Examines problem-solving techniques used by students in French schools by testing 370 children in grades 6-9. Finds a high degree of variability in procedure selection among those tested. Results show the ability to use a standard procedure is sufficient for solving test problems. Recommends stressing cognitive flexibility. (NL)

Compares primary school pupils who have repeated two years of schooling with a normally progressing control group. Uses Harter's scales to measure self-concept and self-worth. Finds no difference between repeating and nonrepeating children in self-worth or between girls and boys. Finds no evidence of systematic loss of self-worth. (NL)

Traces New Zealand's introduction to school mediation, reviewing underlying goals of nonpunitive dispute resolution in the United States and highlighting significant initiatives. The establishment of the Hagley School Mediation Service is described and compared with Hawaii's Dispute Management in the Schools Project. Recommendations for school…

Questionnaires examined differences between public and private schools regarding teachers' pupil control ideology and behavior. Teachers and students completed three survey instruments. Only pupil control ideology differed significantly between public and private schools. Pupil control behavior was the best predictor of environmental robustness.…

Study tested the validity of a high inference principal-administered rating scale, the North Carolina Teacher Performance Appraisal Instrument. Researchers examined the relationship of its ratings to student achievement, nonachievement student variables, and teacher variables. Results indicate principals can become valid raters of teacher…

Study examined mother-child interaction characteristics in relation to the scholastic achievement of elementary students. Researchers videotaped mother-child interactions as they worked together on a project. Factor analysis of interaction variables indicated maternal verbal guidance was a significant predictor of scholastic achievement,…

Study investigated relationships among personality and academic achievement measures and supervisors' ratings of student teacher behaviors using undergraduate grade point average (GPA), Preprofessional Skills Test (PPST), Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and Classroom Procedures Evaluation Form (CPEF). Results indicate significant relationships…

Investigated the effects of four writing experiences, grade, and reading level on elementary students' narrative writing. For 14 days, students wrote in response to 4 stimuli. Poststudy writing samples indicated students wrote in response to a common but different writing prompt. There were main effects for grade and reading level. (SM)

Project looked for out-of-school factors accounting for differences in elementary mathematics and reading achievement using California Achievement Test scores and data on student mobility, minority groups, student free lunch eligibility, and students living with two parents. Results indicate about half of school-to-school variance in achievement…

The theory of reasoned action identified personal and social variables explaining the behavioral intentions of 51 teacher union leaders initiating site-based decision-making programs with their principals. Findings indicate they considered behavioral consequences of power and morale and opinions of other teachers and parent site council members…

Study identified types of software applications and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software chosen over three years by secondary mathematics teachers enrolled in a graduate level computers-in-education course. Subjects learned four relevant general computer applications and various CAI programs. They unanimously rejected drill and practice…

Researchers examined the preparation of computer-using educators in the 1990s and developed a set of competencies necessary for elementary, middle, and high school teachers using computers, noting teachers must have more than just knowledge of the subject. The article presents six recommendations for reevaluation of teacher education programs. (SM)

Survey asked 180 teachers of computer literacy courses for educators to rank the importance of various topics for inclusion in such courses and list one piece of software which should definitely be taught. Responses emphasized teaching word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. (SM)

A group of 120 adult educators identified aspects of student behavior that annoy or irritate them and aspects of their role they fear or about which they feel guilty. A common source of conflict was conflicting teacher and student expectations. A conclusion was that adult educators should have a clear idea of their role and articulate it to…

Analysis was made of over 50 biographies of men and women whose lives were disrupted by direct involvement in World War II. A major implication is that life events, even traumatic ones, are sources of growth and development. Adult educators should assist learners in finding meaning in life events. (JOW)