The articles in this journal issue examine three different aspects of gifted adulthood. In "Self-Appraisal, Life Satisfaction, and Retrospective Life Choices across One and Three Decades" (Carole K. Holahan and others), 383 children who were part of Terman's original study of the gifted in 1921 were revisited at various points in their…

Olae is a computer system for assessing student knowledge of physics, and Newtonian mechanics in particular, using performance data collected while students solve complex problems. Although originally designed as a stand-alone system, it has also been used as part of the Andes intelligent tutoring system. Like many other performance assessment…

The traditional K-3 social studies curriculum has focused on food, clothing, shelter, communication, transportation, and other cultural universals. Very little information exists about children's prior knowledge and thinking (including misconceptions) about these topics. A study was designed to provide such information with respect to the topic of…

The main problem addressed in this paper is how to help learners construct knowledge in exploring hyperspace provided by existing hypermedia/hypertext-based resources on the World Wide Web. Knowledge construction involving reflection needs an awareness of exploration goals, i.e., the reasons why learners have explored Web pages. The authors…

This paper discusses the development of effective staff development programs to support use of computer technology in the elementary school classroom. Elements discussed include strategies to reach reluctant technology users, and suggestions for getting started with such a program. The paper also presents the findings of a survey study exploring…

The knowledge encapsulation theory (H. Schmidt and H. Boshuizen, 1992) predicts that experts under certain conditions shift from the use of clinical knowledge to elaborated biomedical knowledge. In normal routine cases, experts process cases with their encapsulated clinical knowledge. These differences in processing are reflected in clinical case…

This issue of "Tap into Learning" continues an exploration of ways computers can support student learning. As in previous issues, a constructivist learning theory is used as a framework for discussion. This issue examines the notion that social interaction plays an important part in the construction of knowledge. Articles include: "Communication:…

Noting that the quality of early childhood education (ECE) programs offered in public schools is directly affected by the understanding of and value placed on such a program by the building principal, this qualitative study examined principals' understanding and beliefs about children's play and its place in K-2 early childhood programs. Phase 1…

Because of the increasing diversity of ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic groups in public schools, the preparation of teachers for multiethnic, multicultural settings is a critical issue facing teacher educators. This study investigated preservice early childhood education students' definitions of multicultural education, sources of…

The minimum competency guidelines in Motor Development described herein at the undergraduate level may be gained in one or more motor development course(s) or through other courses provided in an undergraduate curriculum. The minimum guidelines include: (1) Formulation of a developmental perspective; (2) Knowledge of changes in motor behavior…

Outlines the operation of preparatory divisions, which are being established in order to improve the level of general educational preparation of youth, and to create conditions for entry into higher educational institutions. (JB)

Among Northern Irish secondary school students, science specialists performed better on tests of cognition and of knowledge in the arts and sciences, showed greater interest in theoretical and economic values, and had lower neuroticism and higher psychoticism scores than arts specialists. Arts specialists endorsed more aesthetic, social, and…

Analyzed relationships between Swedish citizens' educational levels and their information seeking, knowledgeability, and information dissemination to other individuals and politicians. Found that the poorly edcucated were high on information seeking but lower on retention and dissemination. Concluded that the "influence gap" is more of a…

The politics of information on college campuses are seen in national, regional, and statewide concern with planning, management, and evaluation. Concepts, methods, and information-processing styles in each of these three institutional functions have been greatly influenced by political pressures in the past 15 years. (Author/MLW)

A study investigated how much sophomores and seniors enrolled in teacher education programs know about laws concerning children's rights and about federal, state, and local laws which affect teachers. Results indicate that both sophomores and seniors have much to learn in this area. Curriculum changes are suggested. (PP)