Presents research findings about textbook construction and how they should influence the development of chemistry texts. Discusses learning as a constructive process, the importance of interpreting symbolic representations, and the creation of structure by the learner. Advocates publisher responsibility for incorporating results of research when…

Problems are discussed and recommendations made for developing programs and materials for Spanish instruction of Spanish speakers. General and specific suggestions are made for material selection and class activities, including spelling, composition, self-editing, dialog writing, transcription, translation, student-teacher conferences, journals,…

Criteria for evaluating and selecting computer software programs are given, based on the author's research at Teachers College, Columbia University (New York). Specific attributes of programs which either motivate students or directly encourage learning are examined. Shortcomings of existing software are also noted. (PP)

Twenty-five outstanding new computer software programs for drill and practice, simulation, and tutoring are reviewed. Programs deal with classroom management and with the teaching of language arts, computer literacy, social studies, science and logic, and mathematics. (PP)

Discusses sources of energy education materials, including businesses, industries, and private organizations. Provides names/addresses of principle energy trade associations and guidelines for evaluating energy education materials developed by the private sector. (JN)

Issues in the question of a college or university hiring its own graduates as faculty are considered: productivity, inbreeding as a way of building specialty, occupational mobility, and overall contribution to institutional vitality. (MSE)

Explores some recent theory and research developments on the role and character of television, and its impact on learning in distance education. The implications for learning of distributional and social, control, and symbolic (audiovisual) characteristics of television are discussed. Fifteen references and an outline of television applications…

National trends in setting admissions standards for preservice teacher education programs are reported, based on a survey of 147 member institutions of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Grade-point requirements, use of written language and mathematics tests, enrollment trends, and other factors affecting admissions…

Sampled colleges nationwide to determine whether admissions criteria differed significantly for minority groups. Results indicated minorities are expected to show evidence of quantifiable accomplishment. Noncognitive factors were less important. Private and Protestant colleges were more likely to consider motivation and admissions interviews. (JAC)

Nineteen studies of instruments used by students to evaluate college teachers are reviewed for factors used as evaluation criteria, and several instruments are briefly described. Eight criteria for selecting a student rating instrument to be used for improving college instruction are listed. (GDC)

Analyzes and criticizes the most prominent characteristics of current college language programs. On this basis, sketches a language program model featuring emphasis on linguistic rather than literary scholarship and on non-European rather than European languages, integration with international studies disciplines, and close cooperation between…

Supports a national core curriculum for Canadian public schools which incorporates attitudes and values consistent with the economic, cultural, and social well-being of the country. Notes needs for materials development and selection, student evaluation methods and leadership, and lists seven concerns regarding a national curriculum. (SB)

A study is reported that compared a group of 24 applicants who were interviewed and accepted at the Yale University School of Medicine but went to other medical schools with a group who attended the same schools but had been rejected at Yale following an interview and committee deliberation. (Author/MLW)

Institutions wishing to increase the perceived value of their degrees or awards do so by increasing demand for those degrees, by stimulating applications for admission (the certifying effect) and even reducing graduates. Receipt of one of these degrees increases chances of success and affluence (the consumer effect). (MSE)

Discusses two major misconceptions about reading shared by many teachers, students, and parents: reading instruction should take place in the elementary schools, and only those students having problems need help in reading. It offers suggestions for integrating the teaching of reading skills with the teaching of physics content. (SK)