Discusses the structure and results of a university physics entry examination that measures students' expertise with mathematical tools and formal logic operations required for the study of college physics. Indicates that the examination adequately serves incoming students: to evaluate academic potential; to emphasize specific deficiencies; and to…

Compares performances of students on gas-law problems that require two distinct approaches, either the algorithmic technique or the conceptual gestalt. Indicates that student effectiveness is considerably different utilizing each approach and that training or experience with the algorithm process should not be expected to facilitate the…

Discusses the poor transfer of theory taught and skills learned in college to classroom teaching practice, examining reasons for preconceptions that student teachers bring to teacher education programs. The paper offers several teacher educator interventions to help student teachers build world images with consequences for their teaching. (SM)

This essay on a paper (EC 602 982) about a master teacher's cognitive processes involved in leading group discussions focuses on the place for qualitative inquiry on teaching in special education, the usefulness of professional practical knowledge and cognitive maps as heuristics for further research, and the relationship between researcher and…

Explores relationships between perceived control of life of 375 African-American college students and both specific and general fears of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). African-American students have relatively variable responses, but feeling in control is related to lower levels of specific and general fears of AIDS. (SLD)

This investigation of 360 tests administered in English, mathematics, science, and social studies classes in grades 7 and 10 found that the most frequent question type was multiple choice, which poses particular problems for students with mild handicaps. The majority of questions were at the knowledge level, either recognition or production.…

Compared the performance of two groups of subjects on psychoeducational tests taken during adolescence and early adulthood. Adolescents who had received a protein supplement when they were infants scored higher on tests of knowledge, numeracy, reading, and vocabulary and showed faster reaction times in information-processing tasks than adolescents…

Cognitive psychologists and measurement specialists have identified several methods for assessing students' knowledge structures. Applications of the Concept Structure Analysis Technique and MicroCAM (a computer-aided method) are described. Other research into schema knowledge is noted. These assessment procedures provide information about student…

Study examined types of pedagogical knowledge acquired by career-change preservice teachers in an alternative certification program. Researchers videotaped subjects, analyzed journals, and collected concept maps of teaching. Subjects exhibited four stages of pedagogical development. They showed a need to acquire theoretical knowledge about…

Whether high levels of metacognitive knowledge about problem solving can compensate for low overall aptitude was studied for 31 high-aptitude and 25 low-aptitude children in grades 4 and 5. Results confirming superior performance of high metacognitive individuals are discussed in terms of the independence of metacognition and academic aptitude.…

Studied whether individual differences in print exposure and exposure to other media can account for individual differences in acquired declarative knowledge, controlling for confounds between experience and ability. Results with 268 undergraduates (90 males and 178 females) suggest that exposure is a significant contributor to knowledge…

Describes levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge, condom use, self-efficacy, and intentions to practice HIV-safe behaviors among 52 young incarcerated African-American males. Although overall knowledge and intent to practice safe sex were moderate, transmission knowledge was low. Peer and subjective norms support condom use. (SLD)

Reviews the debate over multicultural education, and illustrates the roots of the debate between multiculturalists and Western traditionalists. A typology of knowledge is presented; and it is argued that each type should be part of curriculum at elementary school, secondary school, and higher levels. (SLD)

This study examined the effect of an introductory class on applications of computer-based technology, completed by nine special education majors. The course did not affect participants' attitudes toward computers or their ratings of instructional software programs but did enhance participants' self-perceived competence in using computers.…

Describes Indiana University's Teacher as Decision Maker Program, a graduate-level teacher education program offering middle/secondary school certification plus a master's degree. It serves individuals making career changes and is based on research in teacher education. Its theoretical framework integrates pedagogical schemata, professional…