A study found that the physical attractiveness of a dental school teacher affected the student's opinion of teaching effectiveness, regardless of the student's sex, with effectiveness ratings correlating with pleasing appearance. (MSE)

Three studies with college students in educational psychology courses examined the relationship between achievement, effort, and perceived ability within a mastery learning contest. In no study did it appear that students reduced effort because of the threat of failure or that expending effort led to lower estimates of ability. (Author/BS)

Knowledge and perceived utility of behavioral methods were surveyed in a sample of 107 direct-care staff members in an institution for persons with mental retardation or psychiatric disabilities. Results indicated that behavioral methods were generally considered useful, but the overall knowledge level concerning such methods was low. (Author/KM)

This study attempted to identify, by contrasting examples of junior high school math teachers' styles and teaching effectiveness, context-specific teacher activity structures and behaviors that effectively begin an instructional session. Methodology and results are discussed. (Author/JL)

Preferences of 40 nonretarded children, aged 7-12, for 40 mildly mentally retarded schoolmates were assessed before and after participating in a cooperative game together. Participation improved nonretarded children's preferences for and attitudes toward their retarded peers, regardless of the level of interaction permitted or the performance…

A British university's experience has shown that, with appropriate software and management methods, most of the practical problems in using student questionnaires to evaluate courses can be overcome. (MSE)

The University of Queensland's use of organizational theory to incorporate student evaluations of instruction into annual faculty evaluations and tenure and promotion decisions as a means of planned institutional change is discussed. (MSE)

All postsecondary institutions in Tennessee have the opportunity to earn an annual budget supplement for instruction from the state if certain criteria, based on educational outcomes, are obtained. A comprehensive assessment program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is described. (MLW)

This paper discusses several commonly used maximum performance tests of speech production, including phonation volume, maximum phonation duration, maximum fricative duration, fundamental frequency range, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum closing force, and maximum repetition rate. The published normative data, adequacy of these data for…

Examined changes in career intentions, career issues, organizational commitment, and job performance of employees in three distinct stages of plateauing process. Nonpleateaued employees improved performance, desired promotion, and believed they were increasingly marketable, unlike those plateaued during the study. Employees who were plateaued…

Reports on the activities of Des Moines Area Community College's Economic Development Group (EDG), a division created to develop and coordinate a systematic approach to providing contract training for business and industry. Highlights the Project File System as the core of the EDG's delivery system. (AYC)

A study examined the reading apprehension, writing performance, and perceived job reading requirements of 91 students enrolled in an upper-division business writing course. Results indicated that students with higher course grades showed lower levels of reading apprehension and anticipated higher reading requirements in future jobs. (SRT)

Presents a planning model for the automation of operations in a large hospital library and specifically describes the design and implementation of a local area network. Part 1 deals with the evolution of the idea, system planning, and design, and Part 2 addresses installation and implementation issues. (EM)

College teaching effectiveness, as perceived by students, can be predicted from specific, observable classroom behaviors of the instructor and can be improved through feedback and training procedures designed to modify these behaviors. (Author/MSE)

Relates the experiences of individuals who have gone from the field of outdoor experiential education to the corporate world. Points out skills that are transferable from experiential education to business and lists eight guidelines for anyone concerned about personal career growth. (JHZ)