Discusses the use of the WORDS computer program in scoring writing assignments. Explains that computerized analysis has identified factors in experienced writers' essays that graders favor but has failed to distinguish clearly between basic and average writers' works. Concludes that holistic scoring can work effectively for student placement, but…

The use of computer spreadsheet programs in the physics laboratory is discussed. An example of this application with a conservation of energy laboratory is presented including the cases of a rolling sphere and a sliding sphere. (CW)

Reports the findings of 2 surveys given to students and teachers at 4 schools of Pepperdine University (California) that substantiate the importance of name recognition and social interaction between instructors and students. Lists techniques teachers use to remember names. Introduces Names, a 12-option computer program, designed to assist in name…

This study assessed the validity of the Children's Physical Activity Form, an observational instrument which measures the intensity of children's physical activity, by comparing observer judgments of subjects' (N=40) activity intensity level with min-by-min heart rate values. Results document the validity of the instrument for observing physical…

Described is a software package, "Trapeze," within which a routine called LinDis can be used. Discussed are teaching methods, the linear discriminant model and equations, the LinDis worksheet, and an example. The set up for this routine is included. (CW)

The University of Hawaii developed an assessment and testing program for qualifying internal medicine residents in basic procedural skills: an observation period, a multiple-choice examination, and a slide-identification examination. The mean scores of both examinations were analyzed to assess whether curriculum changes were effective. (Author/MLW)

Johnes and Taylor refute the criticisms of McPherson and Paterson on their paper about undergraduate noncompletion rates. Criticism centered on the use of the mean A-level scores of entrants as a measure of academic ability, definition of noncompletion, and omission of student/staff ratios. (MLW)

Discusses the use of quantitative methods in historical research. Maintains that numbers are essential to understanding certain historical phenomena and contends that statistical sources must be approached with a critical stance. Describes the integration of quantitative methods into the history curriculum, and the establishment of an…

This field study suggests that preschoolers' social play should be viewed as a developmentally expanding repertoire of skills and that the performance of the skills is a function of the expectations of the preschool environment (school philosophy and practice). Subjects were 54 Canadian preschoolers, aged 4 and 5. (IAH)

Reflects on some of the problems encountered in the authors' experimental approach to a study of reading comprehension. Discusses the limitations of experimental research, and presents an alternative to experimental or quantitative research, focusing on the relationship between teachers and learners as they interact in classrooms. (MM)

Analyzes the time children of different ages, sex, and proficiency levels spent on various compositional processes while creating a melody. Suggests that the amount of time used for exploration, development, repetition, and silence has an effect on the subject's ability to replicate the melody. Finds developmental differences in strategies for…

Examines the extent to which retaining low achieving students affects the average reading scores of the grade in which they are retained and the next higher grade. Analyzes data from one elementary school in Kansas City (Missouri). (FMW)

This study of 852 subjects in Barcelona (Spain) between 4 and 9 years old estimated the degree of consistency among elements of the Borelli-Oleron Performance Scale by taking into account item clusters and subtest clusters. The internal consistency of the subtests rose when all ages were analyzed jointly. (SLD)

Discusses the potential for increasing library effectiveness through the appropriate design and utilization of research and describes fundamental research and statistical techniques. Topics examined include areas amenable to data collection, data collection methods amenable to statistical analysis, measurement techniques and levels of…

This study focuses on imagery of youth and old age in the plays of Euripides, especially the "Suppliant Women," considering frequently used words in each play according to formula developed by Pierre Guiraud. Identifies a motif, the rejuvenation theme, in several of Euripides' plays. Shows how the word "neos" (new, young) helps…