Open-ended questioning and semistructured interviews of (n=50) grade-9 students' preferences and perceptions of the learning environment of the Hong Kong mathematics classroom revealed that light atmosphere, order, making effort, concern of the teacher, clear explanation, and involved and helpful classmates were important factors that led to…

Explores the impact of PRForum, an Internet newsgroup, on the public relations community by examining the nature, function, and content of online exchanges. Finds that PRForum is used for three functions: to facilitate the exchange of information; to create a forum for debate on issues; and to cultivate a sense of self-validation on personal and…

Reports on a content analysis of data graphs in introductory level and upper level psychology textbooks. Explains that upper level and introductory textbooks did not differ on the frequency and variability of data graph presentation. Presents the results and discusses implications for teachers of psychology. (CMK)

Explores the differences in techniques, strategies, narratives, and symbols used in 1,213 television issue ads and image ads from 13 U.S. presidential campaigns. Concludes that although the majority of both types of ads were positive, negative appeals dominated a higher percentage of issue ads as compared with image ads. (SG)

Examines problems with quality of information found on the World Wide Web. Highlights include legal responsibility for complete and accurate searches for clients; rating scales; scope, coverage, and recall in Web search engines; ranking, placement and precision; currency; content quality; and possible solutions. (LRW)

Discusses the need for libraries to routinely redesign their Web sites, and presents a case study that describes how a Perl-driven database at Southern Illinois University's library improved Web site organization and patron access, simplified revisions, and allowed staff unfamiliar with HTML to update content. (Contains 56 references.) (Author/LRW)

Examines the developmental needs for Web-based courses, focusing on content, user interface, and pedagogy. Studies the Web course development process as a system, explores various stages in the process, and includes graphs and tables designed to be used as management tools for the effective development of Web-based courses. (Author/LRW)

Investigates the portrayal of disability in 25 introductory sociology textbooks that were published between 1996 and 1998. Focuses on textual representation and pictorial depiction of individuals with disabilities using content analysis. Reveals that the textbooks provide a limited amount of information on disability. (CMK)

A content analysis was performed on 43 articles published between 1970 and 1998 discerned as relating family systems theory (FST) frameworks and constructs to organizational consultation. Frameworks and constructs were investigated in relation to four independent variables: type of organization; decade of article publication; gender; and…

Content analysis of focus groups attended by 86 early intervention specialists revealed six factors affecting professional comfort with consultation: (1) child characteristics, (2) consultee characteristics, (3) program characteristics, (4) consultant characteristics, (5) available resources, and (6) consultant's history with the program. No…

Describes how situated learning theory was employed in the design of Fab 13, a four-day simulation-based learning experience for manufacturing professionals at Intel Corporation. Presents a conceptual framework for understanding situated learning and discusses context, content, anchored instruction, facilitation, scaffolding, collaborating,…

The purpose of this study is to analyze the treatment of Japanese-American internment during World War II in high school United States history textbooks. Four reasons highlight the selection of this topic for study. First, this historical event was selected because a little over a year ago was the 60th anniversary of President Franklin D.…

This study analyses both foreign (primarily western European and North American) and Czech perspectives of Czech schooling in the post-communist era. Qualitative content analysis is performed on documentary sources written by scholars about Czech schooling. The analysis examines which topics are highlighted, what are the main patterns and what is…

This study identified and described adolescents' exclusion rules and how they were related to their real world exclusionary behaviours. Adolescents (N=682) were asked to provide (a) an account and rationale for excluding a peer who wanted to join their group; and (b) general rules for when exclusion was fair. A content analysis of the narratives…

It is taken for granted that the complexity of the information society requires a reorientation of our being in the world. Not surprisingly, the call for lifelong learning and permanent education becomes louder and more intense every day. And while there are various worthwhile initiatives, like alphabetisation courses, the article argues that the…