Designed as a resource for persons interested in improving the quality of teaching and student learning, this book covers aspects of the teaching-learning process that can be altered with relative ease. Practical suggestions are given in chapters focusing on concepts known to have a strong influence on student learning. The chapters include: (1)…

This 723-item bibliography lists materials on teacher effectiveness research published from 1978 to early 1984. Reference to some earlier works of significance is also included. Teacher effectiveness research is here defined to include principally studies conducted in the presage-context-process-product tradition in an attempt to determine…

Weak increases in classroom cohesion for three seventh-grade classes instructed by a mastery learning technique compared to three conventionally instructed classes are demonstrated using block analysis of variance, triadic census (balance theory), and block modelling (role theory) analytic techniques on repeated-measures sociometric rating data.…

The purpose of the Fresh Start Minischool (FSMS) was to provide instruction to students entering high school with deficient mathematics and reading skills. Students worked at their own pace on sequenced learning tasks in social studies, mathematics, communication, and science. Additional program components included counseling and staff…

Faculty members are the most important resource for attaining high student achievement and retention rates. At the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), interviews with instructors who achieved over 90% retention for the Spring 1979 semester revealed that their courses were well-structured, used materials related to students' needs, and did not rely…

A self-instructional approach used at Central Michigan University to teach basic broadcasting techniques to students in a basic production course is described in this paper. Separate sections discuss the following topics: (1) problems involved in attempting to provide large numbers of students with hands-on training in broadcast production; (2)…

Criterion-referenced tests were used to measure basic skills and competencies in mathematics, reading, and writing in Texas. Results reported on 433,520 students in grades 5 and 9 who took the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) in 1980. Ninth graders were tested on competencies and proficiency levels expected to be mastered by students in…

Innovations which were incorporated into large, introductory, educational psychology lecture classes are described and compared to smaller classes that did not make use of the innovations. Four innovative pedagogical techniques are used: (1) a mastery approach, (2) formative evaluation, (3) a modified pyramid-like structure using small group…

The historical background of mastery learning is discussed and related to the use of the traditional normal curve and to the nature of curves which express more adequately the mastery learning concept. It is suggested that the mastery model calls for strategies that: inform students about course expectations; set standards of mastery in advance;…

Reports on use of a tutorial program written in STAF2 authoring language to replace human teaching in an undergraduate biology mastery learning program. Learning was assessed cognitively in terms of Bloom's Taxonomy. Students taught by the STAF2 computer program attained significantly higher scores for retention, application, and evaluation of…

Proposes a model of an integrated, problem-solving approach for conducting assessments of children with academic skills problems in regular classroom settings. Presents a case study that illustrates the implementation of the model for a fourth grader with a learning disability. (GLR)

This paper describes the development of a new university physics course designed to integrate physics, education, research, and community partnerships. The coordinated system of activities links the new course to local community efforts in pre-college education, university education, university outreach, and research on teaching and learning. As…

This study aims to develop and evaluate competency-based web learning material (CBWLM) for the college practicum Microprocessor Laboratory. After using the CBWLM for 8 weeks, this study investigates CBWL's learning effects and self-directed learning aptitudes (SDLAs) as well as exploring the influence of SDLA on learning effects based on the…

The term "conative" is used to describe constructs that span both motivational and volitional aspects of human behavior, distinguished from constructs that emphasize cognition and affection. Among the conative constructs are achievement strivings, beliefs about self-esteem and self-efficacy, interests and attitudes about learning,…

Different kinds of discussion methods have been developed to help students achieve different kinds of instructional objectives. The following discussion methods are analyzed from the perspective of the role demands that they make of students and teachers: (1) cooperative learning discussions; (2) the subject mastery discussion method; and (3)…