Faculty members can use information about six components of the learning situation to increase student learning. The nature, function, and interrelationships of the following elements are described: instructor, content, medium, student, evaluation, environment, and implementation. (Editor/LBH)

Since grade prediction remains an important factor in medical student selection procedures, the ability to make accurate predictions is important. The Prediction Index used at the University of California at Irvine is described which considers overall premedical grade point average (GPA), GPA of specified science courses, and two subtests of the…

This study tested the influence of writing self-efficacy, writing apprehension, perceived usefulness of writing, and writing aptitude on 218 fifth graders' essay-writing performance. Students' beliefs about their abilities directly influenced apprehension, perceived usefulness, and performance, and partially mediated the effects of gender and…

In response to O'Brien et al., who examined predictors of child outcomes among at-risk infants, this article suggests that the goal of prevention and early detection can be more efficiently met if the focus shifts from prediction to ongoing monitoring of children's developmental growth. A three-step model involving ongoing screening, eligibility…

This study of 249 Quebec secondary students explored predictors of school disciplinary events. Results revealed both positive and negative correlations of family involvement with student behavior; for example, parental supervision was positively associated with fewer classroom infractions. Overall findings indicate that interventions and…

Using a classroom survey of 3061 secondary school students, analyzed the relationship among a set of predictors including personality trait, social and cultural variables, and drug use. Findings reveal problems in applying the personality trait theory in a rural subgroup. Measures of global and local cultural orientation predicted drug use. (RJM)

Assesses Ontario nursing student scores on the Nursing Comprehensive Examinations, and compares them with those from the Registered Nurse Exams. A positive correlation between the two examinations was found, suggesting that the comprehensive examinations predict success on the R.N. Exams. (YKH)

Explored the relationship among depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, and suicidal intent in a group of 77 adolescents following a suicide attempt. Results indicate that hopelessness was the only significant predictor of suicide intent in Caucasian patients, and depressed mood was the only significant predictor in the Aboriginal group. (RJM)

Examined 154 psychologists' (82 female, 72 male) reactions to vignettes describing the sexual abuse of a male victim. Results indicate that the psychologists' attitudes toward men, rather than the sex of the psychologists, predicted blaming attitudes. For example, those holding more traditional attitudes toward men tended to blame male survivors…

Examined the relationship between student characteristics (e.g., gender, educational orientation) and the advising that students received and preferred from professors. Findings indicate that students were not receiving the type of advising they preferred and that students' gender, grades, educational orientation, and previous advising experiences…

Using cognitive and psychosocial variables, predicted the academic performance of 40 female and 84 male specially admitted White freshmen. High school rank and American College Test scores were the most effective overall predictors. Demonstrated community service and preference for long-term goals were significant psychosocial predictors for…

Contrasts aptitude by treatment interaction (ATI) and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) methods for making cross-level inferences between individual-level and group-level factors in school effectiveness research. Recommends HLM when intraclass correlations are high. ATI is suitable when intraclass correlations are low, but partitioning the…

Reports research concerning the definition of variables by pupils ages 12 to 14 during investigative work. Findings suggest that an increase in the complexity of an investigation lowers the ability to identify relevant variables and substantive concepts intrude on the ability to define the appropriate dependent variable and to control variables.…

Nonword span (nonwords conforming to English phonology) was used to measure phonological memory and was found to be generally predictive of the number of trials needed for acquiring certain English (second-language) new words for 84 Hong Kong seventh graders. This relationship, however, was preserved only in those students whose English vocabulary…

Reviews the major literature on creative processes in children that should be predictive of adult creativity, focusing on affective processes and children's play. Describes Russ's (1993) model of affect and creativity, and cognitive processes, personality processes, and affective processes important in creativity. Discusses theories of play,…