Reports on a study of 70 secondary female students in mathematics classes over a period of 7 weeks. Finds that self-efficacy was the best predictor of learning intentions. Recommends further research on the relationships between perceived learning environment, self-efficacy, and learning intentions. (CFR)

The study described here examined whether using formative assessment would affect middle school physical education students' self-perceptions of effort and skill. Students completed questionnaires about effort and skill following assessment in various activities. Formative assessment did not affect students' self-perceptions. Students believed…

Presents an approach to geometry that integrates mathematics and language teaching. Suggests that mathematics is more than manipulation of numbers: it is a way of thinking about things. Argues that mathematics and language should be united especially to achieve the goal of promoting the development of analytical thinkers, as the ability to see…

Maintains that two goals in multicultural art education are developing students' sensitivity to the techniques and inspiration of artists and utilizing that understanding to discover more about their own beliefs and values as translated through an art object. Describes a case-study lesson based on this approach. (CFR)

Reports on the effects of expressive variation in dynamics on the musical preferences of 45 middle school students. Finds that students preferred the expressive version of 10 folk songs. Concludes that expressive interpretation and performance may stimulate a wide range of positive student responses. (CFR)

Discusses a history professor's attempt to awaken students' interest by assigning an oral history project rather than a traditional research paper. Reports that adding to the personal dimension to the project increased students enthusiasm and introduced them to problems of historical research and historiography. Includes problems of reliability…

Discusses demographic changes that are expected to create a shortage of young workers in the United Kingdom and suggests steps that companies need to take to address the problems that could result. Topics discussed include human resource management (HRM) strategies; the core-periphery model of employees; and commitment to an organization. (79…

Reports on a study of 128 first-year teachers. The data suggest that beginning teachers are selective in whom they ask for help. Most sought help from experienced teachers they perceived as friendly or caring, whether they were mentors or not. (SM)

Measures level of interest in 3 kinds of rewards for work (intrinsic, extrinsic, and collegial) for 536 public school teachers, 130 administrators, and 559 university faculty, using a Likert-type scale. Higher interest in colleagueship and intrinsic rewards was associated with educator participation in a school-university collaboration project.…

Seventy-four retained students in grades 3 through 6 were compared with 60 randomly selected students, 69 matched-ability students, and 35 students who were socially promoted. Early academic difficulties tend to persist. Although retention does not eliminate academic problems, social promotion may exacerbate them. (SLD)

Identifies qualities found in master music teachers by observing one teacher's performance when conducting a fifth grade class. Praises these teachers' devotion; musical skill; inspiring classroom practices; and diligence. Highlights theatrical skills used in music classes. Suggests that these teachers derive enormous satisfaction from their work.…

Explores alternative ways teachers can serve linguistically and culturally diverse student populations. Two Philadelphia elementary teachers have successfully created learning contexts for bilingual literacy. This article describes ways they adapt their teaching for biliterate development and for the particular bilingual contexts and media of…

Proposes the critical analysis of science fiction as a motivational enhancement for students to be strategically engaged in the learning of scientific concepts. Exemplifies this strategy with the analysis of the data presented in the science fiction short story, "Maelstrom II" written by Arthur C. Clarke, utilizing mathematical concepts…

Suggests that educational researchers can strengthen history education by promoting educational equity and access to students not motivated by traditional approaches to teaching history. Discusses changes being considered for history education. Explains that some students may interpret primary sources or relate them to historical trends through…

Research review examines whether student thought processes mediate achievement in physical education. The paper offers the mediating process paradigm to explain unexpected, inconsistent research findings on teaching and describes problems associated with measuring cognitive processes, suggesting they play an active role in student motor skill…