Some methodological issues in the study of levels of knowledge are reviewed, and needs for further research are explored, drawing on an analysis of 12 studies reported since the late 1970s. In the 12 studies, 16 quantitative experiments were conducted. These were assessed for internal and external validity. Analysis revealed some shortcomings in…

Examining the factors that influence the distribution of technologies in developing countries should provide new possibilities for organizations engaged in international communication and audience research to understand, and respond, to potential audiences. Five critical elements influence the distribution of media technologies in developing…

A discussion of classroom research on language teaching looks at what researchers have learned so far from attempts to study what happens in the language classroom. The discussion is based on the idea that it is not the currency of instructional method used that matters most, but rather a fuller understanding of classroom interaction. The first…

A 1988 symposium on the effect of family problems on the corporate bottom line and a review of more than 80 other studies have confirmed that business investments in programs and policies to resolve family-work conflicts yield returns. Family issues/problems have been documented to affect employee recruitment, productivity, turnover, and…

Based on the findings of a 1998 conference on the new assessment and accountability requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this report discusses critical issues that surround the assessment provisions included in the 1997 IDEA amendments and contains recommendations related to state and district-wide assessments…

Career education and guidance (CEG) are schools is primarily concerned with helping students make and implement career decisions. Evidence from motivation, self-efficacy, expectancy-value, achievement motivation, and attribution theory suggests that CEG may helps enhance pupil motivation and attainment. In terms of those theories, CEG can help…

This paper describes the process of creating, redesigning, and piloting a World Wide Web-based faculty development workshop. The workshop, originally presented in a traditional setting, was created to foster reflective thought about teaching philosophies and practice. Moving the workshop from a traditional classroom-like setting to a Web-based…

This report, second in a series of eight, highlights some of the findings from two recent surveys of the opinions of adult Californians on products and policies affecting youth tobacco use. The specific focus is on public perceptions of the role of the media in affecting youth tobacco consumption. The surveys were conducted in October and November…

This Digest introduces dance as an art form characterized by use of the human body as a vehicle of expression. Organized into three sections, the first examines the rationale for dance programs in education, presenting opportunities for development of critical thinking and analytical skills; cooperation and teamwork; self-expression and…

In October 1992, doctoral students enrolled in a community college leadership program at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, were assigned six questions to be answered in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or the CEO's designate, at the 15 community colleges where the students were employed. The questions explored respondents'…

This book presents a comprehensive survey and analysis of the concept of self-direction in learning. Part 1 (Chapters 1-3) distinguishes uses and meanings of the term self-direction and provides an historical introduction. Part 2 (Chapters 4-7) contains a more careful analysis of the four principal domains of self-direction: personal autonomy,…

This study explored how regular teachers (N=20) and special education teachers (N=20) think and make instructional decisions about special needs students. Teachers viewed a videotape of a reading comprehension lesson for a small group of third grade students. One student was a target for observation and classified as learning disabled.…

There is a burgeoning body of research on gender differences in computing attitudes and behaviors. After a decade of experience, researchers from both inside and outside the field of educational computing research are raising methodological and conceptual issues which suggest that perhaps researchers have shortchanged girls and women in…

Education is one of the most often used methods in the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Numerous educational models have been designed in response to the needs of various groups to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Results have been mixed because of the…

This report reviews research on rural education produced between 1986 and 1993. The review focuses on equity of educational opportunity; financial, curricular, and staffing issues; research agendas; and educational reform. The literature demonstrates that educational opportunity for rural school populations often is substandard, especially when…