Focuses on the structure/function relationship of the brain and language. Reviews the basic theories concerning cortical structures and language representation. Presents a call that highlights the need to examine the areas of listening, memory, and information retrieval for a more sophisticated analysis of the complex relationship between cortical…

Discussion of online instruction that is delivered via dedicated Web-based hypertext systems on the Internet focuses on the human resources (including faculty, students, administration, and staff), information and learning resources, and technical resources that are needed to produce and manage online learning environments. Describes future…

Discusses research on midlife transitions in women and its implications for theories of women's adult development. Presents findings on menopause, the postparental period, and the roles of women at midlife. Offers several theoretical approaches in light of research findings and makes recommendations for future research. Suggests implications for…

Argues that the current state of computer-based distance learning is problematic. Shows that (1) solving the problems requires changes at all levels of computer-mediated communication; (2) more research is needed in computer interface design; and (3) delivery systems need radical redesign. Concludes that medium-sized and small colleges may suffer…

Suggests that writing is a rhythmic activity. Claims that the combined effect of rapidly switching between composing and revising is to set up complex cycles of engagement and reflection that may disrupt the flow of composition. Describes "Writer's Assistant," a writing environment designed to study computer support for writing processes. Proposes…

Introduces articles in journal issue devoted to research on gestures. Discusses importance of studying gesture, its definition, and open theoretical and practical questions on the subject, including (1) Is the relationship between gesture and speech one of equal partners? (2) Are there developmental changes in the relationship between gesture and…

The conceptual basis and development of The Suinn Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA) are reviewed. This study of psychometric strengths and limitations includes 16 published empirical studies concerning reliability and validity of SL-ASIA. Measures of reliability and methods of establishing construct validity are discussed, and…

Reports the results of a study that investigated whether faculty who use computer mediated communication (CMC) achieve greater scholarly productivity as measured by publications and numerous other prestige factors. Findings that indicate positive results from CMC are described, implications for faculty and academic libraries are discussed, and…

Reviews recent studies of family preservation and related family-strengthening programs. Estimates the effect sizes of outcomes in studies with control or comparison conditions. Also identifies a set of core services that characterize innovative family preservation programs in child welfare, multisystemic family treatment in juvenile justice, and…

Reviews the development of Recovery Reading. Addresses two questions: (1) which features of the program embody Vygotskian notions? and (2) how effective is the program at improving literacy skills? Finds that Reading Recovery increased reading attainment and argues that future research should address the sociocultural context of the program. (DSK)

Sustainable agriculture is a multidisciplinary approach to food and fiber problems. Its inclusion in the secondary curriculum would enrich and align it with social concerns. Research is needed in the scholarship functions of discovery, integrative approaches, and teaching. (SK)

The effect of marriage type (polygamy vs. monogamy) on reproductive decisions is investigated using comparative data from the 1988, 1989, and 1993 Demographic and Health Surveys of Ghana and Kenya. Multivariate analysis is used. Inconclusive results are discussed with a focus on future research directions. (Author/EMK)

Argues for more research into school violence to examine whether recent horrific events mask deeper problems or represent rare exceptions and what educators know about adopting and sharing school security practices. Reports on a postal school survey of English schools seeking to quantify the problem, discusses respondents' concerns, and considers…

Introduces a study of sexual behavior problems in sexually abused boys and girls, aged 3-7 years. Stresses the importance of considering the issue of the child's own sexual feelings and arousal. Such studies are seen as providing practitioners with pointers to the most at-risk children. Also urges more research concerning interventions for sexual…

Defines a two-stage process by which a holistic rubric is applied to the assessment of open-ended items, such as writing samples. Indicates that the use of rating augmentation can improve the inter-rater reliability of holistic assessments, as indicated by generalizability phi coefficients, correlation coefficients, and percent agreement indices.…