International comparisons show that U.S. students perform well in reading, less well in science, and more poorly still in mathematics. Researchers have found that several factors in combination appear responsible for the complex pattern of achievement, and no quick fix appears available for problem areas. Research suggests that it is quality and…

The aesthetic judgments of experts (casting directors and high school drama teachers), theater buffs, and novices were compared as they rated high school students' videotaped performances of Shakespearean monologues. It was hypothesized that theater buffs would represent an intermediate stage on the path to developing expertise in judging acting…

The technical report portion of a national survey of bilingual education programs funded under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is presented. The study, conducted during 1979-83, describes the characteristics of the programs' classroom instruction component. Basic project directors and parent advisory committee chairpersons…

This research examined the results from direct and indirect writing assessments to determine the most effective method of discrimination. The New Jersey State Department of Education developed a test for ninth-grade students which was designed to measure the ability to apply writing mechanics to written text and to communicate effectively in…

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of computer-based learning and traditional method on students' attitudes and achievement towards analytical chemistry. Students from Chemistry Education Department at Dokuz Eylul University (D.E.U) were selected randomly and divided into three groups; two experimental (Eg-1 and Eg-2) and a control…

Most of us want our students to feel that mathematics is an enjoyable and rewarding study for them … but do we succeed? Some of our students are successful whereas others are anxious and fearful. The performance of Malaysian students in mathematics has been generally been not good. It has been realized that poor mathematics performance of students…

The construct validity of a multidimensional adolescent self-concept was estimated separately for males and females, and the results were compared across gender. The application of four multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) approaches to estimating construct validity was demonstrated, and the scope and consistency of the findings derived from each were…

This study examines writing apprehension in bilinguals, a common problem among Puerto Rican college students who take composition courses in both their native Spanish and English as a second language. A questionnaire designed to determine the sources of apprehension was administered to three student groups: graduate students of English, freshman…

A study compared the benefits of using the Hewlett-Packard HP-41CV hand-held computer, as opposed to conventional training without computers, in teaching mathematics to fire control systems repairers. Thirty soldiers in a course to train fire control systems repairers received training in technical mathematics using the hand-held computer, whereas…

Because of concern about the harmful effects of placing children in low reading groups, this study tested the following "sacred cows" in reading: (1) the use of informal reading inventories for grouping children in reading instruction, (2) the homogeneous grouping practices currently utilized in most classrooms in the United States, (3)…

Validity is a central issue in use of self-report data for the investigation of teacher thinking. "Triangulation," or use of several data sets to test, corroborate and elaborate each other, is one method for increasing validity of findings. This paper illustrates a process of triangulation of data obtained by three different data…

The Arab states have come to realize the significance of nonformal education and its importance in achieving economic and social development. At present, however, support given by formal education for nonformal methods of education is minimal. In each of the Arab countries there exist many different kinds of nonformal education programs, all of…

The development of an English version of a Dutch instrument--the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI)--that measures interpersonal teacher behavior (TB) is described. Using this instrument, comparisons were made between Dutch and American interpersonal TB. Students' perceptions of TB were used to measure TB. The QTI was first translated into…

In this guide the logic of product evaluation is described in a framework that is meant to be general and adaptable to all kinds of evaluations. Evaluators should consider using the logic and methods of product evaluation when (1) the purpose of the evaluation is to aid evaluators in making a decision about purchases; (2) a comprehensive…

This interim report of a pilot year impact study on evaluation methodology is part of a series of documents on the evaluation of Project Developmental Continuity, a Head Start demonstration program aimed at promoting educational and developmental continuity between children's Head Start and primary school experiences. This report deals with…