A recent structural model suggesting that nine factors exerted effects on seventh grade students' mathematics achievement and attitude was further tested with a national sample of 2,500 tenth grade mathematics students. The structural model, evolved and cross-validated with the younger sample, significantly accounted for variance in mathematics…

The impact of retention in kindergarten on academic achievement and behavior was studied for 53 retained children and 53 matched promoted peers. The academic advantages indicated in the second year of kindergarten were not maintained past kindergarten. Results do not support retention as an effective policy for young children. (SLD)

Single-session Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) risk reduction programs led by peer volunteers for 201 gay and bisexual men were slightly more effective than 4-session groups led by paid counselors for 88 subjects. Both were more effective than waiting-list control groups (n=212 subjects) in reducing the risk behavior. (SLD)

A method for classifying students according to the breadth of their premedical preparation is presented, and medical school performances and career plans of students thus classified are compared. Grouping is according to undergraduate major, nonscience-to-science course hour ratio, and extracurricular involvement. The method is found useful for…

Reports on changes in pricing decisions at public and private colleges in a low-cost and a high-cost state in the 1980s. Five liberal arts colleges studied used several pricing strategies: "elite" pricing strategy; "prestige" pricing strategy; and price reduction strategy. Study found multiple causes for price increases, more sophisticated pricing…

Data on over 4,000 full-time, tenure-track faculty in 4-year colleges and universities were analyzed for the relative importance of teaching, research, administration, and service in determining basic salary. Results showed dominance of the research-oriented salary structure regardless of institution type, professed mission, or discipline.…

Describes a study of the current usage and status of CD-ROM products. Results of a survey of academic and research libraries that covered products owned or subscribed to, how they are paid for, numbers of workstations, usage, and cost are reported. The years 1984-85 and 1989-90 are compared. Cancellation of print sources is also addressed.…

Considering the complicating effect of cultural differences in writing conventions, this study examines discourse tradition as influenced by Confucian/Taoist precepts and those of U.S. academic environments, the latter requiring rational argumentation, justification, and proof. Pedagogical implications of native-speaker and nonnative-speaker…

Discussion of multimedia instruction focuses on a pilot study that compared the relative effectiveness of three interactive media formats in a DVI/RTV (Digital Video Interactive/Real Time Video) computer-mediated instructional lesson for a military communications system. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and the educational importance is…

Introduces an interactive distance learning environment prototype developed jointly by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and AT&T which allows students to participate in virtual classroom environments by using computer teleconferencing. Student collaboration, note taking, question answering capabilities, project background, learning…

Evaluates the performance, between 1980 and 1990, of 12 supposedly revitalized cities on the basis of objective indicators of the economic well-being of their residents and compares the cities' performances to those of other cities that were equally distressed in 1980. The evaluation, with three exceptions, reveals no evidence of revitalization.…

Argues that acquisition of computer technology by public schools will make entrepreneurs and bankers rich without improving educational quality. Evidence of commercial interest in promoting technology and educator interest in acquiring technology is given. Comparisons of educational achievement in America and other countries and suggestions for…

Perceptions of 89 black and 121 white female college students about the mother of a 1-year-old infant as a function of race and employment role were explored. Whites anticipated more role-related costs for the employed mother, and blacks anticipated more role-related emotional rewards for employed mothers. (SLD)

Presents study showing children with behaviors characteristic of attention disorder/hyperactivity deficit and high intelligence have more mixed laterality and allergies. Finds these children gather and use more diverse nonverbal and poorly focused information. Concludes such children use uncommon information when exhibiting novelty in nonverbal…

Analyzes effect of brain hemisphere orientation on music appreciation. Reports results from 36 left-hemisphere and 36 right-hemisphere undergraduates who responded to a musical selection verbally or visually. Finds right-hemisphere students show greater appreciation, measured by attention, understanding, and enjoyment scores. Discusses…