Discusses seven basic principles related to instructional design for adult trainees in a business environment. Topics discussed include objectives of instructional design; performance problems; feedback; assessment; analysis; production, using the most suitable medium; evaluation; implementation; incentives; motivation; and job aids. An adult…

The effects of domain-specific and strategic knowledge on analogy performance were studied for 64 gifted and 64 non gifted sixth grade and high school students. Males (n=66) and females (n=62) performed comparably on almost all dependent measures. Implications for instruction and assessment of both types of knowledge are discussed. (SLD)

Eleven learning-handicapped students, ages 8-13, generated text at microcomputers both alone and as members of dyads. Examination of mechanical errors revealed a lower error rate in the dyad condition compared to working alone. The relationship between error monitoring and the social interaction needed for collaboration is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Australian institutions are developing and using performance indicators (number of publications, research grants, and of Ph.D. graduates) to distribute resources. Some of these are disadvantaging the Humanities. This paper addresses differences in chemistry, engineering, English, and law as they are described by other researchers. (Author/MLW)

Presents results of two long-term research projects: (1) shows that early work experience influences an engineer's performance even more than high grades, (2) lack of organizational coordination rather than the lack of innovative ideas inhibits implementation of computer-based technologies. Lists methods for implementing computer-based…

Students' perceptions of constraints on asking questions during mathematics classes were explored with 20 third and 26 fifth graders in Dutch classrooms. Conditions examined included help by teachers or peers and instructional or seatwork situations. No sex differences or grade differences were found. (TJH)

The relationship between gender and performance on mathematics items varying in level of cognitive complexity and content was assessed, using 1,789 female and 1,951 male Thai adolescents and 2,040 female and 1,884 male American adolescents. Data suggest that performance relative to both cognitive complexity and content is related to gender. (TJH)

Whether significant differences exist between student characteristics (sex, grade point average, and class level) and student perceptions of teacher traits in terms of their importance to learning was studied in 401 undergraduates at a midwestern university. Significant differences for sex and class level are discussed. (SLD)

An exercise used to address a serious college classroom communication problem is described. The activity consisted of small group discussions of the important dimensions of teacher performance and subsequent feedback to the teacher and larger group. It provided students with valuable experience in providing useful feedback and improved class…

Presents several common misperceptions about student evaluation of college faculty members. Asserts that it is essential to examine the operational processes used to measure effective teaching. Discusses the role of research, the importance of sociology, and the utility of standardized assessments of student learning in faculty evaluation. (CFR)

An annotated list of 38 resources is provided to help administrators, faculty developers, and faculty in designing effective renewal interventions for senior faculty. Topics include research on senior faculty, personnel policies (tenure, growth contracting), program strategies (mentoring, team teaching, motivation), and assessment of institutional…

Discusses activities that can help language students use the concept of personal competence to become better learners. Teachers can list student and teacher responsibilities, ask students for feedback on class activities, and implement student suggestions to accommodate individual and group learning styles. (three references) (MDM)

Argues that examinations and assignments shape the way students learn, read, write, and think, and that authentic testing is the most powerful step toward improved student learning. Assignments must pose real questions addressed by practitioners in the discipline in question, must make scholarly sense, and must challenge students to perform rather…

Describes the work of a team of university and public school mathematics educators to design mathematics assessment tasks that are effective for at-risk students. Perspectives are offered on the need for alternative mathematics assessment and the dangers inherent in the undertaking. Practical design considerations are discussed. (SLD)

Sixty-two college students with learning disabilities were compared to 58 peers matched on gender and American College Testing composite score. Groups were compared on age, high school preparation and performance, college grades, grade point average at the end of each year of study, graduation and academic failure rate, and time taken to complete…