Observers coded student-teacher classroom discussions and laboratory conversations which could be described as advisement, interpretation, confirmation, or reflection. All four verbal response modes imply presumption of knowledge of the person addressed. As hypothesized, teachers were more presumptuous than students, suggesting a link to social…

A survey of 191 sixth through eighth grade students suggests that newspaper exposure is a positive predictor of political information and interest, that television exposure is a negative predictor, and that--contrary to expectations-- interpersonal communication is a negative influence on political information. (GT)

This study evaluated a four-hour training program on AIDS prevention for university residence hall assistants (RAs). Pre- and posttraining surveys of RAs who did and did not receive the training indicated that many significant changes in knowledge and beliefs resulted from the training. RAs felt better able to educate others. (SM)

The impact of computer-mediated technology on the preparation of 72 third-graders for inclusive classes was explored. Male students in a computer instruction group out-performed males in control and teacher instruction groups with respect to basic knowledge about students with mental retardation. There were no differences among female students.…

Looks at "pedagogical knowing" as one facet of a larger conceptual framework that grounds a teacher's self-knowledge as a person and as a teacher. With the help of two middle school English teachers, the paper argues for a view of subject matter knowledge that is dynamic, relational, practice-oriented, and useful. (SM)

Summarizes the results of an experiment that asks 363 postgraduate student teachers in England to draw a sketch map of the British Isles. The maps were scored in terms of the number and definition of coastal features drawn and the relative area of the constituent political units. (MJP)

Analysis of 366 surveys completed by Pennsylvania teachers with educational responsibility for students using assistive technology found teachers were informed and experienced in the use of computers and assistive technology, issues of equipment complexity were seen as barriers to assistive technology utilization, and training and maintenance were…

This paper discusses the limitations of assessment procedures used with ethnic minority students in South Africa, using a nationwide survey of psychologists to gauge their knowledge of culturally fair and appropriate assessment techniques. The Learning Potential Assessment Device is recommended for the assessment of giftedness, intelligence, and…

Describes development of the Multicultural Teaching Concerns Survey, a self-report survey designed to assess the intensity of teachers' concerns about teaching diverse students. Participants (N=146) were preservice and inservice teachers. Analysis revealed four multicultural teaching concern factors, two of which roughly supported related…

A literature review identified 12 studies reporting the impact of worksite HIV/AIDS intervention programs. Ten studies reported positive effects on knowledge and/or attitudes. Few had control or comparison groups. Given the small number of studies and poor methodology, the literature on worksite HIV/AIDS intervention was classified as weak.…

Investigated the development among fourth-graders of two-dimensional space concepts within a mathematics unit on grids, coordinates, and rectangles. Found that students' knowledge of grid and coordinate systems related to levels of competence in number sense, spatial-geometric relationships, and the ability to discriminate and integrate the two…

In Los Angeles County, the GIG intervention offers education to adolescents about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections at a social event geared to the youth culture. Pre- and posttests completed by 609 Latino adolescents indicated an increase in knowledge and attitude changes. Use of peer educators was an important component of program…

Examined whether African American first- through sixth-graders' perceptions of occupational status and their own vocational interests were affected by racial segregation of the workforce. Found that for familiar jobs, children's judgments related to their knowledge of racial segregation in these jobs. Novel occupations depicted with African…

Examined how high school students, in individual and peer conditions, process scientific information that contradicts what they believe, and assessed the contribution of this activity to conceptual change. Results indicated two processing approaches: (1) direct assimilation; and (2) knowledge building, suggesting that knowledge building as a…

Compares approaches to defining functional scientific literacy and helping students achieve it--the canonical approach focuses on literate individuals' knowledge, skills, and habits of mind; the sociocultural approach focuses on factors such as values, which affect participation in the community's activities. Offers a case study to show how these…