Ten experiments examined the effect on the performance of 265 nursery schoolers through first graders using collection versus class terms to describe sets of familiar objects. No facilitative effect of collection terms occurred on number tasks; in a class-inclusion task, performance was better with collection than class terms. (SLD)

Several reference librarians respond to the Hernon and McClure study on the accuracy of library reference services. Highlights include problems with the methodology used (unobtrusive observation), and performance factors not addressed by the study. Comments by Hernon and McClure address these responses and ways to improve reference services are…

To determine the effect of background music on on-task-performance (OTP), 26 fifth grade science students were observed for 42 class sessions over a four-month period. Time-series analyses indicated a significant increase in OTP for male subjects and for the total class. (Author/CB)

Gifted children are vulnerable to the following problems in growing up because they are different from other children: (1) myths surrounding giftedness; (2) unrealistic expectations; (3) pressure to perform; (4) constant criticism or praise; (5) pressure to conform; and (6) difficulties finding friends. (PS)

Gifted children learn to underachieve as they struggle to cope with discomforting psychological conflicts in the classroom. Using the underachieving gifted program in Cupertino, California as an example, the article provides basic information to guide intervention efforts aimed at preventing or reversing patterns of academic underachievement…

Analysis of deaf college students' (N=100) performance on the Degrees of Reading Power test (which assesses reading comprehension with use of a modified cloze procedure) revealed that postlingually deaf students scored higher than prelingually deaf students. Scores correlated with degree of hearing loss for prelingually deaf students and…

Describes a three-year research project which explored how far, and in what ways, ninth-grade boys and girls can use the scientific knowledge they have gained in school when considering the energy predicament. External and personal factors influencing students' concern over the energy crisis are addressed. (JN)

A study tested the hypothesis that intrinsic motivation would be maintained after receipt of nonthreatening, task-related evaluation and undermined after repeated non-receipt of feedback or receipt of controlling normative grades. Results confirmed the hypothesis and revealed significant group differences in intrinsic motivation as reflected in…

Presents some arguments for new training approaches to teaching people how to play games based on the literature about how humans play games, how they acquire game-playing skills, and game-playing theory. An example of the role-reversal approach to training is presented with some experimental findings regarding its effectiveness. (MBR)

Experiments assessed free recall performance as a function of lag across a broad range of elementary school students in grades one, three, and six and tested the hypothesis that repeating an item facilitated memory performance to the extent that each repetition was encoded differently, thus creating more ways to retrieve. (RH)

Examines extent to which second- and fifth-graders use social comparison information to evaluate themselves. Results indicate that fifth-, but not second-graders, made appropriate evaluations of their abilities on the basis of variations in relative performance and compensated for time differences. (Author/BE)

A new approach to the assessment of physicians' performance in practice using undetected standardized (simulated) patients is discussed. Case-specific performance criteria were established for seven standardized patients and then the patients were introduced into the practices of family physicians. (Authors/MLW)

Reports the findings of a study that assessed teachers' perceptions of (1) how and when they were supervised or evaluated, (2) what effect teacher unions had on these processes, (3) how they learned how well they were doing in the classroom, and (4) what direct or indirect effects supervision or evaluation had on their teaching activities. (HOD)

Provides an overview of factors that affect science learning, including those factors that science teachers can control as well as factors they can influence. Knowledge of these structural and procedural factors can be utilized to improve the learning experiences of students in science classrooms. (JN)

A language test and five psychosocial measures were used to evaluate the effect of examiners on 32 disabled preschool and school-age children who were moderately to profoundly speech impaired, or both. Results indicated that the children performed significantly better when tested by familiar examiners than by unfamiliar examiners. (Author/ABB)