Performance differences between two trials of two tasks indicated that students who learned during the second trial that they were being evaluated (high evaluation condition) demonstrated greater debilitation on anagrams and greater improvement on the visual motor task than low evaluation condition subjects. Evaluation condition influenced girls'…

When 1,201 males and 1,145 females responded to a range of spatial questions, males significantly outperformed females on 25 of 72 occasions. On no occasion did females significantly outperform males. Wattanawaha's system for classifying spatial tasks was used to identify qualitative differences in performances of males and females. (Author/CM)

Children from three to six years of age were tested to determine the relationship of age and sex to motor performance. Tests involved balancing, scrambling, catching, speed running, long jumping, and ball throwing. Although significant age and sex differences were found, it appeared that age generally was more closely related to performance than…

Three questions are discussed concerning this test: for what population is it appropriate; what is its purpose; and what are the qualifications required for proper administration and interpretation? It is concluded that it is a useful test, but caution is appropriate in answering the three questions. (CTM)

A Music Education Competency Test (MECT) was developed to gauge proficiency in selected singing, conducting, keyboard, and rehearsal skills. Three validity studies with 125 University of Illinois undergraduates examined MECT scores in relation to students' grades and compared students' scores by major emphasis (piano, voice, orchestral…

This study sought to determine whether three groups of ninth-grade girls--interscholastic basketball players, interscholastic gymnasts, and nonathletes--were similar or dissimilar in seven selected motor characteristics. Only three of the seven variables (dash, stand and bob, balance test) significantly contributed to the discrimination among the…

Tests indicate that providing sufficient opportunities for involvement in physical activities is influential in promoting and maintaining positive attitudes toward development of motor skills in children. (JD)

Provides practical strategies to help physical educators handle too many students, too few instructional minutes, and too little planning time as they try to comply with the continued focus on student assessment. The article discusses assessment design and implementation, offers tips for getting started, and includes samples of assessment tools.…

Presents a critical analysis of reports and empirical literature on the quality of candidates in teacher education programs, and describes the results of a nation-wide survey of basic skills competencies required of such candidates. (BJV)

Two groups of children (n=107, ages 6-14) who had recovered from meningitis were compared. Children who had sustained neurologic complications during their illness had a lower mean Performance Intelligence Quotient and performed less well on perceptually demanding neuropsychological tasks than did "uncomplicated" children. (Author/JDD)

Children with hearing impairments in three types of placements were evaluated three to four years after enrollment to determine whether changes had occurred in performance intelligence quotients. Results demonstrated significant gains for commuters and residents attending a residential school, in contrast to no change for children attending a…

Because most states incorporate similar clinical tests in their dental licensing examinations and most dentists surveyed would like greater mobility between states without taking another clinical examination, development of a national clinical examination is desirable. Demonstration of continued competency should also be required. (MSE)

An Oregon elementary teacher encouraged a group of fourth grade students in a writing pullout program to share their writings in a portfolio she was assembling for an education class. The kids all volunteered their writing, learned to express themselves better, and asked to create their own portfolios. The experience fostered student ownership,…