A case of home visiting in one school to increase the involvement of parents of five- to eight-year-olds in the teaching of reading is reported. Three kinds of visit are identified: preliminary, consultative, and special visits. The function of visiting is discussed; implications for practice are explored. (Author/CH)

Some literature concerned with the connection between thought and language is reviewed, with reference to the development of visual perception. An experiment supports the contention that internal language can direct performance of a task of visual perception. The power of verbal labelling is discussed. (Author/CH)

Data derived from observation of 32 classrooms (eight- and nine-year-olds) are analyzed to consider the relationship between teaching methods and the amount of class time pupils spend on curriculum tasks. Results indicate that classrooms with higher levels of whole-class interaction have higher levels of pupil time on task, even during periods of…

A questionnaire completed by 928 postsecondary students asked subjects to rate one of two computer scientists on 16 personal attributes. Aside from gender of the ratee, questionnaires were identical. Results indicate that on eight attributes the female was rated significantly more positively than the male. Implications are discussed. (Author/CH)

Describes a questionnaire and interview study of the attitudes of 14-year-olds toward their physically handicapped peers. Reports that adolescents from integrated schools were more likely than students from nonintegrated schools to think that the physically handicapped were clever, friendly, capable, and approachable. (Author/CH)

Questionnaires completed by 147 professionals and interviews completed by a subgroup of 15 individuals measured attitudes about mathematics. Each subgroup member admitted to negative feelings. Reasons offered for mathematics difficulties focus on three major areas: (1) conceptual or intellectual considerations, (2) motivation, and (3) the…

The authors suggest that children's knowledge that the words they use are made of discrete sounds may be as important as understanding grapheme-phoneme correspondences for the beginning reader. Evidence is cited to show that children who demonstrate this insight perform better in learning to read and that metalinguistic insight can be taught.…

Several lines of social psychological research that indicate possible biases in assessment of students' written work are reviewed. These are sex bias, physical attractiveness, and prior knowledge. There is evidence of likely biases from all three areas; further research in real, as opposed to simulated, assessments is required. (Author/CH)

A longitudinal study compared the progress of 324 10-year-olds from four schools on reading attainments, attitudes, and habits. Two schools were given extra books to supplement their normal stock. Although results indicate important changes in reading attainments, no simple differential gain was identified in relation to attainments or attitudes.…

Reports results from a survey of 562 teachers about drug education and their evaluation of a drug education package based on a life-skills approach. Most secondary schools teach about drugs in social or health education. Ratings of the package were determined by individual attitudes to drug taking. (Author/CH)

Presents the results of an analysis of resource inputs and academic performance based on the production-function framework. Data were collected from 26 Nigerian secondary schools. Results indicate that there is a significant relationship between teachers' salaries or professional qualifications of English language teachers and academic…

A class inventory and two creativity measures were administered to 350 sixth-grade students in three Caribbean territories (Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent). Analyses indicated that Barbadian schools have a more favorable classroom learning environment for creative production than the other two territories. Barbadian students also demonstrated…

Summarizes a study of the effect of the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) on further education (FE) in the United Kingdom. Focuses on colleges' role in YTS, their involvement in the schemes, and the main lessons learned from this involvement. (CH)

Reports results from a survey of Chief Education Officers and from school visits designed to record ways that schools encourage parents to be involved in their children's education. Specific examples are given of cooperation in several areas, including reading, transition to a new school, and school and classroom activities. (CH)

Three intervention programs (psychomotor, self-esteem enhancement, and direct instruction) were conducted with 40 children who had reading difficulties. The direct instruction program resulted in the greatest gains. Post-intervention questionnaires completed by subjects, parents, and teachers indicated that perceived success differed significantly…