In this research note, the authors report on an exploratory study of the profile of an engaged sociology major. The purpose of this note is to assess which factors relate to senior majors' self-perceived, overall engagement in the discipline. Possible factors include demographic variables, attitudes about learning, and academic or study behaviors.…

Frequent reprimands, low expectations, and infrequent praise characterize the daily school experiences of many students who display problem behaviors. This review evaluates preference and choice-making as possible interventions for improving these school experiences. Findings from 15 studies suggest that preference and choice-making may improve…

Goal-setting literature has suggested that specific, difficult goals will produce higher performance levels than easy goals. A difficult task or one with negative performance feedback may increase an individual's perceived challenge of the task which may in turn enhance his motivation. Effects of the Protestant work ethic and perceived challenge…

Although parents are their children's first and most influential teachers, parents are sometimes absent from the schools' educational process. Based on research stressing the positive connection between parental involvement and student achievement, the DeKalb County School system (Decatur, Georgia) has implemented several strategies to increase…

To study the in class learning experiences of mainstreamed handicapped students, academic learning time (ALT) was measured for 79 mainstreamed learning disabled (LD) and 143 regular fifth and sixth graders in year 1 and 62 mainstreamed LD students and 166 regular students in year 2. Analyses of student records, responses to teacher questionnaires,…

Presents data from a study investigating whether pupil involvement in tasks was different for high, middle, and low achievers. Results of the study are presented in nine tables. (BR)

Defends the Assertive Discipline model critiqued by Curwin and Mendler's article in the same "Educational Leadership" issue. This systematic approach is shown to be an effective and practical behavior management strategy leading to improved student and teacher self-concept, consistently positive reinforcement, and positive learning…

Data derived from observation of 32 classrooms (eight- and nine-year-olds) are analyzed to consider the relationship between teaching methods and the amount of class time pupils spend on curriculum tasks. Results indicate that classrooms with higher levels of whole-class interaction have higher levels of pupil time on task, even during periods of…

A study of 11 Wisconsin elementary schools determined: (1) how much whole group time occurred in each grade level within all the schools; (2) the impact of pullouts (students withdrawn from their self-contained classrooms) on whole group instructional time; and (3) areas of the curriculum most affected by pullouts. (MLF)

This study examined children's engagement in a primary school class when no additional help was present, when parents were involved normally, and when parents and staff were following RM (Room Management) procedures. Comparisons indicate useful gains in engagement when employing RM. (Author/CT)

Investigated effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on learning efficiency, defined as either higher passing percentage or less time on task. Subjects (N=24) were college mathematics students who either were lectured or had a CAI tutorial on the lowest common denominator. The CAI group took less time, but solved more problems incorrectly.…

The authors review research on effective practices in secondary schools with relevance for secondary teachers of learning disabled students. Three elements appear to be related to student learning: time for student learning, teacher-student interaction, and lesson structure. Research on each of these elements is reviewed and suggestions made for…

Results of a study conducted by Purdue University concerning the use of computers by supervisors in manufacturing firms are presented and discussed. Examines access to computers, minicomputers versus mainframes, training time on computers, replacement of staff, creation of personnel problems, and training methods. (CT)

Tips to help music teachers develop time-management skills are presented. These include setting personal goals, keeping a time log, fighting procrastination, controlling interruptions, endorsing the art of selective omission, increasing delegation, self-pacing, practicing wastebasketry, and economizing work habits. (RM)

Observations of student behavior in the elementary and secondary classrooms of Ohio's Otsego Local School District revealed significant differences in the kinds and quantities of off-task behaviors among students at different grade levels, and may help educators develop methods for increasing learning time. The observation instrument is included.…