Seven papers present a new paradigm for understanding the sources of motivation and how it can be enhanced in high-risk students. Major parameters include the importance of reflective self-awareness, the realization of personal autonomy and agency, and the importance of support from personal relationships. (SLD)

Several developments growing out of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are reviewed, with a discussion of their extension and application to other projects. These developments include: (1) complex matrix item sampling designs; (2) performance-based items in large-scale assessments; (3) vertical scaling; and (4) innovative…

Literature analysis indicates that surveys are not widely used in the planning process for academic libraries because of difficulties with design of user studies, translation of survey results into management decisions, and acceptance of survey data by librarians. Trends such as competition from private information sources will force a change in…

The state of scholarship and research in social work is analyzed with regard to research methods found in the core literature, faculty and doctoral scholarly productivity, graduate research curricula, and use of scholarship by practitioners. Challenges for improving social work research training, scholarly production, and knowledge transmission…

Australia's Cooperative Research Centres Program, a system of 52 research and development (R&D) units, links researchers from public and private sectors, helping industry and scientific community coordinate research efforts. The program represents 6% of the national R&D effort and spans six major R&D and industry sectors. (MSE)

Examines teachers' roles as mediators of knowledge and cognitive learning in the classroom. Cites research findings concerning teacher effectiveness, expertise, and curriculum knowledge. Urges user-friendly, explicit methods of classroom teaching as opposed to child-centered learning without mediation by the teacher. Suggests that teacher…

Understanding the link between classroom assessment techniques (CATs) and cognitive learning theory not only allows college teachers to choose and design CATs that fit particular classroom needs, but helps them explicate to students the potential applications of CATs to study strategies in general. Once students make this leap, the effects of a…

Presents the results of an undergraduate research project using geographic concepts and terminology to document the public perception of crime in a small New Zealand town. Original data were culled from a questionnaire which addressed such issues as direct victimization, fear of crime, and behavior restrictions and adaptation. (MJP)

This article describes the Math Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), a research-based practice developed with heavy teacher involvement. A case study of a school where Math PALS was developed, researched, and continues in use is followed by a discussion of principles for sustaining the use of research-based practices. Extensive figures detail…

Study examined how teachers understand research in light of their prior beliefs about what research is and how it should influence their teaching by questioning 13 teachers about 5 articles they read. Found that many teachers focused on the product of research rather than the main ideas and evidence in support of that product. (MDM)

Researchers responsible for"Alcohol Abuse in Urban Indian Adolescents and Women: A Longitudinal Study for Assessment and Risk Evaluation" respond to critiques of the research project. Clarifies project goals, discusses issues related to longitudinal research, and addresses concerns related to research utilization and data publication.…

Describes how applied developmental science (ADS) integrates developmental research with policies and programs promoting positive development or enhancing life chances of vulnerable children and families. Maintains that ADS contributes to social justice, promotes outreach, and serves as a model of how higher education may engage policymakers,…

Most researchers agree that several broad-based steps are required for the effective use of data in education. First, states or districts must agree upon which data elements and indicators to collect. Then, those responsible for collecting the data must ensure its integrity. Once the data is considered valid and reliable, educators must have the…

Increased demands for colleges and universities to engage in outcomes assessment for accountability purposes have accelerated the need to bridge the gap between higher education practice and the fields of measurement, assessment, and evaluation. The "Handbook on Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation in Higher Education" provides higher…

Written to focus attention on the emerging philosophy and practice of whole language, this book serves as a "portfolio" for the graduate or undergraduate student who is interested in pursuing ideas, considering issues, and thinking about problems related to whole language. The 48 selected articles from 24 major education journals presented in the…