Examined the relationship between play and learning by exploring contrasts between the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky and examining data from a study of preschool teachers' theories of play. At the outset, these theories revealed a predominantly Piagetian, developmental orientation but changed toward a more social-constructivist orientation.…

Demonstrates the use of Rasch models to assess the dimensionality of an item set across cohorts in longitudinal studies. Presents data from a study on adolescents' deductive reasoning ability showing that the same test items can be measuring qualitatively different latent traits in different subsamples or at different time points. (JPB)

Demonstrates how Rasch models can be used to study differences in item salience within and across time points, and that even if a test does not fulfill assumptions of the Rasch model, it can be used to obtain information on item functioning across participants and over time. Illustrates method using longitudinal data from Baltimore Prevention…

An informatics infrastructure was developed for research and data collection in nursing faculty's clinical practice sites. The strategy links practice, research, and teaching, integrating knowledge used in practice and research-focused inquiry about practice. (Contains 27 references.) (SK)

Presents a course design for a graduate level seminar in writing for students concentrating in either composition and rhetoric or TESOL for the Master of Arts in English at Wright State University. Notes that the course focuses on curriculum design and integrates the practices of teacher lore with the disciplined, critical thought expected in a…

Education for nursing practice must shift to a collaborative education/service model in which the value of practical education and experience is better understood and integrated with academic knowledge. This model provides better resources and availability of mentors/preceptors, resulting in better prepared nurses. (Contains 32 references.) (SK)

Techniques for mental-health nursing students that help integrate theory and practice include a journal club, in which students discuss research reports and other literature, and clinical seminars, weekly sessions in which critical reflections on practice experiences are examined. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

Responds to Jepsen's (this issue [2000]) commentary on Sampson et al.'s theory-based approach to using readiness assessment to improve career services. Three topics are included: the reliability and utility of using readiness assessment measures; verbal ability and the use of cognitive information-processing theory in practice; and the potential…

This article criticizes an article by Jacobson and Mulick (EC 626 909) on system and costs issues in programs for children with autism. It argues that the article uses faulty assumptions, inadequate research findings, and misuses benefit-cost analyses methods to promote early intervention behavior intervention. (Contains references.) (CR)

Considers how observation of and interaction with exemplary literacy teachers in "Model Classrooms" visits might affect preservice teachers' knowledge of practice. Suggests that engaging preservice teachers in a variety of activities with real teachers and children throughout their training enhances the experience of the student teacher and has…

Explores how modern and postmodern theory (including Mann's political sociology of power, Foucauldian theory of knowledge/power regimes, and feminist theory) might be used to examine problems in comparative higher education, including how globalization is related to shifting power/knowledge regimes in which comparative higher education is…

Discusses the advances made in understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal, familial, and contextual characteristics and processes that contribute to adaptive as well as maladaptive outcomes with high-risk and clinically referred adolescents. Reviews research in areas that are central to clinical work with adolescents and offers examples of how…

Discusses six books intended to help teachers reach struggling readers: books that outline strategy instruction, offer a wealth of information, and show how to create instructional sequences and activities that will develop and enhance the conceptual, procedural, and textual knowledge of students. (SR)

This article suggests that bland educational policy statements concerning education of gifted students need to be replaced by policies that directly address students' intellectual, social, and emotional needs. Research is reviewed that suggests such students thrive academically and socially in ability grouped settings and that acceleration…

This article shares findings from the work of a Consortium for Collaborative Research on the Social Relationships of Children and Youth Diverse Abilities. It discusses findings from several research studies on children's social lives in inclusive settings, while weaving a theme throughout the presentation of how the research was done. (Contains…