This study compared the efficacy of interactive video instruction with stand-alone video instruction and computer assisted instruction (CAI) on junior high school industrial arts students' performance and attitudes. CAI and interactive video users scored higher on performance posttest than stand-alone video users; interactive video users scored…

This discussion identifies assumptions about the effects of computer learning activities upon students, and argues that more research is needed to justify the ongoing implementation of computer activities in education. Highlights include computer literacy, teacher training, and inequalities in socioeconomic groups and gender. Twenty-three…

Reports on a study which investigated the possibility of improving five-year-olds' critical thinking skills in reading and mathematics by using computers. Results indicate improvement in the reading area but not in the mathematics area. (RKM)

Reviews the findings from previous studies of adolescent political tolerance, reconceptualizing the traditional view of political tolerance as the willingness to extend human rights to everyone. Presents the results of a recent study, reporting statistically significant differences of tolerance in terms of gender, political experiences, cognitive…

Discusses the theme of the special issue, "Excellence and Equity in Education: Models for Success." Emphasizes the need for concern with both educational quality and its prerequisite, equal educational opportunity, and that strategies exist to improve the quality of instruction for minority students. (FMW)

Recent doctoral dissertations on the gifted are reviewed. Sample topics include learning styles and self-concepts of underachievers and achievers; an identification model; gender distribution; effects of Junior Great Books literature discussions on reading comprehension; correlations among above-average ability, creativity, and task commitment;…

Describes mechanisms of thought associated with making predictions. Concludes that successful predictors had high initial knowledge of the subject matter and were formally operational. Unsuccessful predictors had low initial knowledge and were concretely operational. Systematic manipulation, note taking, and higher-level thinking skills were…

States that the Plowden Report put the child at the center of the educational process. Maintains that much good came of the humanistic philosophy of the Plowden Report; that its socio-linguistic meanings related to the report's status, power, context, and timing, were benign. (Author/JDH)

Describes a study of African library schools which was undertaken to determine number of teachers; teacher qualifications, experience, and other major characteristics; staffing adequacy; areas of discipline in which additional teachers are needed; and whether recruiting and other institution policies facilitate filling vacancies with suitable…

Summarizes 10 research projects that competed for the American Association of School Administrators'"Outstanding Research Presentation Award." Topics included early entry to kindergarten, Project SHAL, reading approaches, superintendents and school boards, preferred learning styles, gender bias, teacher evaluation, administrators' brain…

Recent research and practice in the education of students with autism are contrasted with earlier approaches and grouped in seven current issues: assessment, early intervention, family involvement, setting of classrooms, curriculum, program evaluation; and staff training and consultation. (Author)

An evaluation of a humanities course taught to mixed ability classes of 11 year olds in England showed that the most important factors for a successful course are teacher commitment and enthusiasm, careful course planning keeping in mind student interests, and teaching styles that emphasize student activities and interaction and oral work. (RM)

Describes the harmful effects of administrators' attitudes of denigrating education, scholarship, and professional activities of the faculty in community colleges and suggests that the faculties counteract this pervasive influence by doing their own research. (EL)

In this century all industrialized countries have experienced an increase in their populations' educational attainments. Researchers have wondered if this coincides with increased equality of educational opportunities. Data on the French population show only small changes in the pattern of association between origins and educational certification.…

The design and findings of three surveys describing art teachers--who they are, what they teach, how they teach, and what they value--are discussed and compared, and the need for ongoing studies of this nature is established. Data-gathering roles are also suggested for professional agencies and associations. (Author/RM)