A successful program was designed to increase the self-esteem of slow learners in secondary social studies classes. Aspects intended to affect self-esteem were: (1) the suitability of the method; (2) the intellectually challenging material and activities; and (3) the anticipated positive feedback from significant others. (Authors/JN)

Eight factors were studied to determine their relationship to success in a beginning computer science course. Significant correlations were found between the final exam score and reading comprehension, sequence completion, logical reasoning, and algorithmic execution. (Authors/JN)

This study examined the influence of the incorporation of set induction within teachers' instructional strategies on student achievement and retention. Results indicated that set induction is an important variable in the determination of student achievement and retention. (Author/JN)

This study compared causal perceptions of teachers and pupils regarding pupils' success or failure on a test. Teachers attributed success to themselves, to home conditions, and to effort on the part of the student. They attributed failure to the pupils' lack of preparation, low ability, and test difficulty. The perceptions of the pupils were…

This study focused on whether reading instruction based on popular youth-oriented television programs increases task involvement or reading achievement scores. After one year, reading scores of classes using television scripts, in addition to regular materials, were significantly higher than those of nontreatment classes. (JN)

A study was done on the effects of individualized instruction on mathematics achievement at the elementary and secondary school levels. A meta-analysis revealed the importance of using self-paced modular instruction in mathematics. (JN)

It is contended that Conceptual Systems Theory (CST) provides a useful theoretical and operational framework within which to investigate student-environment interactions in the classroom. (Author/GK)

The responses of the research community to the apparent need for more effective health education for children is examined. This survey was confined to the area of cardiovascular health education. Three risk factor areas are reported: smoking, improper nutrition, and lack of physical fitness. (Author/GK)

Conceptualization and measurement of the control dimension is discussed from three theoretical perspectives: social learning, attribution, and intrinsic motivation theories. For each of these, evidence on the relationship between achievement and perceptions of control is summarized. Recommendations are made for research which will advance…

Behavioral techniques derived from social learning theory to training social skills are reviewed. Studies using handicapped and nonhandicapped populations are included. It is concluded that social skills training represents a potentially effective appraoch to successful mainstreaming of handicapped children. The issues of generalization and…

This study developed an approach to evaluating the appropriateness of student effort within a mastery instructional system and then investigated the interrelationship of achievement motivation, effort, and achievement in two college courses. Appropriate effort was strongly correlated with student achievement. (Author/RL)

One hundred sixty eight students (grade 1-college) evaluated the achievement behavior of hypothetical students differing in ability, effort expenditure, and test outcome, both from the perspective of student and teacher. Teacher perspectives indicated that effort and outcome were perceived as highly relevant. Student perspectives indicated high…

Attribution interviews were conducted with 30 mothers who had disagreed with their child's teacher regarding the cause of a school-related problem and with 30 teachers who had similar disagreements with a parent. Parents tended to hold teachers responsible for problems and teachers assigned most responsibility to parent-home factors. (Author/RL)

Treatment and aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) effects were assessed on grade 3 student self-appraisal data relating to self-esteem, attitude, anxiety, and locus of control. In particular, parent instruction in learning skills resulted in significantly higher average scores on student self-esteem and attitude and lower scores on anxiety.…

Two teachers each taught a 2-week fractions unit to two classes of grades 4-5 students. Each teacher taught one class using direct instruction and the other using a small-group variation of direct instruction. Regression analysis on achievement showed significant aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) and significant teacher effects. (Author/RL)