This overview of nonexperimental causal research methods focuses on latent variable structural equation modeling using the LISREL computer program. An extended example in special education is used to present LISREL as an extension of structural equations analysis (path analysis) and as a method of reducing the effects of error in research.…

Argues that knowledge of statistics is becoming increasingly important for economics students. Presents a lesson to improve the learning of statistics and communication skills using short cases that include an economics problem and real data. Describes how students work in teams with computers for analysis and preparation of written reports. (DSK)

Describes the research process engaged in by a group of teacher researchers as they examined students' historical and multicultural understanding. Explores the complex and messy nature of the relationship of teaching and researching. Describes how research questions and methodology were developed. Discusses development of categories to examine how…

Outlines efforts of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to improve the collection and analysis of data relevant to classroom instructional processes. These include (1) the inclusion of videotaping in studies of classroom methods; (2) improved surveys of instructional practices; and (3) studies of daily instructional logs kept by…

Data from over 400 schools shows participation in Library Power increased the percentage of schools where teachers and librarians collaborated to plan instruction and to develop the library collection, and increased the percentage of teachers collaborating with the librarian in schools where collaboration already existed. Collaborative logs…

To understand which factors predict effective school leadership teams, researchers analyzed survey data from 71 elementary and 71 secondary schools with 1 year of training. The strongest predictor of ability to focus on teaching and learning was use of collected school data to identify needs and guide decisions. (Contains 77 references.) (MLH)

Provides information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). States that the overview of 1997 NAEP Arts Assessment results is disappointing within music education. Discusses the National Council for Education Statistics summary data tables. Presents three issues related to interpreting the tables and issues involved in secondary…

The proceedings of the Association of College and Research Libraries for 1978-92 were used to investigate the scholarly activity of academic librarians. Institutions were ranked by scholarly production and the results were compared to earlier published studies. Bibliometric data revealed a core of dominant institutions and widespread conformity to…

Graduation rates for scholarship athletes and all students at 307 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions are tabulated. Data are for students who enrolled in 1990-91 and 1991-92 and graduated within six years, and are broken out for white men, black men, white women, and black women. (MSE)

Describes a new analytical tool, data envelope analysis (DEA) model, which can provide better understanding of the efficiency of academic research libraries. Reports the results of a study using 1994-1995 Association of Research Libraries statistics together with expert judgments, in terms of constraints, to make the model more applicable to the…

Presents the background and rationale for a description of information systems which places typical information retrieval and other types of systems in context with one another. Examples are drawn from various types of information systems, and a typology is derived for identifying useful combinations of data type, retrieval mechanism, and…

Traces the history and development of the education system of Myanmar. Discusses the need to use disaggregated data in examining Myanmar education because national figures may mask regional differences that are crucial to the planning process. Describes the findings of a national education sector study, and stresses the importance of regional…

Argues that the unit operations laboratory provides an ideal setting to help chemical engineering students become better engineering practitioners. Describes a summer program at the Colorado School of Mines that incorporates experience into a unit operations laboratory. (DDR)

Reports on the use of GLOBE, a teaching tool that enables students to use hands-on, inquiry-based methods to gather and interpret scientific data. Summarizes the results of teacher workshops. (DDR)

Reports results of a survey of information needs and information seeking behavior of a national sample of the United Kingdom population. Fourteen tables show results, including: demographic details of respondents; past and future information needs; preferred sources of information; preferred methods of obtaining information; and perceived…