This discussion of research on media influences on learning describes a study of 611 students, grades three through 10, that examined user preconceptions about learning activities; examined differences in preconceptions across demographic subgroups based on gender and grade level; and interpreted results according to a theoretical learning model.…

This study describes grade 12 students in Israel (N=2277) and examines the relationships between certain background variables and student achievement in science. Discusses findings related to achievement and the variables of gender, major field of study, home background, school-related practices, prior studies, and future intentions. (ML)

Discussion of teamwork and group decision making focuses on study of undergraduates conducted to identify the variables that affect team cohesion in a business game. A literature review on small groups and business games is presented, hypotheses tested are described, discriminant analyses are explained, and suggestions for further research are…

Families of 44 preterm infants were studied for two years, and results showed changes over time in the amount of stress reported, as child-related problems changed. No changes were reported in the amount of social support received by parents. Factors involved in predicting stress also changed over time. (Author/JDD)

Describes study that examined the effect of the use of microcomputers as word processors in a college freshman English composition course. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, dependent and independent variables are explained, and results based on pretest and posttest writing samples are analyzed. (21 references) (LRW)

Discussion of instructional materials design focuses on using learner interests to increase relevance and motivation. A study is described that investigated the motivational effects of incorporating high school seniors' interests into instruction on syllogisms, using both high and low achievers. Results are analyzed, interests discussed, and…

A questionnaire, designed to assess attitudes and anxiety levels, was administered to 96 Maine Cooperative Extension personnel prior to receiving computer training. For these workers, no age, sex, or job level relationships to attitudes about computers were found. Perceptions of one's ability in math did predict positive attitudes. (JHZ)

A study of high school students learning computer programming was conducted to determine the impact of programming on particular mathematical and reasoning abilities, the cognitive skills or abilities that best predict programming ability, and what students actually understand about programming after two years of study. (MBR)

Analysis of achievement test scores of 439 tenth-grade students found the hypothesized variables of IQ, socioeconomic status (SES), self-rated motivation, peer-rated studiousness, peer-group status, and parent-rated home environment contributed uniquely to achievement variance; SES, sex, and language medium of instruction were superfluous in the…

Factors which appear to affect learning are reviewed: student characteristics of age, ability, and motivation; amount and quality of instruction; home and classroom environment; peer influence; television; school and principal effects; and financial expenditures. (GDC)

A causal model of a cycle of student performance is proposed. Two investigations were conducted in Australia, studying individuals and classrooms. Attitudes toward, and achievement in, mathematics and science were measured. The roles of attentiveness and teachers' use of time were also studied. (GDC)

Regression analyses examined the relationships among: time spent (periods and hours per week) studying science; time allocated for science homework; time used by teacher; and time not spent in learning. The performance cycle model of achievement, aspiration, and attitude was supported at the between classrooms level. (GDC)

Investigated if relationships existed between middle school students (N=105) science concept structure interrelatedness competence and their time on task, science achievement, scholastic aptitude, previous experience with concept structure interrelatedness, attitudes toward science, interest in science, science curiosity, and self-concept of…

The cognitive development of a group of children who, at age six, were more than one standard deviation above the mean on a culture-fair measure is described. The relationship of influences at discrete time points which impinge on measures of mental attainment at elementary school entry is schematized. (DWH)

The relationship of measures of academic ability and grades with high level accomplishment was examined by reviewing a wide ranging literature, including studies of highly creative scientists and technicians, physicians, high- and middle-level managers, and high school and college students. Author/MLW)