Analysis of curriculum, enrollment, and faculty data from four private liberal arts colleges and two private research universities investigates the most cost-effective curriculum design, using simulation models. It is concluded that simpler college curricula, with fewer courses, less specialization, and more consolidation will yield smaller, less…

An Australian study investigated multidimensionality in college entrance examination scores. Data from the American College Testing Program (ACT) and Australian Tertiary Entrance scores (which combines year 12 course grades and scores on the Australian Scholastic Aptitude Test) were analyzed using a 4-dimensional model. Results suggest a single…

Responses from 194 vo-tech enrollees and 146 transfer students at a community college showed the 2 groups shared similar backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and aspirations. Program choice was only moderately associated with desired level of education. Recommendations for revised transfer policies were made. (SK)

Considers a cross-cultural composition course as a placement option. Outlines the main points of the composition course: writing projects and activities; providing an English-as-a-Second-Language-friendly environment; discussing opportunities for cross-cultural learning; and implementing cross-cultural composition. (SC)

Relates that concerns about the dropout rate among physics majors at the University of Montreal (Canada) led to a study of student persistence. Indicates that those who dropped out and those who stayed differed in their perceptions of their skills and knowledge, and their confidence in finishing the program. Presents preliminary recommendations.…

Presents a study based on statistics regarding curricular options of German senior high school students in choosing basic and advanced courses. Focuses on the contrast between gender-specific curricular options and the process of an equalization of male and female formal educational careers that is observable over the past three decades. (DSK)

Explores students' reasons for choosing the General National Vocational Qualifications Advanced Business course in an attempt to understand reasons for non-completion of the course. Focuses on the influence of competition of the post-16 curriculum, the effect of advice on student choice, and the students' perceptions of themselves as learners and…

Analyzes the characteristics of the British student population in mathematics at both the interface between the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A level and between A level and high education. Focuses on the changes in GCSE and A level mathematics, entry standards in higher education, and gender balance issues. (CMK)

One Connecticut studied focus groups with middle school girls and surveyed high school students in technology education; a second studied focus groups with high school girls. Middle school girls appeared to enjoy technology education and had confidence, but by high school, sexist behavior and stereotypes in the school culture discourages their…

Reports a study that examined why high school students chose not to take elective physical education (PE) classes after completing their graduation requirement. Surveys indicated that students did not have enough time to take both elective PE courses and additional college preparation coursework. Secondly, students did not like PE. (SM)

Refutes the assertion by W. Lichten (2000) that increased access to advanced placement (AP) courses in high school has led to a decline in AP quality. Suggests that increased access exposes students to college-level course material, encourages teachers to expand their knowledge domains, increases curriculum rigor, and give students new challenges.…

Examines the point at which children develop negative attitudes toward science and whether the adoption of the National Curriculum in England and Wales has influenced student attitudes. Results indicate that although unpopular, students do not necessarily have negative attitudes toward science. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Compares the number of students per 1,000 12th graders who took Advanced Placement (AP) examinations over a 13-year period. Includes differences by student gender and race/ethnicity. Highlights the dramatic increase in the number of students taking AP examinations. (Author/SLD)

This paper examines the social meaning of subject choice in the post-16 context through a case study of Media Studies in a selective school. Students' accounts are discussed in terms of both their enjoyment of the subject and their negotiation of its "legitimacy". The analysis of their comments in interviews stresses the subject's…

During the 1990s, all Spanish Universities updated the syllabuses of their courses as a result of the entry into force of the new Organic Law of Universities ("Ley Organica de Universidades") and, for the first time, "Computer Assisted Design" (CAD) appears in the list of core subjects (compulsory teaching content set by the…