The purpose of this study was to conduct descriptive, exploratory research to answer the questions: What is the ideal class size for online courses? What are the variables that affect optimal class size in this environment? As a study of the literature, the goal was to collect research-based evidence supporting optimal class size. The initial…

Following signals across Europe the European Students' Union (ESU) will focus its next working year on defending education as a public good, and a public responsibility. Since the very start of the new ESU team in July 2010 the ESU elected representatives have been working to develop a new political vision for the next ESU working year, that both…

In the United States first-generation students (FGSs), those who are the first in their families to attend university, are recognised as disadvantaged and receive government support. Amidst affirmative action debates in higher education in South Africa, an increased awareness has emerged about challenges that FGSs in this country face. A…

There is a dearth of literature that examines rural youths' school transition and adaptation over the middle and high school years. Given rural education challenges, this study examines rural youths' developmental trajectories of self-reported grades and affective and behavioral educational outcomes (i.e., school belonging, value of education,…

Several current international comparative large-scale assessments of educational achievement (ICLSA) make use of "Rasch models", to address functions essential for valid cross-cultural comparisons. From a historical perspective, ICLSA and Georg Rasch's "models for measurement" emerged at about the same time, half a century ago. However, the…

Background: It has been claimed that thematic or integrated approaches to curriculum delivery offer a range of advantages over subject-based modes of delivery including improved pupil motivation. Purpose: This study put claims regarding pupil motivation to the test, using the achievement goals framework. This contemporary approach to understanding…

Developments in the field of teaching culture are outlined, and some directions for further reading and development are listed. The focus is on multicultural materials, with only occasional reference to culture-specific media. Most of the literature surveyed is in the field of foreign language education, but some attempt was made to sample current…

This study, fourth in a series examining factors related to involvement in academic tasks, considers the ways in which cognitive, affective, and motivational variables associated with involvement change over various phases of completing an actual academic task (studying for a final examination). The phases of studying were: (1) just about to begin…

This document is a decision-making tool on the instructional process in Mississippi. It attempts to standardize curriculum content by identifying core skills that must be included in subject areas in kindergarten through grade 12. Subjects covered are reading, English/language arts, mathematics, art, computer education, foreign languages, health…

This brochure lists science objectives developed by the Texas Education Agency considered basic or essential for mid-point level (grade 5 or 6) and for high school exit level. Objectives are grouped under three major headings: (1) science processes; (2) laboratory manipulative skills; and (3) use of science and technology (content). Suggestions…

Issues related to basic skills education are discussed, beginning with a review of recent trends in American education. The 1960's are characterized as a decade of innovation, while the 1970's are described in terms of interest in accountability and cost effectiveness. Several reasons for current concerns about basic skills are suggested: parents'…

This report represents Phase Three of the "Continuing Plan for Education in Mississippi," which sought to develop a catalog of the precise reading competencies that students in Mississippi's public elementary and secondary schools would be expected to achieve by the time they reached particular grade levels. Chapter One is an introduction to the…

The American Government Collection is comprised of 38 course objectives and related evaluation items. Each sample contains an objective, sample test items, and criteria for judging the adequacy of student responses. The objectives are divided into nine categories: (1) introduction to government; (2) our colonial heritage; (3) the American…

Rationale, application for training, and implications for practice are presented for a school psychology training approach that is part of a broader Transactional-Ecological Psychology (TEP) Training Program. The TEP provides an innovative and unified approach to training in the areas traditionally called clinical, community, counseling and school…

An "investigative method" can be used by the English education specialist to determine both content of a curriculum and the organization and instruction of courses. Assuming that the purpose of teaching is to produce desired changes within learners, the method of the English teacher is to (1) decide the content of a new course which will develop…