The use of grade equivalent scores contrasted against grade placement is widespread in the diagnosis of dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Discusses difficulties and distortions of this method. Presents an alternative method for reliably determining aptitude/achievement discrepancies. (Author)

Discusses current uses of computers in United Kingdom schools, specifically in biology, chemistry, economics, geography, and physics classrooms. Suggests reasons why teachers are using computers and describes their application for simulations; construction, evaluation, and modification of models; and for academic games. (DS)

The specification and estimation of a partial least squares model is discussed in terms of assessing the magnitude of the effects of a variety of differences among Swedish schools on the cognitive and affective outcomes of lower secondary students in science. (Author/SB)

Reviews Wilkins' approach to curriculum design as presented in his "Notional Syllabuses." Discusses three components of the language teaching-language learning process: the semantic, the functional, and the formal component, showing how Wilkins' analytic approach implies a semantic rather than a grammatical syllabus, based on learners'…

Recent research studies and reports of current desegregation plans are examined against the background of two models of social systems: consensus and conflict. The article's focus moves from the community to the school to the classroom to the individual. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

It is argued that studies of "school effects" must make a clear conceptual distinction between school and schooling as very different results may be obtained by research that does and does not maintain these conceptual and corresponding operational definitions. (Author/DB)

Thirteen evaluation methods are analyzed by orientation. Typically, clients want politically advantageous studies; evaluators prefer questions-oriented studies; audiences favor a values orientation. Evaluators must recognize the narrow scope of question-oriented studies and the perspectives of client and audience. (CP)

An analysis of the massive amount of literature pertaining to the improvement of professional instruction in dental education resulted in the formation of a comprehensive model of 10 categories, including Delphi technique; systems approach; agencies; workshops; multi-media, self-instruction; evaluation paradigms, measurement, courses, and…

Evaluation of nontraditional educational programs and individual achievement is discussed in terms of three components: process-environment, objectives, and evaluation. The combinations of these components in traditional and nontraditional orientations are each presented and examined as possible models for measurement of educational outcomes. (JMF)

A long-range plan to evaluate medical students' physical examination skills was undertaken at the Ingham Family Medical Clinic at Michigan State University. The development of the psychomotor skills evaluation model to evaluate the skill of blood pressure measurement, tests of the model's reliability, and the use of the model are described. (JMD)

Examines three learning models and proposes matching the most popular technologies to the best classroom practices. Paradigm One plots the most effective information technologies (ITs) for proponents of active learning and teachers with independent student thinkers; Paradigm Two reveals productive uses of ITs for teacher-centered and…

Describes the development of Model-It, a ScienceWare software tool developed by the University of Michigan in collaboration with high school science teachers to support learners in building qualitative models and then move to more quantitative models. Highlights include modeling versus simulation and assessing the impact of Model-It. (LRW)

Examined corrective feedback and learner response to feedback in four primary level immersion classes. Transcripts of classroom interactions from subject-matter and French language arts lessons were analyzed using a model comprising the various moves in an error treatment sequence. Findings reveal a strong tendency for teachers to use recasts…

Discusses an evaluation of WebCT (Web Course Tools) in practice at University of New South Wales (Australia) to assess the accessibility of WebCT for people with sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Topics include evaluation methodology; learner-centered courseware design model; course evaluation by students; staff perceptions; and…

Analyzes teacher-fronted and pair interaction involving two learners of Japanese as a second language in an intermediate class. Shows learner-learner collaborative activity between these students of differing levels of proficiency that results in creative interaction that creates a positive learning environment. (57 references) (Author/CK)