Reports the testing of hypotheses about principal vision generated from Blumberg and Greenfield's (1986) qualitative studies of effective principals. Teachers tend to associate a robust principal with freedom to select the techniques of their work; the relationship between teacher sense of autonomy and principal vision is less clear. (JD)

According to a study of second and third grade students (N=108), the best predictor for physical aggressive behavior, when sex, social class, and language were considered, appeared to be language immaturity. Results also indicated that verbal aggression may be associated with language maturity. (JD)

Middle school teachers are more active decision makers than their high school counterparts. However, the kinds of decisions that the two groups make are extremely similar. In contrast, secondary science teachers and elementary teachers make decisions at about the same interval--one decision every two minutes. (JD)

Three review articles, six essays, and nine empirical studies on peer tutoring were assessed. Mainstreamed or integrated classrooms were found to be ideal locations for peer tutoring, providing support for the integration process, positive effects on self-esteem and achievement, aid in classroom management, and a reinforcing system for learning.…

The effects of individualized written feedback, oral group feedback, and no feedback on learning music were evaluated in a study of 80 secondary level students. Findings indicate that oral group information feedback promotes significantly more learning than does individualized written feedback or no feedback. (JD)

The concept that classroom teachers have the knowledge, skill, and experience to validate research findings as related to specific objectives and the broader outcomes of education is discussed. Teaching effectiveness is enhanced by matching principles of learning (participation, readiness, comprehension, satisfaction, and retention) with…

A three-part training procedure was developed to adapt thinking-aloud writing protocols (TAWPs) for use with children as verbal reports of their audience awareness. Four nine-year olds wrote letters while producing TAWPs. Children know that audience factors affect writers' decisions, but they do not use this awareness when making writing…

Statewide achievement testing programs in public schools are examined from a historical perspective over 150 years. Written tests, standardized tests, intelligence tests, and test batteries are considered. A survey of present programs demonstrates a wide variety that is attributable to the ad hoc origins of these programs. (SLD)

A Q-sort instrument was used to investigate differences in the perceptions of 144 freshmen and sophomores in an orientation program to a teaching course and 120 juniors in introductory education courses of the ideal teacher and themselves as teachers. Relatively stable views of the ideal and self were found. (SLD)

Reports findings on perceptions of 686 secondary school teachers in northern England who were surveyed about aspects of their careers. Finds that work centrality was value driven. Concludes that teacher workaholics tend to be driven by their values rather than their perceptions of reality. (DB)

Critically assesses the methodology and conclusions of two British studies concerning gender imbalances in classroom participation. Finds the studies' generalizations too broad, and suggests that type of teacher attention would be more influential than quantity of attention, which these studies observed. Recommends a more cumulative development of…

Responds to Martyn Hammersley's critique of the authors' research concerning classroom participation of boys and girls. Agrees generally with Hammersley's critique. Defends the small-scale approach for its ability to examine interactive mechanisms by which inequality in participation was produced. (DB)

Reports findings of a Scottish study using questionnaires and interviews to investigate views of 387 college freshmen on course selection, specifically addressing low female enrollment in computing areas. Finds computing students motivated by extrinsic awards. Reveals stereotypes, intimidation fears, lack of role models, and teacher guidance…

Presents findings from a British study of nearly 200 teachers who attended in-service education and training (INSET) courses at 4 British universities. Examines perceptions of course effects on teacher abilities. Finds teachers who felt their skills improved also reported improvements in student attainment. States INSET improves teachers'…

Considers the efficacy of using concerns-based staff development to facilitate education and training about Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Argues that education and training should focus on the meaning of change for individuals and be responsive to individuals' concerns. Presents a qualitative…