Social sensitivity is discussed as a factor in effective teaching and an investigation, using microteaching, is described. A high degree of correspondence was found between the teacher's standing on social sensitivity and students' and experts' reactions to them and their teaching performance. (Editor/SJL)

Discusses what research in education says about how student attitudes and values influence achievement in science. Also presents ways in which teachers can help to make science a positive experience for their students. (HM)

Do junior high school students agree on the characteristics of competent teachers? This broad question was divided into three areas--academic characteristics, personality, and physical characteristics--and asked of junior high school students. (Editor)

Various means of evaluating teaching are discussed along with the pros and cons of using each method for improving teaching or making personnel decisions. (Editor/LBH)

The U. S. Employment Service conducts a test-research program for developing testing tools useful in vocational counseling. This article outlines the organization, underlying concepts, accomplishments, and current efforts of the test-research program. (Author)

Examines various language learning background variables in relationship to rate of learning progress through an intensive English program. Findings reveal that entry proficiency variables were most effective when predicting high and low success category, but language learning background variables were most effective when predicting medium success.…

Discusses problems with summative peer evaluation of college teaching, looking at conflicting interests and mixed metaphors of faculty evaluation that obscure its process and principles. Issues related to five kinds of evaluation (judging, critiquing, assessing, appraising, rating) are examined. Argues that peers can contribute to faculty…

To identify factors which facilitate or hinder personal career advancement, 162 Korean graduates from the most prestigious Korean girls' high school were studied. Gifted girls who achieved in their professional lives were determined to advance in their careers and had aspirations for career development which were supported by their families.…

A study tested a resampling methodology (bootstrap simulation) by examining the effects of class size and student motivation on students' ratings of teaching effectiveness. Results suggest that evaluations based on student ratings should look at more than class averages, and that class size and student motivation affect overall ratings. Examples…

Addresses the discord between school-reform efforts and many jurisdictions' accountability requirements. The paper explores the elements of school accountability systems that aid and impede innovative practice. Information comes from principals at 20 reforming schools who spoke about the impact of accountability tests on school reform. (SM)

The impacts of instructor gender and race on student evaluations of teaching effectiveness, particularly when courses contained controversial content, were studied with 190 undergraduates. No support was found for the hypothesis that students would rate women and minority instructors lower, but the same material was thought to be more…

Argues that assessment must be authentic and occur in optimal contexts, and that such assessment should help teachers make instructional decisions. Describes the dramatically accelerated learning of a 10-year-old boy in a learning-handicapped classroom after his teacher worked intensively with the Optimal Learning Environment project and began to…

Presents five studies on the relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types and performance in a total enterprise simulation. Subjects were business students at a Midwestern university. Findings indicated no statistically supportable relationships and differed from previous research, possibly due to differences in population,…

This article presents an interview with Professor Ralph W. Tyler (a pioneer in the field of education and assessment) that lends some historical perspective to the current alternative assessment movement. After highlighting Tyler's contributions, the article provides six caveats on assessment, then reflects on Tyler's work. (SM)

Investigates the nature and causes of performance-related injuries among young musicians. Briefly reviews injuries and health problems associated with specific instruments and gives tips for avoiding and treating these. Includes information on related reference works and journal articles. (MJP)