A constructionist theory is described that accounts for the knowledge-based inferences that are constructed when readers comprehend narrative text. Distinctive assumptions of the constructionist theory embrace a principle of search (or effort) after meaning. Literature in support of the theory is reviewed. (SLD)

Findings from 337 school counselors revealed 11 percent rated themselves as very competent in helping students with eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa), 49 percent considered themselves moderately competent, 40 percent believed they were not very competent; 75 percent did not believe it was their role to treat students with eating…

In a study of 6 to 14 year olds' knowledge of illness, younger children used concepts not related to illness when sorting illness-related stimuli. They also used concepts related to behavior, rather than symptoms, when performing tasks involving recognition of illness and causes of illness. Older children believed that symptoms signaled disease.…

Interviews with 21 high-functioning adults with autism and 20 mildly to moderately mentally retarded adults without autism indicated that the mentally retarded group had more sexual experiences, with no intergroup differences in sexual knowledge or interest. Intelligence quotient was positively correlated with knowledge scores and males had…

Beginning educational researchers are advised to do the following: (1) choose a research focus with reference to events in the real world of education; (2) augment research with products and services to bring about improvements in educational practice; and (3) find an honest critic to review research work. (SLD)

Article examines interpretive inquiry, which views research as a practical, moral activity similar to other inquiry. It discusses interpretive inquiry goals and procedures, how to do interpretive inquiry, and how to distinguish good from bad research. (SM)

Ninety-two high school students were administered a questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs concerning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Gifted students had better AIDS-related knowledge than average students. Girls had slightly more positive AIDS-related attitudes and beliefs than boys. (Author/JDD)

This study examined the attitudes and knowledge level of 105 special educators about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Five factors (integration/segregation, knowledge, willingness to educate, testing, privacy) were identified. Results indicated that teachers were knowledgeable and were willing to…

Discusses children's use of metaphors to create meaning, using as an example the pragmatic and "scientific" ways in which preschool children explain thunder and lightning to themselves. Argues that children are being shortchanged by modern scientific notions of abstractness and that they should be encouraged to create their own explanations of…

Examined scenarios for using two schematic organizers (schematic knowledge maps and conceptual matrices) in integrating episodic and semantic knowledge about alcohol. Seventy college students were assigned to either schematic organizer group or essay writing group. Groups were further divided into episodic/semantic and semantic/episodic treatment…

An educational program for five parents with mild mental retardation found that knowledge training produced sizable increases in the knowledge measure, but neither it nor the behavioral training produced increases in parenting skills. However, following training in the home, each of the parenting skills increased substantially. (Author/JDD)

The viewpoint that a college teacher's knowledge of subject matter is sufficient for good teaching is criticized because it (1) suggests that the teaching process requires minimum commitment and effort; (2) fails to value appropriately the needs of students; and (3) connotes closed-mindedness, even arrogance, at odds with productive human…

A study examined work and family variables that differentiate college faculty (n=97) in English and engineering who are more and less current with regard to their discipline's knowledge base. Factors examined include amount and flexibility of work- and family-related responsibilities, work standards, and time spent on research and professional…

Discusses the fact that teacher training programs do not emphasize knowledge of public school law. Presents results of a survey given to North Carolina public school teachers that measured knowledge of public school law. Findings suggest that more preparation in public school law is required. (JS)

A study investigated the relationships among nine instruments designed to measure clinical knowledge and performance in a third-year surgery clerkship. Results suggest that various types of measures are necessary for broad evaluation of clinical performance. Instruments clustered into two groups: measures of medical knowledge and clinical…