Eleven students of novice paddling ability were divided into two groups, one group receiving verbal, the other nonverbal, instructions on using the kayak stern rudder. The verbal group was significantly better at performing the correct sequence of movements. Results support existing research showing that observation alone does not enable the…

Describes an inquiry activity in which students explore the variables that influence the amount of time it takes a ball to roll down an inclined plane. Relates features of the activity to recommendations in the NCTM Standards. (MKR)

In a study with 167 college students of the effect of adverse learning conditions on achievement, action-oriented college students performed better than state-oriented students on a lecture-based achievement test despite low-expressive instruction and prior perceived academic failure. State-oriented students also experienced more negative…

Presents alternative views on measuring progress in curriculum transformation involving diversity issues. In a response to Lynne Goodstein's article, "The Failure of Curriculum Transformation at a Major Public University: When 'Diversity' Equals 'Variety'," this article argues that evaluation of curriculum transformation requires…

Discusses subject searching and describes a study that evaluated the match between the named terms and the expected subject headings by examining the subject search terms generated by students. Highlights include nonsemantic properties in evaluating search terms, including concreteness, complexity, and syndeticity; and metacognitive naming skills…

Discusses the use of technology to enhance student learning based on learning processes. Topics include knowledge chunks, assimilation and repetition, cognitive schema, Bloom's Taxonomy, students manipulating the learning environment, student productivity, and checkpoints for evaluating technology utilization. (LRW)

Describes the reordering of a ninth-grade physics course that aimed at making core concepts clear to the students while at the same time developing students' skills and depth of understanding. Discusses its benefits and associated problems. (JRH)

Analyzes instructional actions designed to help a student understand distance, time, and speed. Focuses on the mathematical knowledge that guided instructional decisions and actions and discusses implications for content preparation of teachers. Contains 48 references. (Author/MKR)

Because many applications of personnel selection and classification technology may require more than 10 assignment categories, a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to extend the Brogden tables for estimations classifications and selection benefits from 10 to 500. The extended table would have higher utility. (SLD)

Data from the California Learning Assessment System mathematics assessment were used to examine issues that arise when scores from different assessment modes are combined. Multiple-choice, open-ended, and investigation items were combined in a test across three test forms. Results illustrate the difficulties faced in evaluating combined…

Describes several product-testing projects designed to help students develop the skills they need to make educated purchases and be savvy consumers. The tests involve examining the taste of and ingredients in cold cereals. Other tests involve examining crayons, glue, laundry detergent, oranges, and popcorn. (SM)

According to Group Embedded Figures Test scores for 82 preservice agriculture teachers, 60% were field independent and achieved higher microteaching lab scores and overall methods course grade. Field-independent students were more adapted to teaching with the problem-solving approach. Teacher educators should consider different learning styles and…

Reviewed 39 empirical studies in which direct observational methods were used to assess children in whom attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had been diagnosed. Found that classroom studies distinguished ADHD children from comparison groups better than laboratory studies. Behaviors that most consistently distinguished ADHD children…

Discusses challenges to conducting research on effectiveness of community service systems that are family-based and school-centered: underidentification of children with emotional or behavioral disorders, lack of concordance between diagnostic criteria used in school versus mental health systems, problems of comorbidity, analysis of data from…

Administered Student Career Needs Assessment to 1,155 college students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1992. Students ranked thoroughly enjoying work, achieving financial security, enjoying their coworkers, and receiving good benefits as very important career goals. Students reported that developing network of contacts…