Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

Results of a comparison of Papua New Guinea bilingual and monolingual students' (n=232) mathematics achievement indicated that bilingual students competent in both languages scored significantly higher on two different types of mathematical tests than both low-competent bilingual students and monolingual students. (32 references)

Literature-based children's literacy programs usually lack cultural foundation on the part of teachers providing the instruction. A framework for a cultural base for educators addresses this cultural gap. A series of professional development activities is presented that reflects the theoretical framework and increases cultural sensitivity. (SLD)

Compares the level of knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and risk behavior of 1,057 foreign-born and 1,963 U.S.-born high school and middle school students in Boston (Massachusetts). Results suggest that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome education should be taught to immigrant students in their native languages. (SLD)

Describes the method of having children observe videotapes of other children's mathematics activities to gain insights into the observing children's thought processes and the observed children's activities. Discusses the applications of this method as a research tool and as a probe for classroom teachers in evaluating students. (MDH)

The Simulation of Interactive Decision-Making is a videotape administered instrument designed to measure functional, rather than academic, professional knowledge of teachers. Validity studies with experienced teachers and college students not trained as teachers support use of the instrument as an easily scored measure of functional professional…

Compares factors in the literature associated with successful outcomes in distance education with the experience of providing an inservice teacher-education program on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Presents the method of a satellite- and telephone-based course and evaluation of this graduate level inservice course. (Author/CR)

Reports survey of University of Newcastle (Australia) nursing faculty concerning perceptions of new educational technologies. Respondents were more familiar with or had useful knowledge of CD-ROM technology and video conferencing; these were seen as potentially most useful. Lack of knowledge, display/delivery equipment, and the time-consuming…

A study investigated the phenomenon of learner autonomy in six graduate students in a course in English for academic purposes. Students were developing skills in discourse intonation using a CD-ROM program, designed to encourage autonomous learning. Student interview data suggest that development of explicit knowledge of the language system can…

This paper examines Australian students' knowledge of Asia, and reports on a national survey of Year 5 and 8 students. Knowledge was measured by using a combined set of subtests tailored to each state and territory curriculum and reported in terms of a standards referenced framework. The survey collected data from more than 7000 students in over…

There is limited information on how communication barriers impact on the health of deaf individuals. The present article describes the development of a standardized interview tool to collect health-related information from deaf adults via face-to-face interviews in American Sign Language (ASL). Questions were selected largely from existing…

Although osteoporosis typically surfaces in later life, peak bone mass attained before age 20 is a key factor in its prevention. However, most American children's diets lack sufficient calcium during the critical growth periods of preadolescence and adolescence to achieve peak bone mass. "Better Bones (BB) Buddies" is an educational…

This article describes the association of external and psychosocial factors on the stages of change for fruit and vegetable consumption, among 2,781 inhabitants, aged 18 to 65 years, in deprived neighborhoods (response rate 60%). To identify correlates of forward stage transition, an ordinal logistic regression model, the Threshold of Change Model…

Research was undertaken to assess the role of primary school teachers with regard to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were responded to by 210 teachers drawn from primary schools in Eastern Nigeria (with pupils aged 6-15 years). These were supplemented by focus group discussions and…

This brief, also available in Spanish, defines the concept of overrpresentation, identifies possible causes for the problem, and offers a variety of ways that parents and families can help prevent or decrease overrpresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education programs. (Contains 2 tables.) [This brief was…