Methods of estimating the standard error at different ability levels were compared. Overall, it was found that at a given ability level the standard errors calculated using different formulas are not appreciably different. Further, for most situations the traditional method of calculating a standard error probably provides sufficient precision.…

The effects of teacher behaviors comprising lesson organization on student achievement were investigated in undergraduate students. Two instructional conditions were proper versus manipulated sequence and explicit organization behaviors present versus absent. Explicit organization had a significant effect on achievement. No significant…

Examined the relationship of math participation and success to self-esteem and career goals. No gender differences were found in math anxiety or perceptions of the usefulness of mathematics, but women selected math-related careers less frequently. Math participation and self-assessments of math ability related positively to self-estimates of…

Describes the long-term effects of a bilingual education program on the academic achievement of Mexican-American students in a predominantly Mexican-American school district. Examines program impact on reading and mathematics achievement over a six-year period. Analyzes the effects on achievement of four variables: preachievement, gender, age, and…

A hierarchical-clustering technique was used to examine relationships among computation-related skills by pupils in grades one to four in two Irish schools. A clear hierarchical ordering of skills was obtained at each grade. (MNS)

A study of nearly 30 urban elementary schools indicates that school composition (including race and socioeconomic background, school social structure, and certain social climate variables) explains more than 83 percent of between-school variance in reading achievement and 65 percent in mathematics achievement. (Author/GC)

A battery of spatial, linguistic, and mathematical tests was administered to tenth- and twelfth-grade students to examine the relation between sex differences on particular spatial tests and sex differences on particular mathematical problems. The sex difference magnitude was not diminished by taking spatial and linguistic scores into account.…

Two factors that may affect achievement scores are discussed. The two factors are: students' expectations and the problem of homework. (MNS)

This study compared the validity of chronological age, a standardized algebra prognosis test, standardized verbal and quantitative scales derived from an achievement test battery, and an objective measure of formal or concrete stages of Piagetian cognitive development for predicting final examination scores and course grades in high school…

Determined if providing feedback to students had any impact on the correlation between performance in physics and a test of simple, mechanistic mathematics skills. Also determined if students who drop out of the physics course demonstrated any identifiable difference in performance on tests involving a variety of reasoning and problem-solving…

Data are presented that indicate Blacks have not traditionally entered many scientific and technological fields. A sub-sample of 79 Black college freshmen was surveyed. Competence in mathematics was a significant factor related to their achievement, and some attitudes seemed important. (MNS)

The authors contend their study and criticism of the Benbow and Stanley results were valid. Benbow and Stanley's clarification that their conclusions pertain only to intellectually talented students and competency in mathematical reasoning ability resolves this disagreement. (DWH)

Hispanic students have disproportionally low participation and underachievement in mathematics and underrepresentation in mathematics-related careers. Research attributes this to policies, practices, and attitudes of school personnel that are incongruent with Hispanic students' values, learning styles, and curriculum needs. (MNS)

Nine experiments were performed to verify and extend studies on sex differences in problem solving conducted in the 1950s by Sweeney, Carey, Milton, Nakamura, and Berry. A 20-item problem set was administered to over 1,000 college students. Results indicated a male advantage, averaging 35 percent, virtually identical with 1950s results. (Author/BS)

The effects of verbal mnemonics on mathematics achievement were investigated using 100 Japanese seventh graders. All students received 10 weeks of mathematics instruction, but the experimental subjects were taught with the aid of verbal rhymes. Significant differences favoring experimental subjects were found on both the immediate and delayed…