This paper presents two examples of how methodological research in testing and evaluation simultaneously served the needs of both researchers and practitioners. The first example focuses on Center for the Study of Evaluation (CSE) research in writing assessment. This research investigated issues in domain definition, cognitive processing…

The inability of many African countries to achieve the rates of growth in education and employment which were forecast may partly reflect the over-optimism which characterized the 1960s, as well as the consequences of the decline in the global economic situation. There is also in Africa, as there is worldwide, a disenchantment with traditional…

A number of professional qualities might be developed in a program designed to prepare early childhood teachers to function in multiple settings. Solving problems, assessing situations, communicating with a range of people, and being flexible and innovative are such qualities. But one can also view prepararing educators to function in multiple…

Social relations data is an especially useful but often neglected means of obtaining information on the effects of social processes that are involved in educational interventions. A four-fold table conceptualizes educational interventions and their outcomes as consisting of social and academic interventions and their outcomes. This model…

Initial difficulties in the process of teaching 6 first-grade teachers to use reciprocal teaching in their classes, and the disappointing outcomes of the instruction, led researchers to several conclusions. Researchers realized that the beliefs teachers held about the nature of knowledge and the process of knowledge acquisition had a powerful role…

A literature review focused on ways for teachers to increase students' motivation. A total of 37 annotations were organized in terms of positive and negative effects of rewards on students' motivation, the issue of whether negative effects of rewards can be manipulated to have a positive effect, and suggestions for the classroom teacher on the use…

The topic of mixed-age groups in early childhood education is discussed in terms of: (1) advantages of mixed-age classes; (2) social development in mixed-age groups; (3) cognitive development in mixed-age groups; and (4) implications for early childhood education. It is asserted that mixed-age interaction among young children can offer a variety…

This paper discusses homework policy as a product of 50 years of experimental research. Part 1 discusses homework guidelines in grades 3 through 8 by suggesting that homework should be assigned, graded, and individualized. In addition, homework should provide feedback about student achievement that includes parental monitoring. Part 2 recommends…

A study examined international perspectives on the concept of technological literacy and on different attitudes toward the need for technological literacy education in various countries throughout the world. The study was based on interviews with persons in attendance at one or more of five major international conferences and meetings held during…

Sex segregation is a powerful phenomenon in childhood. It occurs universally whenever children have a choice of playmates and is found in sub-human primates too. Adults are not directly responsible for sex segregation. Data do not support the hypothesis that the most ladylike girls and the most rough and active boys first form the segregated play…

This discussion of how the multilevel character of data should influence analyses of the determinants of educational achievement is grounded in the context of planning explanatory analyses for the longitudinal Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS). The intention is to describe how a multilevel perspective in the specification of…

This study assesses 7- to 12-year-old children's abilities to understand the figural and metrical aspects of rhythm. Tasks were developed to assess children's ability to (1) make figural and metrical descriptions, (2) interpret figural and metrical descriptions, (3) produce the metrical hierarchy through drumming, (4) describe the metrical…

Since traditionally-raised boys and girls have different pre-school experience, they arrive at school differentially prepared for the educational process. As a group, boys have one set of attitudes, skills, and knowledge; girls another. To empower all children, schools must address the needs of both groups. Typically, schools have attempted to…

This study examined the process by which Reform Jewish day schools translate philosophy into curriculum. A Reform day school is defined as a full-time school that encompasses both secular and Jewish studies, extends at least from kindergarten through grade six, and is sponsored by one or more Reform congregations. Seven schools participated.…

Argues that although it is often thought and said that what we most need in education is wisdom and broad understanding of the issues that confront us, what we really need are deeply structured theories in education that drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the need for wisdom. (Author/JM)