Studies what inferences test-takers make as they struggle to match their expectations for an answer with the choices offered in a multiple-choice question. Finds that the 27 types of inferences observed within the metacognitive, cognitive, and affective interactions displayed during these protocols suggested a wealth of activity and thought. (MG)

Four elementary-level students with moderate mental retardation were taught to read sight words using a progressive time-delay procedure. All students acquired their target words and at least 50 percent of the incidental and observational words and definitions to which they were exposed. (Author/PB)

This study evaluated the importance of active student responding while using the microcomputer to deliver the contingencies of programed instruction. Results from 75 undergraduates found that students who covertly responded to frame blanks or were required to type frame answers performed better on a posttest than students who passively read…

Two classification procedures for identifying children with reading disabilities were compared, differing in their use of intelligence quotient (IQ). Results indicated that abandoning IQ in classification had a very limited impact on the number of children identified as reading disordered, but that use of IQ resulted in more high-IQ children being…

Describes an unobtrusive study of the ability of professional librarians to deal with factual questions that was conducted at Illinois State University. Evaluation of the accuracy of responses is discussed, the responsiveness and helpfulness of librarians is examined, attitude scores are described, and implications for improving reference service…

Outlines a first-day lesson plan for a first-year writing class in which the instructor engages students at the outset in building an electronic online community. Provides step-by-step methods and discusses specific advice for what to do and not to do within the context of achieving an online emphasis. (HB)

By interpreting several historical poems, paintings, and songs, students can construct complex conceptions of broad historical contexts in which the primary sources developed. Excerpts are provided from a study involving student interpretations of various narratives, songs, or folktales created by enslaved African Americans in the…

Describes events surrounding grievances filed against a curriculum coordinator in a New Jersey school district from 1987 to 1989. Although most grievances were found in the supervisor's favor, teachers succeeded in questioning some practices and limiting others. Disentangling the supervision-evaluation knot is impossible; because supervision is…

Summarizes an action-research project in which elementary teacher candidates enrolled in required multicultural awareness class observed classroom practices and interviewed mentor teachers at Dallas-Fort Worth schools about teaching practices, lesson content, and rationales related to Black History Month. Of the 48 schools studied, only 11 planned…

Presents some observations from both mentors and proteges involved in a formal mentoring program at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. Data showed that the mentor/protege relationship is best initiated in an informal environment, thrives on clearly communicated expectations, moves through developmental and interpersonal stages, and…

The combined effects of double-prompting and booster session procedures on the social behavior of four socially withdrawn preschool children were investigated. Results indicated that the intervention procedures increased subjects' initiations in organizing play, sharing, and assisting and that there were collateral increases in subjects'…

Strategies and techniques used in evaluation of British higher education consortia are described, focusing on constraints, purposes, and methods used. The context within which the evaluation takes place is seen as a strong influence on purpose and methods. Similarities and differences in evaluation of individual institutions and consortia are…

Describes a field study of four public libraries that examined the extent to which differences in local implementation of the Public Library Association's long-range planning process produced differences in planning outcomes. Reasons for deciding to plan, participant evaluation of the process, and specific outcomes are highlighted. (LRW)

Explains hyper-systems and discusses their role in active learning, presents results from an expert evaluation of current hyper-systems that use HyperCard, and suggests implications for designers of educational hypermedia. System criteria discussed include purpose, domain or content, structure, navigation methods, control mechanisms, and style of…

Discusses the portability of a Canadian-made educational simulation software package, "The Electronics Workbench," to China that was part of a larger study conducted at the University of Twente (The Netherlands). Evaluation results of the software use in China are presented, including functionality for electronics education, ease of use,…