Reviewed 12 currently available mathematics assessment tools to determine whether they would be appropriate for use in a college-level mathematics clinic. Tests were assigned to two domains: cognitive and mathematical content. Major deficiencies of the tests are cited. (Contains 15 references.) (MDH)

Reports on research involving 300 K-5 students in a 2-year study of teaching and learning literature as art. The report briefly describes the kinds of changes elementary school teachers and university personnel made in their knowledge and instructional practices and the impact on children's knowledge and understanding of literature. (Contains…

Studied relationships between intended, implemented, and tested curricula of (n=84) classes of eighth-grade mathematics students based on data from the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS). Analysis indicated the SIMS test for eighth graders was not representative of curriculum defined by students' texts. (Contains 22 references.)…

Suggests effective music instruction helps children use extramusical analogies to describe what they hear. Introduces music vocabulary, and asks questions that guide students to complete musical descriptions. Claims meaningful description is the result of training that is focused on developing listening skills. (NL)

Reports on a study of how the three-way encounter among Europeans, the indigenous Americans, and Africans is presented in six secondary U.S. history textbooks. Describes the evaluation instrument and process used to review the textbook content. Concludes that teachers should use supplementary materials to ensure balance. (CFR)

Describes the results of a study of academic libraries that was conducted to determine what influences users when choosing an online database to search. Highlights include quality content; intuitive interfaces; convenient access; recommendations from library instruction or instructors; and the availability of full text. (LRW)

Gabonese students who speak French as a second language and are educated through French, learn English using textbooks designed for students in France. Article discusses pedagogical issues, goals that Gabonese students have in learning English, and the linguistic and sociolinguistic context in which learning of English takes place. Materials used…

Comments on the new National Council on Economic Education standards and calls for more clarification and detail as well as additional standards. Argues that the almost-exclusive focus on principles-based standards ignores that need for explicit skill standards. Discusses possible difficulties for social studies teachers not trained in economics.…

Maintains that U.S. society's emphasis on individuality and pragmatism renders theoretical study of criminal deviance difficult for many students. Presents a structured approach to this problem that includes an emphasis on practical applications, comparative analysis, analytical skills, and the substantive content of theories. Describes teaching…

Describes a writing assignment where students summarize and critique an empirical research article cited in their textbook. Students relate the article to course materials and compare it with the textbook's presentation of the research. Participants praise the assignment's efficacy in teaching about psychology research and encouraging critical…

Argues that oftentimes simple parallel constructions and choice of examples reflect an unconscious bias in history textbooks. Reveals a number of these, particularly related to the United States' treatment of minorities in World War II. Advocates using strategies to identify and challenge biases in history textbooks. (MJP)

Describes a high school history class project designed to simultaneously teach students about Napoleon and introduce them to the practice of historical inquiry. Students viewed four data sets reflecting various aspects of Napoleon's life (e.g. military victories, domestic policy). Worksheets and writing assignments reiterated the importance of…

Analyzes the contents of doctoral research between 1936 and 1992 related to stringed instrument education. Examines "Dissertation Abstracts International" for year of completion, type of degree, instrument, and main topic. The most researched instrument was the violin and main topics included techniques and skills, performance practice, and…

Evolution by natural selection provides the conceptual framework upon which much of modern biology is based: therefore understanding core ideas about biological evolution is an essential part of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, research repeatedly shows that high school and college students have difficulties understanding the notion of natural…

There has been a growing emphasis within educational literature on the need to encourage all learners to think critically about whatever they are studying. There were concerns that this aim was not being achieved in a degree program for VET tutors. One purpose of the study was to quantify the extent of critical thinking in one cohort of VET…