Contends that the success or failure of an undergraduate research project can hinge on one or two decisions made at an early stage in the process. Describes a "Snakes and Ladders" board game used to remind students of good and bad research design practices. Includes game rules and a listing of the good and bad practices. (CFR)

Reports on a study about mainstreaming issues in music education among 107 Arizona music educators. Finds that, in most schools, mainstreaming is the only music placement option, and regular music teachers are the sole providers of instruction for special learners. Concludes that effective mainstreaming does not exist in Arizona. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 142 college music theory students on the influence of musical aptitude, academic ability, music experience, and motivation on the development of aural skills. Finds that musical aptitude had the largest effect on performance and motivation for music did not affect aural skills performance. (CFR)

Reports on a content analysis of all pictures of music-related figures appearing in grades six, seven, and eight music textbooks published in 1988. Finds females underrepresented and stereotypes common. Calls for more research on equity in curriculum materials and gender-related issues in music education. (CFR)

Explores the dilemmas posed by the analysis of working class issues in education by professional sociologists. Questions whether the inequalities experienced in the educational system by working class people have been "colonized" by middle class academics for their own professional purposes. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the relationship between achievement motivation at school and child-rearing practices. Finds that more motivated children live in more rigidly structured families. Suggests more research on the differential influences of social context and gender. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 208 high school students on the relationship between interest in 4 subject areas and the quality of experience in class. Finds that interest was a significant predictor of the experience of potency, intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, and perception of skill. (CFR)

Many physical educators and coaches use the potential for liability to guide their decisions about conducting activities. By understanding expert witnesses' roles in negligence actions, surer planning, teaching, and coaching are possible. The paper describes issues that expert witnesses examine in negligence actions against physical educators,…

Outlines a cornerstone in the development of adventure programming--the establishment of program accreditation standards (developed by the Association for Experimental Education and the Council for Outdoor Education). Describes the accreditation process and the design of an accreditation manual, and program accreditation services and accreditation…

The article describes the major titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses who is affected, explaining how the ADA affects youth sport programs. The terms "readily accessible,""readily achievable," and "undue burden" are discussed according to their ADA definitions and their effect on youth sports. (SM)

To eliminate gender-based inequities, physical educators must use inclusive teaching behaviors and effective management and instructional strategies. The article discusses gender discrimination in physical education as a socially constructed issue, explaining the reasons that inequities in instruction, participation, and opportunities persist.…

Discusses how to help teachers create learning environments that provide equity and reflect and embrace diversity. The first section examines teaching K-12 physical education, discussing curriculum, the learning environment, and prejudice and bias reduction. The second section discusses incorporation of multicultural concepts into preservice and…

Studying hypothetical cases enables preservice and inservice teachers to discuss real life scenarios in a nonthreatening environment and encourages active learning. The article presents a hypothetical case about student evaluation and a discussion guide with questions that teacher educators and staff developers can use to plan discussions. (SM)

Physical education teachers should incorporate the concept of muscular balance into their daily curricula and select activities that work the muscles as they are used in everyday activities. The article focuses on maintaining normal strength between the anterior and posterior trunk muscles, detailing appropriate exercises. (SM)

During college and after one year of teaching, elementary educators completed surveys regarding their expected computer use in teaching, noting personal variables that might predict computer use. Though 97% predicted computer use, only 61% actually used computers. Self-competence and perceived relevance predicted computer use initially, though not…