Videotape recordings and transcriptions of sequences of drama sessions in 10 elementary classrooms were analyzed to explore the utility of an anthropological perspective in assessing the nature of children's participation in improvisational drama project activities. Approximately 270 children and their teachers received seven and one half hours of…

In a study of academic attribution patterns, teachers were asked to suggest causes for the successes and failures of students whose backgrounds had been manipulated to provide various combinations of social class (middle, lower), race (White, Asian American), and gender. It was found that teachers cited causes internal to the student more often…

Trends and issues concerning college attendance by adult students are reviewed. Trends seem to suggest that the rising educational attainment of the general population will result in increased demand for learning activities by older students. Data are provided on: estimated college enrollments for 1990 and projected population and enrollments in…

Much criticism is being leveled today at the teaching profession, both for failure to provide students with high levels of cognitive functioning, and for failure to apply careful and systematic thinking to the execution of the many demanding instructional tasks required of the teacher's role. A special pilot study tested the effects of a…

Major social science concepts that have an impact on a study of teacher education in developing nations are discussed. The relationship between national progress and teacher education is considered, and economic, political, and social realities facing these nations are pointed out. Among those discussed are: (1) economic problems of high…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 27 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the effect of the single-parent family on reading comprehension and attitude toward reading; (2) the relationship between first grade children's reading…

Current research and past experience indicate the need to examine longitudinal effects of staff development efforts on school improvement and knowledge use. A six-month follow-up study of knowledge use from staff inservice training was undertaken. Questionnaries were completed by 235 staff (94 percent teachers) who had participated in a study of…

A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) of individuals who took the Florida Multiple Assessment Programs and Services (MAPS) exam, presumably with the intention of enrolling at the college, and then failed to register within four semesters of taking the test. The study sample included 6,776 examinees writing the MAPS in July,…

Examined were the development and correlates of children's strategies for resisting maternal control. Subjects were 51 dyads consisting of depressed or nondepressed mothers and their young. Children were 1.5 to 3.5 years of age at first observation and 5 years old during the second. Data on parent and child behaviors were coded from 9 hours of…

Preservice secondary teachers were assigned research on the consumer behavior and habits of junior high school students for the purpose of allowing preservice teachers to discover their own knowledge of young adolescents. Observations were made of groups of students at two typical malls in a southeastern city of around 100,000 population. The…

This teacher's guide is designed for use by postsecondary child development instructors in programs that prepare students to be child caregivers or directors. Materials are developed for use in courses that have both a lecture and a laboratory. The instructor's guide is organized in six units covering the following topics: perspectives on child…

This final report on the inservice education of secondary science teachers for the teaching of science via Science Technology Society (STS) materials lists the major objectives of the project as: (1) write four instructional modules with a science, society and technology focus which address special concerns and needs of the underserved and…

The paper examines parent involvement in the governance of schools. Five structures that incorporate elected parent representatives in consultative and decision-making committees established by law are discussed: (1) School Improvement Councils (Massachusetts); (2) Boards of Governors (England and Wales); (3) Counseils d'etablissement (France);…

Drawing on current research and practice, this monograph is designed to help school boards deal with the important question of parent involvement. The first of five chapters examines the benefits of parent involvement in education. Next, the current demographic and societal trends that make involving parents more difficult than previously are…

The study of language conflict in Ontario is part of a larger project that is analyzing the links between intercultural relations and legal mechanisms within this and three other Canadian provinces. This study looks at the problems created by the close proximity of communities using the two official languages, French and English, and at the rules…