This study examined the effectiveness of repeated reading and assisted nonrepetitive strategies such as echo reading, cloze reading, and unison reading on reading and error rate, comprehension, and fluency with sixth-grade Chapter 1 students. Findings indicated equivalent benefits for both methods, with significant comprehension improvement over…

This study compared the effects of drama and drawing planning activities with a traditional planning activity (discussion) on the quality of second and third graders' narrative writing. After 15 sessions, researchers found that drama and drawing were effective forms of rehearsal for narrative writing and more successful than discussion. (SM)

Examined whether deficits in organization could be documented in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder using a measure of time and object organization. Organization scales were administered to children and their parents; specific deficits were found in the organization of events and objects for children with hyperactivity relative…

The effectiveness of computer-based handwriting exercises was compared with traditional pencil-and-paper instruction in remediating handwriting difficulties. Students in grades 4-6 with poor handwriting received either computer-based, conventional, or computer-assisted conventional instruction. The traditional group improved significantly more…

Reports on the attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics among 7,169 undergraduate male and female students in British and Scottish universities. Finds large differences in participation rates between women and men in English and Scottish universities. (CFR)

Examines the British government's goal of introducing criterion-referenced, formative student evaluation in primary schools. Reports on a case study in which the reliability of a Standard Assessment Task was examined in three second-grade classrooms. Questions whether or not the decision to drop the task from the test was correct. (CFR)

Asserts that the teacher as researcher movement increased awareness of the human interventionary nature of teaching. Maintains that the human interventions of regular classroom practice must be subject to the same ethical scrutiny that applies to all professional endeavors. (CFR)

Reports a study that examined the effects of conceptual orienting questions and differences in prior knowledge on factual learning and problem solving in biology. Tenth graders who participated in control or orienting questions groups completed posttests. Results indicated that question groups outscored the control group. (SM)

Fifty middle-grade students conducted science experiments either as members of small groups taught skills of self-directed critical thinking, or as members of a teacher-directed class, or as members of a control group. Experimental students scored highest on tests of relevant science content. The first group outperformed the others when…

This study surveyed public school teachers to investigate their theoretical orientations toward teaching thinking and toward two views about the nature of thinking (content-oriented and skills-oriented). Results showed that less than one-fourth presented a clear content or skill orientation. Most had mixed views about the two theories. (SM)

Reports a case study that examined how one effective middle school teacher of primarily high-risk students created a classroom environment that enhanced learner outcomes. Analysis of data collected through participant observation and interviews indicated that the normative nature of this particular classroom was intimately entwined with academic…

This study investigated teachers' decisions regarding difficult-to-teach students, their causal beliefs, and their sense of efficacy. Teachers read a case study and indicated their feelings and beliefs about the situation. Teachers offered a variety of suggestions, most frequently suggesting non-teacher-based strategies. Those who made…

A framework is provided for examining the validity of performance standards for high-stakes achievement tests. Assumptions that need to be evaluated are that the passing score corresponds to specified performance standards and that the specified standard is reasonable given the purpose of the decision. (SLD)

It is argued that there are only three core instructional models (behavior, development, and apprenticeship) and that within the framework of these models, only five types of knowledge can be acquired: (1) declarative; (2) procedural; (3) conceptual; (4) analogical; and (5) logical. Examples are presented. (SLD)

Describes the significance of life histories, or autobiographies, in teacher education and professional development. Reports on the case study of a British teacher who realized that his educational philosophy was rooted in childhood experiences divided between formal schooling and a natural world of real learning. (CFR)