Evaluates the effectiveness of a computer-based training program designed to improve music students' ability to judge harmonic intonation. Concludes that undergraduate conducting students who took part in the Harmonic Information Training Program (HITP) for nine weeks outperformed a control group in discrimination tests. Reports mostly positive…

Discusses a inquiry into the effects of timbre upon college woodwind players' intonational performance and perception. Reports little connection between students' ability to play in tune and to detect intonation problems. Concludes that timbre was significantly related to ability to detect intonation problems but not to the ability to play in…

Study examined how learning computer applications in group settings affected individual achievement and attitudes, noting group processes demonstrated by students in a college computer course who participated in individual or group conditions. Pre- and posttesting indicated no between-group differences in achievement or attitude, suggesting group…

A survey of Michigan's teacher preparation institutions sought to determine the extent of current and projected technology integration in teacher preparation programs. A questionnaire asked about faculty development, curriculum modification, hardware and software acquisition, and resource needs. Results indicated a vast variation in technology…

Study examined relationships between school board decision-making patterns and activities. Board members nationwide completed questionnaires on perceptions of decision making. Analysis of variables related to conflict and consensus discerned three board types. Variables included degree of community involvement, time spent seeking consensus, and…

Researchers examined the effect of writing in response to simple and complex pictures on students' narrative writing. Findings indicated that fourth graders use different composing behavior and produce different written products than do sixth graders, writing more coherently/cohesively for complex than for simple tasks. (SM)

Letters from 18 average sixth-grade writers were analyzed for context-creating (background) and persuasive (strategic) text elements. Analysis revealed that sixth graders use context-creating elements to provide helpful background information for their audiences, rely on logical reasoning for persuasion, and have some understanding of text…

Study examined effects of training on positive grader bias toward nicely handwritten essays. Nine typed essays, nine in neat handwriting, and nine in poor handwriting were transcribed into the other modes. Graders trained to avoid bias and three controls graded the essays. Both groups showed significant bias toward good handwriting. (SM)

An Israeli study investigated high school students' perceptions of mathematics, English, Hebrew, and Arabic. A questionnaire measured affect, worth, gender typing, and perceived attributes contributing to success in each subject. Results indicated ethnicity more than gender affected students' perception of subject matter. (SM)

A survey of teachers examined principals' roles in influencing school effectiveness, noting the influence of supportive leadership style on a culture of trust and perceived school effectiveness. Results indicated supportive principal leadership produced collegiality and trust in principals but not in colleagues. Teacher trust in colleagues…

Study compared the effectiveness of mental imagery (MI) and visual illustrations (VI) on learning a specific subject. College students received either text alone or text plus VI and/or MI. MI was important for learning and information processing and VI for achievement on multiple-choice and drawing recall tests. (SM)

Introduces the special issue by defining controversies, distinguishing them from issues and problems, and presenting the Controversy Valence Model. Summarizes the criteria for confronting controversies: data collection, critical analysis, propositional building, theorizing, connectedness, contextuality, and ethicality. (SK)

Beatty takes the position that individual change is the necessary and sufficient beginning, ending, and focal point of adult education. Ilsley asserts that adult educators should accept their primary role as agents of social change. (SK)

Collins believes that adult and continuing education should resist further professionalization, which undermines its moral force and emancipatory intent. Cervero considers that educators should shape the meaning and outcome of the process of professionalization for practice. (SK)

Jarvis believes that the diversity of perspectives and understanding of leaders from other disciplines enriches adult/continuing education. Griffith argues that the leadership of outsiders perpetuates dependence on the clientele, media, and content of other disciplines. (SK)