Calculus is a stepping stone to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers, but countless college students abandon their STEM ambitions after an encounter with calculus--or to avoid taking the intimidating course altogether. While traditional approaches have focused on prerequisite courses--which often repeat high…

Reports on a study of 301 new psychology majors to test and extend a generic model for academic pathways to the undergraduate major and investigate feminization of the field. Finds that a student's contact with basic college psychology courses is a major factor leading to a decision about an undergraduate major. (CFR)

Reports on the attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics among 7,169 undergraduate male and female students in British and Scottish universities. Finds large differences in participation rates between women and men in English and Scottish universities. (CFR)

A scale of course appeal was tested on medical students in preclinical courses. Results showed that positive (pleasure, satisfaction) or negative (anxiety, grief) student reactions were substantially correlated with an independent measure, the Course Valuing Inventory. In addition, different student adaptation modes appeared to correspond to…

Reports on a study of the number of four-year Bachelor's degrees awarded in economics in 1993-94. Finds that the number of undergraduate degrees in economics continues to decline. Presents three tables of statistical data and discusses possible reasons for this decline. (CFR)

Asserts that the number of students who major in economics is important to economics departments because college and university budgets often are affected by enrollment. Reviews the number of four-year economics degrees since 1977-78 as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. (CFR)

In the Netherlands, girls and boys have equal educational opportunities but girls take less advantage of these opportunities than boys. This paper investigates the effects of a new mathematics curriculum on girls' choice of mathematics, attitudes toward mathematics, achievement in mathematics, choice of university study, and achievement in the…

This book reports a study which examined the concrete experiences of male and female university students in the United Kingdom, and the meanings students attach to them. It suggests that meanings arise from everyday discourse, which habitually uses oppositions such as masculinity/femininity and arts/sciences. Chapter 1 introduces the issue of…

Reports on a study of school subject preference among 566 male and 567 female students in both single-sex and coeducational British secondary schools. Finds an effect of school type for younger students only. Also finds clear effects of gender with higher rankings given to mathematics and science by boys and to art by girls. (CFR)

Reports on a study of preference for 9 curriculum subjects by 93 British middle school students. Finds significant gender differences in the rankings of English and humanities courses, which were preferred by girls, and of physical education and science, which were preferred by boys. (CFR)

This study identified patterns among small schools in rural communities across a seven-state area. Perceptions of high school seniors, counselors, and graduates were gathered about their rural schools in districts with grade 7 to 12 enrollments of less than 500. Factual information about programs and local schools was obtained from school…