Describes study that was designed to assess user interaction with InfoTrac, a computerized periodical index on optical disc that is accessed through workstations consisting of a microcomputer and printer. Use in three types of libraries--an undergraduate academic library, a graduate-level academic library, and a public library--is examined. (LRW)

Concluded that type of child care given 140 preschoolers (center-based, family day care, or in child's own home) had no apparent impact on children's sociability or personality maturity, as measured 24 months after the study began. However, the quality of care, family social support, and child gender helped predict personality maturity and social…

Discusses the importance of the cultural component in the language learning process for providing a sound communication base. Examples are presented that reflect differences in speech patterns, such as politeness, of native speakers of British and Moroccan Arabic, with emphasis on culturally specific language patterns. (25 references)(OD)

Presents a series exchanges between two information and communication studies professors (one American and one Japanese) on the future of multimedia in the two countries and the technological changes that make multimedia growth possible. Issues discussed include the kinds of infrastructure being developed; impacts on education; and the cultural…

Examines changes in the characteristics and outcomes of school dropouts in Australia during the 1980s. Schools recruited more broadly among females during this period, which weakened the association between dropping out and social background. For males, social differences remained entrenched. Both genders experienced steep increases in…

A survey of 4,072 college faculty examined institutional and disciplinary differences in faculty opinions of desired outcomes of undergraduate education. Significant differences by both institution type and discipline were found in emphasis on knowledge acquisition versus knowledge application and integration. It is suggested that reform of…

Describes a study of 80 undergraduate foreign language learners that compared the use of a hyper-reference source incorporating an electronic dictionary and a conventional paper dictionary. Measures of consultation frequency, study time, efficiency, and comprehension are examined; bilingual and monolingual dictionary use is compared; and further…

Discusses the need for information on ethnic groups in academic library reference departments; describes the use of automated indexes, CD-ROM, and online databases; and gives examples of indexing and usage of terms related to Southeast Asians in four CD-ROM databases: InfoTrac EF (Extended Family), ERIC, PsycLIT, and Business Periodicals Index.…

While there appears to be widespread agreement that schools need to use time more effectively to improve learning opportunities, education research is needed on the cost and results of using time differently. Presents a cost-simulation model to determine the relative costs of a year-round program. (MLF)

Discusses the "confidence factor" in pupils' attitudes about mathematics and the part it plays in their learning process. The authors outline three intervention strategies, drawing on British experience, that may encourage girls to develop confidence. (GR)

Presents a case study of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a group discussion course at Marist College (New York). Highlights include advantages of CMC, including more interaction and increased learner control; efficient information access, including access to the Internet; and student attitudes toward CMC, including differences between…

This study evaluated locus of control orientations, perceptions of efficacy, and outcome expectancies of 282 adolescents with mental retardation and compared them to students with learning disabilities and at-risk students. Subjects were found to hold unrealistic understandings and perceptions of causality and excessively external global…

Examines results of a Gallup poll of community opinion leaders which found the most important roles of the public library in the community to be to support educational aspirations of the community, and to provide the community with access to information. Tables compare opinions from the various opinion leader groups surveyed. (Author/JMV)

Compared attitudes of children in child-centered preschools and kindergartens with those of children in didactic, highly academic programs in terms achievement and motivation. Compared to children in child-centered programs, children in didactic programs rated their abilities significantly lower, had lower expectations for success on academic…

Research is presented that investigates the amount of learner noticing produced by two types of grammar consciousness-raising treatments: teacher-fronted grammar lessons and interactive, grammar problem-solving tasks. Results indicate that task performance is as effective as formal instruction in promoting noticing. (Contains 33 references.)…