Discusses a survey conducted to understand the gender imbalance and high level of female attrition in computer science. Suggests that factors influencing the rate of attrition are lack of previous experience with computers, gender-biased attitudes and behavior, interactions with other computer science students, and the nature of computer science…

Content analysis of 13 textbooks and 2 Department of Education documents was conducted to ascertain common word processing, database, and spreadsheet software skills in order to determine which specific skills should be taught in a high school computer literacy course. Aspects of a basic computer course, created from this analysis, are described.…

Examined the experiences of elementary school computer coordinators. Considers the microprocesses of interaction among computer coordinators and classroom teachers, and how these patterns are related to the integration of computers in elementary schools. Found that computer specialists are limited in their endeavors because of various structural…

Discusses the Computer Mentor Program, a collaborative effort that developed and evaluated a model for staff development that fosters effective use of computers by beginning teachers. Evaluation indicated that both mentors and proteges developed increased knowledge of computer applications and that proteges made more extensive and varied use of…

Describes an exploratory study on the acquisition and use of knowledge representation skills and structures by sixth-graders, supported by a computer-based learning environment. Results indicated that symbolic structures can be taught successfully, and that students using them in the context of instructional tasks perform at the higher band of…

Discusses whether the mathematics achievement of at-risk fifth-grade students using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) differs from that of at-risk students using other methods of instruction. Found that boys using CAI made greater gains than boys using paper and pencil activities, and that at-risk girls made gains in math skills regardless of…

Examines the effects of using LOGO, or problem-solving- oriented simulation software on locus of control, self-esteem, and achievement motivation for fifth-grade students. The importance of these variables in predicting LOGO mastery and far-transfer problem-solving ability was also examined. (Author)

Examines formal classroom encounters among Laotian refugee and at-risk American students and their teacher in a lower-track literature course and the influences of community context and school culture. Highlights linkages between student perceptions of self-competence and peer worth, the teacher's role in the social organization of work-related…

Analysis of data from the 1989 Alaska Statewide Student Testing Program for grades four, six, and eight shows that, given similar school resources, school climate, and student academic background, the negative effect of a disadvantaged background on student achievement was significantly less in small than in medium or large schools. (KS)

Interviews with 20 high school students in rural upstate New York reveal that students perceived the rural community as offering a sense of safety and belonging while taking away personal privacy and fostering prejudices. Adult interactions perceived as important included community support for the school and adolescent activities and interpersonal…

A survey of 558 teachers in rural schools and districts in British Columbia explored influences on teachers' decisions to enter, remain in, or leave their districts. Important factors in career decisions were the job itself, lifestyle, school district recruiters, financial compensation, social and recreational opportunities, and partner's job. (KS)

Comparing the responses of 6,849 rural and 13,768 nonrural seniors to the High School and Beyond survey revealed only a small difference in the educational aspirations of rural and nonrural youth, which can be attributed to the lower socioeconomic status of rural families, and rural adolescents' tendency to aspire less often to the highest-level…

Proposes a model for rural education based on the progressive practices of a rural school in Israel in the early 1900s. Desirable characteristics of rural education are organized into four innovative educational models: education for work (including agricultural education); community education; social-ideological education; and curricular autonomy…

Teachers on a high school field trip used quick thinking when rescuing two students trapped in a small bay by a rising tide and a rocky coastline. Emphasizes that teachers should never assume that students will follow rules and must check frequently when supervising student groups. (LP)

Identifies competencies required for outdoor leaders in England to gain a National Vocational Qualification in training and development. Describes how an outdoor leader encouraged collaborative learning among participants on a canoeing trip and how the skills and knowledge required of the outdoor leader related to training and development…