Describes a study examining the relationship between instructors' attitudes to students' ratings of the instructors in remedial and developmental studies courses. Indicates that "instructor concern" for students and 12 associated characteristics were the most important factors identified by students. Discusses applications and implications of the…

Examines the role of executive function, or the ability to maintain the appropriate problem-solving set for attainment of a future goal, in academic success. Describes causes of executive function deficits, common manifestations, methods for assessing the problem, and strategies for remediating related problems. (26 citations) (MAB)

Examines the use of partner testing, a form of cooperative learning that allows students to study and take tests with a partner. Describes results from a study allowing students to choose to use partners or not, discussing student reactions and performance. Includes guidelines for implementing partner testing. (21 citations) (MAB)

Argues that few studies have investigated the value that students place on the use of peer responses. Describes a study that found that students did not place much value on the activity and highlights a pilot course that allows students to choose to use peer responses or not. (14 citations) (MAB)

Reviews research addressing the relationship between native language skills and success in learning a foreign language. Describes four components of a language-based model for diagnosing foreign language learning problems. Highlights three major intervention strategies for at-risk foreign language learners. (53 citations) (MAB)

Examines the current literature on student motivation in the classroom, highlighting working definitions, patterns of activity, and categories of motivation. Indicates that no measure or test of motivation prescribes specific actions by instructors, and suggests that teachers should trust their personal judgment regarding classroom motivational…

Provides the second part of a discussion of classroom research theory and classroom assessment techniques. Describes the use of the "writing process" classroom assessment technique to determine student gains in writing and motivation awareness. Reviews the background to, rationale for, and conclusions drawn from the technique. (Part I is in…

Reviews the current literature to determine the extent to which affect influences the achievement levels of students. Highlights research findings in mathematics, reading, writing, and instructional strategies. Suggests that although affect may be a significant factor in determining the academic success of developmental freshmen, more research is…

Examines the language of mathematics textbooks, highlighting the depth of meaning found in their minimalist, technical styles. Indicates that instructors must guide students from the collection of rules and mathematical facts listed in the texts to an integrated totality of mathematical truth. (MAB)

Shares ideas for effectively and efficiently gaining control over the volumes of paper generated in a reading/writing classroom. Suggests that organizing the flow of paper in a class, through such items as file boxes and hanging folders, is essential for an effective class. Provides 10 sample categories for filed materials. (MAB)

Reviews research on teacher-parent relations, integrating three teachers' perspectives on their work with families in a bilingual community. Describes observations and interviews with teachers and parents over a school year that offer data for an in-depth analysis of teachers' perspectives on teacher-parent interactions in this setting. Discusses…

Twelve Swedish day-care centers were studied concerning patterns of adult behavior towards children, and adult intentions, attitudes, and norms regarding work and interpersonal relations. Found that patterns of adult behavior were proscribed by three different center climates: future focused, present focused, and combined. Three patterns of adult…

Investigated prosocial behaviors of five-year olds interacting within different learning-activity centers in a multiage preschool setting. Subjects and their younger classmates were observed for a total of 45 hours. Found significantly more proximity seeking, helping, and sharing behaviors than other kinds of prosocial behaviors in the setting.…

Investigated development of ability to recognize, anticipate, and plan the replay of recorded action sequences. Effects of an educational intervention on this ability were evaluated for two- to five-year olds. Results suggest that representational competence is a teachable concept and that a complex mediating structure allows children to…

Examined teachers' beliefs on what constitutes developmentally appropriate literacy instruction. Three teachers were interviewed, observed during planning and instruction time, and asked to reflect on their beliefs and practicing. Through practice, they came to believe that appropriate literacy instruction involves a variety of instructional…