Reports on a review of research into the effects of organizational structure on the acquisition of knowledge. Asserts that the opportunity to learn has two dimensions: (1) the amount of exposure; and (2) the quality of exposure. Concludes that teachers and students make decisions about these dimensions, which are affected by inducements and…

In approximately 1,000 grade-4 and grade-5 classrooms in Pakistan, student mathematics and science achievement were not related to teacher absenteeism, aggregate student absenteeism, or minutes of instruction. The findings suggest the limits of educational policy interventions: that mandatory allocated instructional time is less relevant to…

Examines the mathematics and science content knowledge of elementary teacher candidates, presents data showing elementary teacher deficiencies in this subject matter, and provides a conceptual approach to educating teachers in these subjects. Data are presented illustrating the effectiveness of these approaches in improving novice teacher's…

Describes two studies that investigated the impact of three features of educational software (aggressive distracters, competition, and underrepresentation of female characters) on girls' attitudes toward software. Results of studies with sixth- and and seventh-grade female mathematics students are discussed based on the Computer Game Attitude…

Describes a middle school program that focuses on creating educational experiences that foster life-long learning for all students. The Discovery Program provides a range of differentiated teaching/learning activities, including research competitions, language-arts studies, social-action projects, art exhibitions, mathematics projects, and…

A study extends recent research on college-faculty research productivity by examining the relationship between research productivity and institutional factors, drawing on recent National Research Council data on research universities and their programs in four broad fields: biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences and mathematics, and…

Explored the variables that affect enrollment in eighth-grade algebra for African-American students. Studied constructs that fell into three broad categories: individual characteristics, home/parent variables, and school-related variables. Assessed data from the base-year student and parent data files of the National Education Longitudinal Study…

The 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress math scores for eighth-graders show that when socioeconomic status is considered, English-proficient Asian students have no achievement advantage over other ethnic groups. However, Chinese sixth-graders, using abstract reasoning skills, outperformed American students on 12 open-ended math…

The math-related interests and academic-choice intentions of black college students (N=164) are explored. A social cognitive path model offered good overall fit to the data. Although racial identity contributed little to the model, self-efficacy and outcome expectations predicted interests, which predicted choice intentions across racial attitude…

Reports the results of a meta-analysis that integrates research on undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education since 1980. The meta-analysis of 39 studies demonstrates that various forms of small-group learning promote achievement, improve attitudes toward learning, and increase persistence in these fields. Contains…

States that lack of resources in math and science education is forcing faculty to seek external grants. Asserts that such fundraising efforts consume time and energy, and often detract from the teaching, community-service, and other nurturing missions of the college. Suggests that administrators acknowledge the changing role of teachers and offer…

Documented differences in frequency and type of mathematical explanations during lessons in U.S., Taiwanese, and Japanese first- and fifth-grade classrooms. Found that explanations occurred more frequently in Japanese and Taiwanese classrooms than in U.S. classrooms. Typical explanations in Asian classrooms were more substantive than in U.S.…

This article reviews the revised KeyMath Revised-Normative Update American and Canadian editions, and a draft version of the 1999 pending revision. The assessment instrument is intended to test basic mathematical concepts, operations, and applications of students in grades K-12. Its administration, standardization, reliability, and validity are…

Compared reading, writing, and mathematics achievement of Title I and non-Title I third graders in comparable multiage and single-age classrooms in three school districts. Found higher achievement among non-Title I students in multiage settings when compared to those in a single-age setting. No setting differences were observed for Title I…

Interviews and roundtable discussions with 32 junior and senior female students majoring in math, science, and engineering (MSE) identified factors contributing to MSE retention and graduation, including: (1) support networks and university acclimation; (2) faculty associations; (3) financial assistance; and (4) university support programs that…