Summarizes the findings and conclusions of a recent NFER (National Foundation for Educational Research) report which resulted from a two-year (1977-79) evaluation of the Unified Vocational Preparation pilot program in England. (CT)

Outlines the historical background, the constraints upon diversification, and the changes which have occurred in college organization. Also examines the characteristics of the student population who entered three British colleges in 1976, their aspirations, selection of programs and courses, and their academic experience at these institutions. (CT)

A Manchester, England, high school designed lower school curriculum structures via computer and investigated their feasibility using the Nor Data School Scheduling System. The positive results suggest that the computer system could provide all schools with an invaluable aid to the planning and implementation of their curriculum. (CT)

The author discusses the concepts of giftedness and the problems inherent in identifying gifted children. He proposes that the development of screening techniques might aid early identification of gifted children "at risk" and that attempts should be made to profile gifted delinquents who may not respond well to therapy. (CT)

Over 6,700 junior/middle and secondary pupils in Sheffield, England, reported high rates of bullying, which varied with year, gender, and school location. School size, class size, and ethnic mix were not linked with bullying; social disadvantage was to a small extent. (SK)

Standard reading test scores were gathered from 2,500 British students at ages 6 and 8. School and pupil variables sieved with multilevel modeling were used to develop a measure of school effectiveness that ranked schools substantially differently than the raw scores. The measure may be a fairer comparison of school effectiveness. (SK)

Some professional writers view word processing as liberating; others are apprehensive. Teacher anecdotes reveal that word processing cannot substitute for instruction but can be an important tool. Research concludes that many writers enjoy using word processing and believe it enhances composing, revising, and quality. (95 references). (SK)

The Inventory of Learning Processes assessed the learning styles of Caribbean ninth graders (47 boys, 67 girls) in 2 ability groups. The higher ability group performed better in deep processing, fact retention, and methodical study. Girls performed better in methodical study. (SK)

Three moral dilemmas involving sex discrimination/stereotypes were presented to 161 6-11 year olds. Many children appeared prepared to justify gender discrimination, accepted the "validity" of stereotypes, and/or felt pressured to conform to social norms. Both cognitive, age-linked intervention and help in resisting social pressure were…

Fifty-three student teachers completed a questionnaire about their self-perceived competence to teach Britain's National Curriculum to 11 year olds. Diary entries and interview data show that self-rated competence increased over a year's training course; changes were statistically significant for each subject. (SK)

British observation study of 8 year olds (n=43) and 11 year olds (n=43) participating in playground activities found that older children spent more time in rule games and less time alone; girls spent more time in sociable activities; many activities were single sex and/or single age; and older boys were largely responsible for lack of mixed-age…

Interviews with six directors of career advisory services in British universities showed that (1) individual effort rather than service policy was responsible for most provision of career information; (2) career information seemed isolated from other counseling activities; (3) shortcomings appeared in facilities, information technology, and career…

Among British students in A-level courses, about half were employed part time and tended to get slightly lower grades than unemployed students. Lack of correlation between part-time work and hours spent on homework as well as relationships between A-level grades and part-time work across subjects led to conclusion that lower grades are not caused…

Data from 48 biology, 36 chemistry, 24 physics, and 33 math teachers in Nigeria revealed favorable attitudes toward learning and using concept- and vee-mapping in teaching science rather than math. Poor attitudes of math teachers toward vee-mapping and assisting teachers in teaching these techniques with greater confidence were shown to need…

Triangulation in educational research may be of two types: (1) between methods, in which mutual validation is sought; and (2) within a method, addressing one issue through input from various perspectives. Neither version appears to do all that is claimed for it. (SK)