Discussion of online public access catalogs focuses on a study that evaluated 3 different systems in Great Britain. Comparative evaluations were made using structured exercises to determine searching techniques and transaction logs to investigate user behavior. Comments on future research are also given. (12 references) (LRW)

Describes the creation of a prototype CD-ROM disc at the Earth Science Information Center (ESIC) that contained information on aerial photographs formerly held on computer output microfiche. Specifications are discussed, fields of information that were indexed are described, search and retrieval display capabilities are explained, and the results…

Reviews the development by the North Central Association's Commission on Schools of an accreditation alternative based on the measurement of educational outcomes. Presents results from an evaluation of the outcomes-oriented process by a panel of internal evaluators (school personnel) and external evaluators (visiting team members). (DMM)

Compares perceptions of the K-12 School Evaluative Criteria (1983) among personnel from schools that had previously been through the accreditation/self-study process and personnel who had not. Teachers with no previous experience were able to cope with the self-study with no more difficulty than teachers with experience. (DMM)

Discusses the educational benefits of map usage in social studies classrooms. Recommends approaches to teaching map skills, including instruction in location, distance, scale, and direction. Presents activities which utilize neighborhood resources. Describes an activity in which students devise maps of their local community. (RW)

This article presents a concept of reflection, explains its importance in staff development, and describes ways reflection can be effectively integrated into staff development programs. Programs discussed include Teacher Expectations and Student Achievement (TESA), as well as tailor-made peer coaching and discipline workshops. (IAH)

Equipment and procedures for simple astrophotography are discussed. Sample photographs are provided. Suggested are several uses of the slides and the techniques for teaching astronomy. (CW)

Observed that teachers and students play reciprocal roles in learning. States that students learn in schemata units, and provides the list of teaching skills required to maximize these methods. Concludes that teachers must understand children's intellectual processes in order to nurture them. (NL)

This feature examines the diverse nature of imagery, how images work, and the use of imagery--in creative dance for children, to enhance alignment, and as a therapeutic device. Also explored are creative visualization and research tools for observing and categorizing the use of images by dance teachers. (IAH)

Combinations of five methods of equating test scores and two methods of selecting samples of students for equating were compared for accuracy, using data from the administration of the Scholastic Aptitude Test to more than 115,000 students. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (SLD)

New vocabulary was taught to 147 college students, in two experiments, by 1 of 3 methods: keyword, semantic context, and no-strategy control. There was no evidence that keyword-mediated gains on learning vocabulary-associated definitions were obtained at the expense of acquisition of other information. Applications for instruction are discussed.…

Discusses the use of the seminar approach in elementary classrooms. Makes practical suggestions for implementation and outlines areas in which teachers need administrative support. Includes an interview with a sixth-grade teacher who has been using the method for two years. (FMW)

A general overview of desirable teacher characteristics includes: the use of individual teaching strategies, especially those that promote critical thinking skills; the ability to develop individualized and cooperative curricula; extensive subject-matter knowledge; and the ability to view and handle the dynamics of a classroom. (Author)

In multinational organizations, effective localization means that a local citizen fills a job with sufficient competence. Three considerations are the nature of the organization, the capabilities of the individual, and the capacity to train in particular skills. Obstacles may be inappropriate job specifications and the attitudes of both local and…

The relationship between job skills and specific tasks is difficult to analyze, since any one task may require multiple skills. In this study, a sequence of statistical evaluations was conducted to examine the reliability of a subject matter expert panel's association of tasks and job skills and the factor structure of the task by job skill…