Presents the application of decision-theoretic technique to a computer-based tutoring system for elementary mechanics. Uses sound probabilistic reasoning and a student model to identify learners' misconceptions. Focuses on the integration of Bayesian belief networks, item response theory, decision analysis, and database management systems in…

Examines the response of one high school to three of the explicit aims of the Kentucky writing portfolio assessment. Suggests limitations to the presumed validity of the assessment by revealing some of the intended and unintended consequences of the state's attempt to use the assessment to shape school writing programs, to encourage classroom…

Reviews the evolution of relevant research in both response to literature and in the enactment of response-based practices in classrooms. Examines research on text, readers, and contexts. Examines research exploring how readers construct texts as cultural worlds, construct identities through participation in worlds, and share responses through…

Examined moral development in maltreated and non-maltreated 3- and 4-year-olds through observation of child compliance/noncompliance during a cleanup situation following play. Found that abused children exhibited less internalization than non-maltreated. Neglected children showed more negative affect than others. Found no group differences in…

Interviewed elementary and secondary teachers to investigate emotions of teaching and educational change. Results highlight differences in the emotional geographies of elementary and secondary teaching, with elementary teaching characterized by physical and professional closeness which creates greater emotional intensity and secondary teaching…

Presents a theoretical framework for analyzing students' social, emotional, and motivational interpretations and demonstrates the application of the framework in two studies involving 8 12-year-old boys and 14 12-year-old boys in which such interpretations were analyzed in a cognitive apprenticeship-based technologically rich learning environment.…

Suggests that when teachers use student self-assessment to learn more about the contexts of student writing, they can respond more effectively. Argues that teachers need to (1) develop and use a variety of context-gathering tools; (2) actively solicit information about the contexts informing the production of student texts; and (3) use this…

Discusses methodological difficulties in assessing resilience in maltreated children, including distinguishing between resilience and factors promoting or reducing resilience, choosing sources of measures, determining how many measures to use, selecting scoring criteria, determining when to measure resilience, and examining the stability of…

History teachers and their 11th-grade students rated the relative importance of sections of instructional text on which teachers would be giving a test. Multilevel analysis revealed only a moderate correspondence between teachers in importance ratings. This suggested there were large differences between task demands of individual teachers,…

A study explored maternal response to the diagnosis of mental retardation in children using a focus group of six mothers. Findings identified four themes: differences between antenatal and postnatal diagnosis; a cycle of bereavement; issues relating to causation; and examples of poor interpersonal skills from medical personnel. (Contains…

Discusses the concerns of learning center managers in relation to job stress factors. Reports that respondents to a survey identify "inadequate support by supervisor" as the most severe stressor; "Fellow workers not doing their job" ranked second highest. (Contains 22 references.) (NB)

Explores attitudes of mainstream teachers toward the inclusion of children with special needs in the ordinary school. Reveals that teachers who have been implementing inclusive programs, having active experience with inclusion, possess more positive attitudes. Shows the importance of professional development in forming positive attitudes. (CMK)

There is no shortage of opinion about school violence. This article taps the expertise of youths themselves. Conversations were held with 95 high school students, both one week and one year following the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Two sets of responses are compared and questions are raised for educators as to how to…

This research developed and validated a new measure of undergraduate student cynicism--the Cynical Attitudes Toward College Scale (CATCS). Two empirical studies were aimed at validating the CATCS, showing that it can differentiate student groups exhibiting different kinds and levels of cynicism and illustrating how it can predict students' future…

Examines the challenges facing one group of secondary school English teachers in Australia as they conducted their first online discussions with a group of Year 11 students. Provides a map to help other teachers steer a clear course towards productive use of online discussion for text-response purposes. (SG)