Use of the SOLO (Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes) Taxonomy for developing and assessing higher-order thinking in higher education is discussed. Research into the instrument's use to discover what students know and believe about their own learning, to assess entering knowledge in a discipline, to provide models of desired learning outcomes,…

Results of a study involving 107 sixth graders, 107 secondary school students, and 99 college education majors support the basic hypothesis of the intuitive model of solving multiplicative problems proposed by E. Fischbein and others (1985) but show that the theory does not account for all the empirical data. (SLD)

Discussion of accommodation of disabled students in social work education looks at finding a balance between educational integrity and the needs and rights of students. A proactive approach to meeting the needs of all students is encouraged. Topics addressed include definition of essential standards, reasonable accommodation, testing,…

This article discusses the development of World Class Tests in England that enable gifted students to celebrate their achievement within an international context and to enter the World Class Arena. The Arena is being constructed as an international forum where educators and teachers can communicate on research and best practice. (CR)

Examines four factors in the operation of formal schemata in the recall of written narrative texts in English by students in Hong Kong: quantity of recall; temporal sequence of recall from story-schematic and input versions of stories; the effects of second language proficiency level on quantity of recall; and the quality of recall. (31…

Examines the reasons underlying ignoring of dictionaries as a language resource in the teaching of modern foreign languages (MFL). Notes the audio-visual and audio-lingual emphasis on learning strategies focused on minimizing error. Concludes that the ability to produce better language through dictionary use is worth the effort of referring to one…

In this study, planning time was manipulated as a variable in a trial administration of a semi-direct oral interaction test. Discourse analytic techniques were used to determine the nature and/or significance of difference in the elicited discourse across two conditions in terms of complexity and accuracy. Findings suggest that planning time may…

Describes a teaching activity that improves students' scientific reasoning by focusing attention on the causal, explanatory nature of psychological theories. Students learn and use an argument form called Inference to the Best Explanation (IBE). Includes examples of this technique and student responses to the course. (MJP)

Estimates of the costs of including hands-on measures of science skills in a large-scale assessment program were derived from a field trial involving more than 2,000 fifth and sixth graders. Results suggest that complexity makes hands-on assessments more than three times as expensive as open-ended writing assessments. (SLD)

Describes the use of Accelerated Reader, a computer program that instantly provides scored tests on a variety of books read by high school ESL (English as a Second Language) students as free voluntary reading. Topics include reading improvement programs, including writing assignments; and changes in students' reading habits. (LRW)

Describes a study to determine faculty attitudes regarding examination accommodations for students with learning disabilities and disabled students' attitudes regarding such accommodations. Finds that faculty were generally accepting of accommodations, but that students were apprehensive about approaching faculty for assistance and did not clearly…

Students in general (n=973) and special education (n=245) in elementary and middle schools were administered an accommodated (test was read-aloud) and a standard mathematics achievement test. Teachers were no more successful than chance at predicting which students would benefit from the accommodation. A developed student profile did not match…

Describes the development of a tool, FACT (Formative Automated Computer Testing), to formatively assess information technology skills of college students in the United Kingdom. Topics include word processing competency; tests designed by tutors and delivered via a network; and results of an evaluation that showed students preferred automated…

Described is the Graded Assessment in Science Project (GASP). Students' attitudes toward this program were assessed using essays, questionnaires, and interviews. The results, conclusions, and cautions about this program are included. (KR)

The effects of early educational intervention on the attainment of the Piagetian cognitive stage of concrete operations by 86 socioeconomically disadvantaged children aged 5, 6, and 7 years were assessed. The Concept Assessment Kit-Conservation developed by M. L. Goldschmid and P. M. Bentler (1968) was used. (SLD)