Documents the process of developing and using a general model for teacher education programs and a specific model for a reading program. Elements shared by the models include graphic representations, components, the manner in which they were developed, and the myriad functions that they support. (SM)

Examines arithmetic and algebra knowledge from a cognitive perspective in an effort to determine what constitutes a pre-algebraic level of understanding. Presents results of a longitudinal study designed to investigate students' readiness for algebra. Proposes a model for the transition from arithmetic to pre-algebra to algebra. Contains 29…

This study investigated whether or not a relationship exists between university students' knowledge of and attitudes toward homosexuality. Reports significant results and discusses the implications of findings for educational and counseling practice. (Author/MKA)

Examined the potential of constructivist learning environments for developing prerequisites of expert knowledge during university studies. Compared learning outcomes of 16 Finnish students in a constructivist environment with outcomes of 23 students learning under traditional conditions. Students in the constructivist environment acquired more…

Examines solution strategies used by elementary preservice teachers to find the perimeter and area of a shaded geometric figure. Investigates inadequacies in the mathematical backgrounds of these students as well as curriculum changes to make in teacher education programs. (Author/CCM)

Addresses the argument that the arts can empower education reform through two means: (1) teaching all children the arts and (2) teaching the arts as central to all learning. Conveys that by concentrating on aesthetic literacy and the nonuniversality of children's artistic development, arts educators will gain support for teaching the arts in…

Surveyed 7-year-olds' ideas about the Earth in space, focusing on their ideas about shape and their ability to represent and describe land masses or other surface features, Earth's size relative to the sun and moon, and its nature as a planet. Found that focusing on the Earth's shape and gravity alone has underestimated youngsters' learning…

Focuses on the connections among the concepts of virtuosity, performance, and knowledge. Defines a virtuoso performance and the two different types of virtuoso performers. Considers to whom the label "virtuoso" should or should not apply and limits its literal application to performers who participate in the interpretive realization of art works.…

Nursing students (n=45) using problem-based learning (PBL) strongly felt increased tension both in making the transition to PBL from traditional forms of education and in the conflict between students' desire for knowledge acquisition and the less concrete outcomes of PBL. (SK)

Discusses teachers' assessments of special educational needs in light of the massive changes introduced in the United Kingdom during the last decade. It describes teachers' understanding of the nature and purpose of assessment and examines how judgments about children's learning needs are made. (DB)

Highlights potential changes in information production, use and exchange that will occur as the 21st century approaches. Focuses on knowledge management and knowledge-based organizations. Contends that we are moving from an Age of Information into the Age of the Mind, which will be characterized by new ways of interacting with information and…

Examined the relationship between prematriculation understanding of college and the unrealized expectations of freshman students (n=201). Although levels of college knowledge predicted degree of disillusion for community college students, a similar relationship was not found for students attending public or private four-year institutions. (DB)

Surveyed entering optometry students (n=404) and again during their fourth year (n=314) for knowledge about and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. Analysis indicated significant improvement from pre- to post-test for general HIV/AIDS knowledge and optometric-specific HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes. For universal precautions implementation, no change in…

The impact of a training program to help staff prevent and effectively manage aggressive behavior was assessed with 109 staff members who worked in services for persons with developmental disabilities. Instruction in distraction, defusion, and nonaggressive physical intervention strategies was provided. The training significantly improved…

Examined 5- to 12-year-olds' emerging understanding of the origins of species in two studies. Demonstrated systematic developmental pattern in children's explanations for biological origins. Found age-related shifts from mixed creationist and spontaneous generationist explanations, to exclusive creationism, and finally to evolutionist or…