Presents three mathematical models for the evolution over time of the proportion of minorities in an academic department or similarly selected group of constant size. Analyzes both the steady-state and time-dependent behavior of the proportion of minorities and suggests a method of evaluating the fairness of a department's hiring history.…

A logit models analysis shows that access to university education in Spain is significantly affected by family income. Lower family income is associated with shorter degree programs; higher family income is associated with longer degree programs and higher degrees. A more determining factor is family cultural and educational level. Scholarships…

Social network analysis (SNA) uses indices of relatedness among individuals to produce representations of social structures and positions inherent in dyads or groups. SNA methods provide quantitative representations of ongoing transactional patterns in a given social environment. Methodological issues, applications and resources are discussed…

Describes how a mathematical model can be constructed and used to better understand human impact on natural resources. Uses the source of many current discussions in northern Idaho to present algebraic concepts and show an application of exponential functions. Contains 13 references. (ASK)

Describes a hands-on, guided-learning activity that forges vertical connections among grade levels and relies on physical models in the investigation of algebraic concepts. This lesson helps students discover that a given value can have multiple representations. Includes a sample student activity log. (AIM)

Using national longitudinal survey data, employs current duration-analysis techniques to examine the first teaching spell for a sample of teachers. Estimates of a proportional hazard model indicate that the length of a teacher's first spell is more responsive to wages than improved teaching conditions. Marriage and fertility variables are also…

Applies multilevel models of cost-effectiveness to numerous types of (British) institutions providing courses of instruction in the General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level. Different impressions may be gained about an institution's relative effectiveness when cost considerations are combined with outcome measures. Data evaluation needs…

This study examined effects of individual differences in speak-span scores and variations in memory demands on class-inclusion performance of 10-, 13-, and 15-year-olds. Results from regression analyses and the mathematical model indicated that differences in age, speak span, and memory load affected performance. Effects of speak span and memory…

Two experiments tested a neo-Piagetian model of verbal short-term memory, comparing it with the articulatory loop model. Findings indicated that the proposed model accounted for effects of M capacity, word length, and presentation modality on short-term memory. The model's fit to the data was acceptable, and parameter estimates were consistent…

Discusses the history of the development of Newton's Law of Cooling. Describes an experiment conducted in the kitchen that is designed to test the rate of cooling of a hot block of iron. Finds that Newton's law does not represent very well the mechanism of heat loss. (Contains over 10 references.) (WRM)

Discusses mathematical and physical evidence that air consists of a tiny volume of particles moving at an average speed of over 1000 miles per hour. (WRM)

College-preference studies can help administrators identify a potential pool of desirable students and implement new recruitment techniques. This study, which supports earlier findings, used a logistic regression model to investigate the effects of variables relating student characteristics and institutional factors on the decision to apply to a…

Discusses the theory of microeconomic efficiency measurement, including frontier efficiency-measurement techniques; reviews the research measuring inefficiency in education; discusses the determinants of educational efficiency; includes table listing author, methodology, inputs and output, analytical techniques, and main findings for 28 studies of…

This article addresses the use of Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) as a (curricular) tool to develop mathematical creativity and identify students who are creatively gifted in mathematics. The thesis of this article is that by using MEAs, gifted educators can: (a) provide students with opportunities to develop creative and applied mathematical…

Emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling has gained considerable attention in the last few years. Connecting mathematics to other subjects and to the real world outside the classroom has received increased attention in mathematics programs. This article describes an application of simple differential equations in the field of…