Describes a study of undergraduate students at Pennsylvania State University that was conducted to assess the impact of instructional color coding on visually and verbally oriented tests and on field dependence independence. Use of the GEFT (Group Embedded Figures Test) is discussed, and differences in cognitive processes are considered. (11…

Looks at the large-scale experiments on the testing of oral proficiency in English, French, and German that have been carried out over the last five years in the Swedish gymnasium. Various kinds of tasks and different grading criteria have been used, and the practical problems of scheduling and of teacher training have been discussed. (nine…

Discusses examinations as the major determinant of student behavior and suggests that no improvement in the effectiveness of biochemistry courses will occur until examinations are so integrated into the educational process that they reinforce educational objectives. Includes discussions on self-education, cooperation between students, and problem…

A discussion of higher education in India looks at the system in comparison to others around the world, its politics, bureaucratic inertia, the institutionalized policy of expansion, the academic profession, funding, the examination system, and the university's role in society. Implications for meaningful reform are examined. (MSE)

Four expert high school special education resource teachers were observed providing classroom instruction. Content analysis of postobservation interview transcripts was used to identify the presence of 124 reflective practice indicators in the subjects' instructional decisions: 49 for personal responsibility, 39 for testing, and 36 for problem…

A study investigated the relationship between undergraduate admissions selectivity at 40 research universities and academic rigor of course examination questions, as determined by the level of understanding required. Results suggest that more selective institutions do not provide more academically rigorous instruction than less selective ones.…

Discussed is the idea that, if students are allowed to use calculators when doing classwork, they should be allowed to use calculators on tests. Examples of calculator-active items are presented that are designed to accurately assess students' learning. (KR)

Studied the effect of grading classroom communicative activities on student performance at two different levels. Results indicated no significant difference in scores between the experimental and control groups at either level. (10 references) (VWL)

A survey by the European Pharmaceutical Students' Committee of its member countries investigated the extent of problem-based learning, the effectiveness of examinations for testing knowledge, role of English as the language of instruction, best teaching methods, and relationships with other health occupations. Results and a position statement are…

A survey of 100 universities revealed test types, cut-off scores, and processes for testing language proficiency and performance of international teaching assistants. Results indicated the tests are complicated, time-consuming, and politically sensitive. Issues emerging include department role, use of adjustment period before teaching, and…

Adopting an inquiry approach to teaching by learning the techniques of classroom assessment can give an instructor a much clearer picture of how his teaching affects student learning. This chapter describes the approach and how it is being used in a variety of classrooms. (Author/MLW)

Exploration of the status and development of foreign language curriculum articulation focuses on such diverse instructional conditions as expanded curricula, proficiency levels, expanded learner groups, the learning process, and language attitudes. A proposed framework for addressing articulation incorporates the pluralism of those conditions with…

Unstructured comments of 509 parents of students in regular, resource, and self-contained classrooms regarding homework, tests, and grades revealed 8 broad themes: complaints, traditional beliefs about education, alternative beliefs about education, communication issues, beliefs about involvement, stress factors, involvement dependent on child…

A scenario-based survey of 598 university students concerning test cheating found significant gender differences on measures of self-control, shame, perceived external sanctions, grades, and cheating intentions. Morals and grades were greater predictors in women's cheating intentions, while men were more affected by prior cheating and perceived…

Examines the acquisition of two colloquial English features: word medial /t/ flapping and discourse-marker use. These features are characteristic of North American English and are not taught explicitly through formal instruction. Subjects were ethnic Korean speakers stratified according to English education and sex. (Author/VWL)