleges and universities can conduct effective market research using in-house resources, using a recent market research study conducted by the admissions department of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Institutions often avoid market research when embarking on a marketing program because of perceived…

Examines whether community college students of differing ethnic backgrounds vary in their perceptions of growth and development as a function of their college. Finds that little variability of gains in such areas as career preparation and personal and social development can be attributed to ethnic differences. (24 citations) (VWC)

A survey of educational-administration students revealed 10 factors influencing teachers' reluctance to move into administration: nature of work responsibilities, working conditions, emotional aspects, district location, superintendent reputation, effects on home life, quality of community life, community support, salary/responsibility issues, and…

Describes a survey comparing the attitudes of university students in Greece and Scotland about sexual development and sex education. Students' attitudes tend to converge with regard to gender identity, sexual relations, and appropriate forms of sexual behavior. Differences exist regarding sex-education aims and the moral principles that should…

Presents results of a pretest/posttest measure for assessing scientific literacy that was given to a general biology class for nonmajors. Test questions are listed and include items covering popular biology-related misconceptions. (WRM)

Two hundred undergraduate and graduate teacher education students and 11 staff or faculty advisors were surveyed concerning academic advising. Findings indicated great variability in academic advising services across colleges and between student groups. Recommendations include recognizing advising as a high priority activity, training advisors,…

This study compares student perceptions of interaction in interactive television courses with observations of that interaction. Discusses results of data gathered from videotapes of the classes, student journals, and student surveys; distance education; student-to-student interaction; teacher to student interaction; and interaction with the…

The director of a high school gifted education program discusses the transition from high school to college and reports on a survey of 97 gifted students four years after high school graduation. The survey addressed challenges and adjustments in the transition to college, whether students' high abilities were perceived as assets or liabilities,…

Reports results of a statewide survey of student intentions administered to a sample of 3,219 community college students. A positive relationship was found between the number of credits completed and the number of intention shifts, and a negative relationship was found between the number of credits completed and perceptions of goal attainment.…

Critically examines use of student opinion surveys (SOSs) at eight Australian universities. Finds that current SOSs are neither designed nor structured according to sound questionnaire technique and, used as part of a teaching evaluation system, they have serious flaws. Deficiencies include their use as the sole measure of teaching effectiveness…

Describes a teacher's efforts to ascertain the level of challenge perceived by his eighth-grade students. Enumerates five starting point questions to ascertain student opinion: (1) adequacy of academic challenge; (2) appropriateness of homework quantity; (3) homework quality; (4) self rating of individual quality of effort; and (5) academic hopes…

Reviews data from four surveys using national samples that include questions about violence that were administered to school-aged youth. Assesses risk factors for weapon-carrying and the level of the school violence program. Results show that students' involvement with violence in the community, both as perpetrator and victim, is the most…

Summarizes the results of a study concerning religious feelings of Russian youth in school. Over 1000 students ages 15 to 29 responded to the questionnaire and over half endorsed the revival of religious factors within national life. Males were more reserved in this endorsement than were females. (MJP)

Assessed contributions of internal resources, supportive family and peer relations, peer negative influences, and behavioral adjustment to positive expectations for the future for inner-city school children. Found that higher levels of positive expectation related to lower levels of problem behavior and to higher levels of school involvement,…