Research at Queens College involving 116 English as a second language students revealed that proficiency in English, measured by a variety of tests, is more closely related to amount of formal instruction than to years spent in an English-speaking country, although a significant relationship exists between proficiency and each factor. (CFM)

CPCS at the University of Massachusetts-Boston meets the needs of the emerging professions in a competency-based program. Objectives and innovations at CPCS are described and guidelines for developing similar programs are offered. (LBH)

Reports on a study to examine and assess stress-levels of factors of anxiety, depression, and hostility present in a camp staff during a ten-week resident program. Results indicate that anxiety, depression, and hostility do not correlate directly or inversely with each other. (TW)

Discusses the use of databases for research by undergraduates in the standard freshman research paper course. Explains how students were introduced to database operations and uses. Discusses some perceived problems and enumerates benefits of this program. (AEM)

Examines six major preconditions for literacy that are rooted in the home environment and discusses some of the implications of this home literacy environment for schools. (Author/PCB)

Discusses some of the difficulties of visualizing underlying geologic structural patterns by using maps or wooden blocks. Suggests the use of a modified layer cake to show dipping beds, folds, faults and differential erosion, as well as the relationships of stream valleys to outcrop patterns. (TW)

Discusses some recent research dealing with the enhancement of an individual's capacity for acquiring and using information through direct instruction and training in appropriate information processing strategies. Describes a learning strategy system known as MURDER, and relates its use to the learning of scientific and technical material. (TW)

Discusses three current approaches to curriculum for science education which seem to be converging on a similar model for instruction: technology and society; misconceptions in science; and hands on science. The technologies required for the implementation of this teaching model are identified, and appropriate science education resources are…

Provides an annotated list of references on computer-oriented projects. Includes information on computers; hands-on versus simulations; games; instruction; students' attitudes and learning styles; artificial intelligence; tutoring; and application of spreadsheets. (RT)

Focuses on what life is like in the three major regions of the ocean: (1) the sunlit surface waters; (2) the dim mid-waters; and (3) the dark ocean depths. Five activities and three pages of ocean organisms for copying are included. (Author/RT)

Describes an activity designed to help children understand why there is a limit to the size of animals that live on land. Details the materials and set-up for this activity. Contains a reproducible, three-part activity sheet to accompany the activity. A key for the teacher is included. (CW)

Stresses the importance of hands-on science in elementary schools. Gives tips on designing your own excellent science program. Lists resources for hands-on activities. (RT)

Experiential techniques can help make students aware of what culture is and how it functions. These activities may take the form of structured in-class activities dealing with non-verbal and other culture-bound behavior, or out-of-class activities in which students observe and interact with the target language. (Author/LMO)

256 undergraduate students of Spanish responded to questionnaire concerning their: (1) experiences with Spanish and other languages in and out of the classroom; (2) comfort level in various aspects of using Spanish; and (3) motivation for taking Spanish courses. A significant relationship was drawn between student's outside experience and his or…

Describes an inservice teacher training initiative which explored the value of relating aspects of foreign language learning to aspects of environmental education. Discusses the development of a course for modern language teachers and teacher trainers from Great Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany in environmental education program…