Examined reasons given by 301 K-12 educators for participating in a large-scale professional development conference and studied their beliefs about the usefulness of the conference. Teachers were drawn by the promise of substantive learning, but well conceived linkages for transfer of knowledge to the classroom were lacking. (SLD)

Presents results from two separate studies, which focused on proteges' reports of ways in which mentoring was usually arranged--as well as typical mentor roles and mentor-protege activities. Mentors were often described as "career guides" or "information resources," and the greatest percentage of mentor-protege activities belonged to an…

Addresses some of the issues associated with teaching chemical engineering design, specifically the capstone design sequence developed at the University of Dayton and the experience gained developing and teaching these courses. Discusses the pros and cons of chemical-process flowsheet-simulator use. (Contains 11 references.) (WRM)

Describes a high school biology curriculum designed to give students opportunities to learn about genetic inquiry in part by providing them with authentic experiences doing inquiry in the discipline. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/WRM)

Considers an approach to teaching classical mythology that focuses on the myth as a form of metaphor that communicates a universal truth through the themes and characters of the story. Applies this approach to the story of Pygmalion and Galatea and highlights both early and modern versions of the myth. (CMK)

This theme issue deals with internal and external factors that influence student achievement in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Internal factors are those related to the test material; external factors include socioeconomic level and educational background, school climate, language background, and students' attitudes…

A culturally relevant career development needs assessment survey was administered to 227 international college students. Factor analysis indicates that the participants' vocational needs centered on obtaining work experience, overcoming interview barriers, and developing job search skills. Overall, the vocational needs of international students…

Examines change-related communication in the business services department of a large local-government organization in New Zealand, exploring it from three perspectives: functional, romantic, and critical. Outlines the logic, metaphors, and standards for evaluation of each perspective, and notes how they highlight different change-related…

Describes a group of teachers working together to consider Action Research projects in their own classrooms in the area of assessment. Describes ways teachers can use a range of assessments (rubrics, performance assessments, checklists, and other feedback and assessments), analyzed in a variety of ways, to examine the effectiveness of their…

The reading instruction, grouping practices, and outcomes for 59 students with learning disabilities (LD) in resource room settings were examined by this follow-up study. Whole class instruction was the dominant grouping format and only half of the special education teachers provided differentiated materials and instruction. Overall, no…

This article presents strategies intended to enhance the efficacy of early intervention inservice training efforts, including: basing training activities on participants' needs, specifying goals and outcomes, specifying objectives and linking them to outcomes, linking specific inservice training activities to objectives, and using model sites to…

Reports on a small-scale study investigating the implementation of teacher assessment in Italian primary schools where English is taught as a foreign language. (Author/VWL)

Examines the type of innovation-decision (authority-decision versus optional decision) and type of intervention (concern-based versus non-concern-based) on arousing educators' concerns toward the Internet. Results suggest that authority-decision is more effective than optional-decision and concern-based intervention more effective than…

Summarizes the observed benefits of educational technology implementation. Topics include applications of technology for drill and practice of basic skills; applications to advanced skills; effects of technology on student attitudes; online technologies; use of technology by teachers and administrators; factors that help technology succeed; and…

Discusses empirical evaluations of Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) in United Kingdom classrooms that were conducted to determine their effectiveness in gains in numeracy and literacy. Results were inconclusive, and influencing factors including research methodology, conceptual analysis, and ways in which technology are assimilated into teaching…