A class of highly active, well-defined compounds for the catalytic carbonylation of epoxides and aziridines to beta-lactones and beta-lactams are introduced. The synthesis of one of the catalysts involves a simple imine condensation to form the ligand followed by air-sensitive metalation and salt metathesis steps.

Previous research has questioned the educational value of taking introductory courses in psychology. Study 1 confirmed the usual null to negative associations between taking introductory psychology and performance in a subsequent psychology course. Study 2 showed that, after controlling for IQ, there was actually a positive association between…

This study examined the cognitive levels of questions used by Iranian EFL teachers in advanced reading comprehension tests. Twenty teachers participated in this study and generated 215 questions which were then categorized according to Bloom's taxonomy. This taxonomy consists of six major categories which starts from the simplest behavior to the…

The purpose of this study is to build upon our understanding of the place and value of writing in the advanced foreign language curriculum. Specifically, the study examines how students in writing-intensive Spanish-major courses are affected by the writing-intensive (WI) requirement at the University of Minnesota. Writing-Across-the-Curriculum…

This report by the Center on Education Policy (CEP), an independent nonprofit organization, examines trends in the achievement of high school students on the state reading/English language arts (ELA) and mathematics tests used for accountability under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). In most states, these tests are first administered in grade…

Generalised access to the Internet and globalisation has led to increased demand for translation services and a resurgence in the use of machine translation (MT) systems. MT post-editing or the correction of MT output to an acceptable standard is known to be one of the ways to face the huge demand on multilingual communication. Given that the use…

In French teaching aimed toward active communication, the "dossier" is gaining importance as a medium. This contribution gives, among other things, an example (Topic: Position and role of the woman) for teaching advanced students. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Research reported deals with identifying stages in attaining a concept of function by students, eleven through fourteen years of age, of above average ability, taking the experimental mathematics program of the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Improvement Study. In order to obtain a hierarchy of the learning stages, both a written test and…

Argues that the process of recording newly encountered vocabulary items in a typical language learning situation can be improved through a computerized system of vocabulary storage based on database management software that improves the discovery and recording of meaning, subsequent retrieval of items for productive use, and memory retention.…

Advocates the use of "journalogs," a combination of a learning log and journal, to aid students in meeting the academic challenges of advanced history classes. Includes a list of questions which will help structure student journalogs and provides an example of a student's entries. (JDH)

Gives reasons for the introduction of the Beatles' song "When I'm Sixty-four" in English classes, starting with the fourth year of English teaching. Gives suggestions for its use. (IFS/WGA)

Suggests allowing students to draw illustrations of new vocabulary words as an interesting and creative alternative to weekly vocabulary tests. The technique was used in a high school advanced placement English class. Sample student illustrations are included. (SJL)