Analyzes code-switched utterances in English-as-a-Second-Language classes in Sri Lanka. The study shows some useful functions code-switching serves for classroom management and transmission of lesson content. The negotiation of values, identities, and roles in the classroom prepares students for their sociolinguistic life outside. (24 references)…

Examines how an understanding of the meaning of bilingual code-switching can be achieved and how speakers with very different abilities in (and attitudes toward) the languages communicate with each other in close and informal encounters. Particular attention is given to the marking of preference organization in bilingual cross-generational family…

This article proposes that the task of providing useful information for deans and department heads has major implications for the role and preparation of college and university institutional researchers. Six areas for consideration are examined: local needs assessment, data integrity and interpretation, collaboration, skills and knowledge bases,…

The framework and procedures of generalizability theory are introduced and illustrated in this instructional module that uses a hypothetical scenario involving writing proficiency. Generalizability analyses are useful for understanding the relative importance of various sources of error and for designing efficient measurement procedures. (SLD)

Deterministic chaos which involves orderly motion is discussed. Presented is the history of chaos and two tests for chaos. Practical applications and predictions of the long-term significance of chaos research are discussed. (KR)

An open-ended data-analysis activity, prompted by a Royal Mail advertisement, explores the claim that the real cost of first class postage has fallen below the inflation rate. The activity provides realistic exercises in both arithmetic and statistical indices, and in logical interpretation of, and deduction from, the data. (JJK)

Presents an activity to analyze the data from the Challenger explosion to help students understand the critical role of statistics in decision making and the importance of considering all available data. (MKR)

Evaluating Chinese publications about rural education and needed reforms presents several problems: political limits on educational debate; paucity of statistical data and reference citations; and complex ideological statements. Examination of nine journal and newspaper articles reveals that they cautiously endorse rural education reforms within…

Interprets data from two studies in which girls and boys pondered their gender equality/inequality views. Argues that an understanding of the ambivalence in discourses on gender provides the key to the development of effective feminist strategies in education. Conveys the need for discussing and comprehending the present generation's definition of…

A case study illustrates how the ongoing data-based monitoring of timeout use by parents enhanced the treatment of an 8-year-old boy, referred because of noncompliance in the home. Maintaining the timeout record enabled rapid refinements in the timeout procedure by providing a feedback mechanism to the therapist, identification of the need for…

Describes the research questions, methods, and findings for two action-research studies, conducted in 1996 and 1997, about the use of Internet-based resources for the study of the Holocaust. Discusses data and relationships from both studies and offers direction for schools planning to engage their faculty in action research. (CMK)

The sources and structure of data reported in the annual "Top 100" list of colleges and universities conferring the highest numbers of degrees to students of color are described, including the way in which various student categories are reported. (MSE)

Discusses logic and interpretation problems inherent in doing quantitative syntheses of single-case research. Addresses the meta-analytic method of using percentage of nonoverlapping data, highlighting special concerns related to withdrawal designs, sensitivity to variability in behavior, social significance of behavior change, and variables that…

Factors contributing to American students' declining scores on the TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) between grades 4 and 8 include textbook size and U.S. educators' traditional views of middle-school years. Bad data probably invalidate claims about the grade 8 to 12 decline. International reading scores favor Americans.…

One of the primary objectives of Colombian social health insurance reform was to increase competition among for-profit insurers. Unfortunately, the flat capitated formula creates an opportunity for sickness funds to maximize reimbursement gains by "cream skimming"--selecting against unhealthy individuals. This paper explores sickness…