This study analyzed the academic and demographic characteristics of 2,939 students admitted to the University of Louisville (Kentucky) Preparatory Division (an academic/enrollment unit for all students initially inadmissible to a degree-granting unit) who achieved eligibility to transfer to a degree-granting unit of the University. It also…

A meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing data concerning the effects of computer programing on cognitive outcomes of students. Sixty-five studies were located from three sources, and their quantitative data were transformed into a common scale--Effect Size (ES). The analysis showed that 58 (89%) of the study-weighted ESs were positive…

The relationships between classroom performance and five possible predictor variables were studied. The ways in which these variables relate to performance in a classroom learning situation were examined, with the hypothesis that attributional style and motivation would be the best predictors of classroom performance. The variables were: (1)…

Authentic performance assessments--when used simultaneously with matching curricular practices--are a promising development for practitioners and students alike. A major benefit for practitioners appears to be the opportunity to redefine the curriculum and guide instruction. Benefits for students include the opportunity to engage in authentic work…

Using detailed cost breakdowns, this study attempts to determine the extent to which achievement of fourth- and eighth-grade students can be predicted from educational costs and school district size, and what combination of these variables and socioeconomic status best predicts student achievement (as measured by 1980-81 California Achievement…

A four-phase staff development program for faculty of health science professional schools is described, and aspects of the teaching/learning process are considered. The first phase dealt with intensive, all-day educational workshops for faculty in the basic and applied health sciences. Topics such as instructional planning, strategies of teaching…

Two studies were conducted to examine teachers' and young children's perceptions of persistence in classroom settings. In the first, 35 elementary school teachers responded to interview questions about (1) the appropriateness of persistence in relation to other strategies children could use to accomplish difficult tasks, (2) children's…

The six evaluation instruments recommended by the Committee on Teaching and Its Evaluation of the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) were modified to evaluate a large freshman writing program taught by inexperienced instructors. As course goals were clearly stated in the instructor's guide and repeated in orientation and…

Studies were conducted to identify critical barriers which could impede the progress of Hispanic undergraduates enrolled in science and engineering programs. The underlying theme in most studies was the interplay of language in various problem-solving tasks. Studies examined: (1) predictors of academic achievement (as measured by grade point…

The classroom environment elicits social comparison behavior in which a student uses peers' performance as a gauge for his own self-assessment. Social comparison as it relates to ability is a four phase sequential process. In phase one, stimulation of social comparison is elicited through developmentally-determined cognitive capacities and motives…

The founding of the Australian system of higher education closely parallels the creation of public postsecondary education in the United States during the nineteenth century. Their subsequent histories reflect a growing recognition of postsecondary education's capacity to shape the economic prospects not only of individuals, but of entire nations.…

What issues do distance education (DE) leaders believe will influence the future of DE? What are their colleges' DE strategies? This qualitative study compares DE strategic thinking and strategic choices at three community colleges. Two propositions are investigated: (1) each college's DE leaders use common strategic mental models (ways of…

This document describes findings from a survey of the women selected by their companies to receive the TWIN (Tribute to Women and Industry) award given by the Young Women's Christian Association. The women are described in terms of their years employed (the average was 19 years); career development (64 percent promoted within the last 10 years);…

A study sponsored by the Texas Education Agency was conducted to define qualitative and quantitative indicators of school district success. Efforts were focused on: viewpoints of administrators; quality indicators examined in other states; and a review of the literature. Results and recommendations are summarized into the following categories:…

A project conducted in the volunteer program of a county library system in a midwestern city assisted the volunteer coordinator in assessing the library's performance appraisal process for volunteers and in identifying ways to make the process more effective. Factors in performance appraisal which were most applicable and effective to the context…