A study of the accuracy of letter strokes made on wide- and normal-spaced paper by students during the transition to cursive writing confirms the advantages of wide-spaced paper. Both second- and third-grade students made more accurate strokes on wide-spaced paper. (Authors/PP)

A study of the learning activities of 43 beginning secondary school teachers in Oregon provides information about how and to what extent these teachers supplemented academic training with practical knowledge. Types of learning experiences, time spent on them, and teachers' opinions about their worth are discussed. (PP)

A study using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (Revised) was conducted to determine whether the increase in reliability when both Forms L and M were employed justified the increase in time required for the longer procedure. Children in grades four, five, and six were involved in the project. (PP)

The use of illustrations in relation to text characteristics and instructional conditions was studied. Seventh-grade students recalled information from transfer passages of texts varying in their level of dependence on illustrations. Texts and passages were read under four instructional conditions. Results are discussed. (Authors/CJ)

This study examined the effects of teacher enthusiasm on the achievement of fourth-grade pupils, as well as the ability of teachers to exhibit interteacher similarity in enthusiasm. Among results discussed is the finding of no effect of teacher enthusiasm on social studies achievement of fourth-grade students. (Authors/CJ)

A theoretical model is presented with a review of supportive literature to establish the conditions under which desegregation and mainstreaming will result in constructive or destructive outcomes. Meta-analysis procedures examine all the available research relevant to the model, and point toward practical intergroup procedures based on the…

This review is an attempt to understand the responsibilities of governing boards regarding decision making in academic affairs, i.e., those decisions which have a direct bearing on the educational curriculum, the quality of instruction, the instructors and the students. (Author/PN)

This review compares and contrasts eight instructional models presenting holistic conceptions of student learning in classroom settings. Major constructs posited by different theorists are cross-tabulated and related to factors of the model of educational productivity. (Author/PN)

Studies in the role of play in child development are classified in terms of their major correlates or dependent variables: (1) creativity, (2) problem solving, (3) language development, (4) logical skills, and (5) social knowledge. Study designs are critically examined, and internal and external validity problems are noted. (Author/PN)

Evaluation literature is reviewed through an analytical framework representing issues addressed by major evaluation approaches in education. Ten evaluation dimensions comprise the framework: (1) definition, (2) functions, (3) objects, (4) variables, (5) criteria, (6) audience, (7) evaluation process, (8) inquiry methods, (9) evaluator…

Higher education must revise traditional programs, face the reality of dropping enrollments, fiscal crises, changing educational and social values, different labor and time schedules, rapidly changing knowledge and excessively speedy developments in technology, then make plans for the best, most effective and beneficial use of technology in…

Hemispheric preferences of high and low ability, right-handed elementary school children (n=70) were investigated using the Your Style of Learning and Thinking instrument. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups on integrated responses, with the high ability group having a higher preference for integrated functioning…

Kindergarten students (n=102) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (play, puppet, picture, repetition-control) to examine the effects of play as a mediator of listening comprehension. The play condition gained more than all other conditions and all conditions gained more than the control condition. (Author/PN)

The effect of systematized feedback on mathematics performance in natural classroom settings was examined. Three sixth-grade classes served as subjects during the 12-week study. A 25-item computation posttest was administered. Results confirm the effectiveness and practicality of comprehensive feedback programs in natural classroom settings.…

Findings of two studies indicate that: (1) teachers were more likely to respond to classroom problems by providing direction (standards) than by building commitment (warmth); (2) teachers were less likely to communicate warmth involved in their decision making than to communicate standards; and (3) standards and warmth were negatively related.…