Reports the preliminary findings of a major study on the attitudes, demography, and aspirations of library and information science students. The discussion includes demographic characteristics and educational backgrounds, reasons for choosing library and information science work, and types of positions perceived as most desirable. (six references)…

Describes an ethnographic study of the electronic community comprised of masters and doctoral students involved in a seminar on networking. Ethnographic research facilitated observation and description of the networked learning community. The exploration of the cultural meaning of class events led to enhanced understanding of online education and…

Describes an innovative and collaborative approach to helping teacher educators better prepare preservice teachers to utilize technology for effective instruction. A mentoring program that paired graduate students in instructional technology with interested faculty members is discussed, and attitudes of the mentors and the faculty members are…

A higher education version of the Diligence Inventory for Secondary Students was developed to address student effort in regard to his/her educational development. Undergraduate and graduate students completed the survey. The new version underwent some structural modifications in the scales, but both versions possessed excellent reliability and…

Talented preservice teachers were surveyed to determine their reasons for entry, work perceptions, and future career plans. Results indicated students entered the profession mainly for altruistic reasons and had fairly realistic views of working conditions. Many planned to remain only if they derived the expected satisfaction from working with…

This series of 32 brief reports reviews a number of issues related to the role and representation of blacks in American higher education. Issues related to enrollment, student life, graduate study, faculty, and administration are highlighted as the status of blacks in the nation's colleges and universities is explored. (SLD)

A study investigated proverbial reference in the language of three Chinese graduate students literate in English, contrasting rhetorical use and its contribution to cohesion. Subjects referred to Chinese proverbs frequently, even though they did not help convey meaning well in English, because of emphasis placed on their use in Chinese writing.…

Describes the development and validation of a microcomputer software system that enhances undergraduate students' interests in becoming engineering graduate students. The development of a database with information on engineering graduate programs is discussed, and a model that matches individual and institutional needs using Southwell's Relaxation…

A study investigated the relationship between the completeness of end users' mental models of an online system and their ability to use the system effectively. Although all of the study subjects were relatively successful, those with more complete mental models tended to have better search results than subjects with incomplete or poor mental…

Two studies of variables influencing graduate students' consideration and choice of school found positive association with university personnel was a prime enrollment motivator. Students' decision process has changed over time. Evidence suggests students prefer an institution that is "user-friendly," affordable, and committed to quality. Cost and…

Defines playfulness in human-computer interactions in terms of flow theory and explores the dimensionality of the flow concept. Two studies are reported that investigated the factor structure and correlates of flow in human-computer interactions: one examined MBA students using Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and one examined employees using…

The trend toward unionization for graduate students employed as teaching assistants by colleges and universities is examined, and the content of union contracts at five major universities is analyzed, looking at provisions for salary, health insurance, salary increases, grievance procedures, and appointment letters. Activism at three other…

Discussion of computerized adaptive testing focuses on a study of graduate students at Indiana University at Bloomington that examined three kinds of computerized adaptive testing procedures to determine their psychological impact and how they may affect test performance. Previous research is reviewed, and further research is suggested. (28…

An American studying for his master's degree in French in France reflects on the experience of advanced second-language learning. The discussion focuses on the stage at which interaction with others replaces formulation of sentences as the primary task and on understanding the power of word choice. (MSE)

Considers what the higher educational status of black America and the nation as a whole would be if the Bakke decision had gone the other way and race-based affirmative action policies had been held unconstitutional from the beginning. A major erosion in blacks pursuing higher education would be expected. (SLD)