Studied the relation between reading comprehension and task-specific strategies used in arithmetic word problems. Results with 20 9-year-olds of different competencies in reading and mathematics show a linear relation between reading comprehension and target strategies used in the word problems as well as a relationship between reading and IQ.…

Describes the evolution and organization of foreign language teaching in Sweden and the status and images related to the languages taught. Policy initiated in 1994 made teaching of a second foreign language compulsory in addition to the English mandated since 1962. Stresses the place of honor of foreign languages in the Swedish curriculum. (SLD)

Discusses some instruments for assessing students' use of self-regulated learning strategies and cultural differences in the use of such strategies. Studies of 349 Norwegian college students suggest that the use of self-regulated learning strategies is similar in Norway and the United States. Discusses implications for cross-cultural studies in…

Analyzed the data from the Rutter Children's Behaviour Questionnaire (M. Rutter, 1967) from 450 Swedish children in grades 2, 5, and 8 using latent variable analysis. Findings show a structure described by a nested hierarchical model with seven first order factors. Some items have rather weak relations to their latent factors. (SLD)

The six chapters of this theme issue provide an overview of empirical content analysis, ranging from classical to computer-assisted content analysis as they relate to educational research. The contributions to this volume show that content analysis can be used to analyze data that constitute reactions to stimuli introduced in the study. (SLD)

The eight chapters of this theme issue examine the ways in which autochthonous communities regard the supply side of education. The supply side is segregational in nature, and immigrants themselves move toward ethnic homogenization. The focus is on urban minorities in Brussels (Belgium). Compares the situation in Cape Town (South Africa). (SLD)

Examined the potential of constructivist learning environments for developing prerequisites of expert knowledge during university studies. Compared learning outcomes of 16 Finnish students in a constructivist environment with outcomes of 23 students learning under traditional conditions. Students in the constructivist environment acquired more…

Critically examines recent market-oriented educational reforms in Ontario and their impact on socially disadvantaged groups. Argues that current trends lead toward a "marketization" of education in Ontario, as the rhetoric of cost-effectiveness and bureaucratic efficiency shifts the official agenda of educational reform away from equity…

Eighty-five preservice-education students observed a science experiment concerning either buoyancy or the forces acting on a stationary object, then wrote a series of explanations. Results suggest that students' use of rhetorical structures (explanation, comparison, argumentation, and summarization) stimulated construction of new knowledge, but…

A survey of 201 of Canada's 628 school districts found that most reported a moderate surplus of teachers overall, with shortages in technology education, science, and mathematics. Findings were distributed to key stakeholders, who assessed the value and uses of such information. Contains 28 references and a chronology of 13 teacher…

One hundred Canadian undergraduates read a lengthy expository text, used one of five study strategies for 50 minutes, and completed recall and multiple-choice tests. Students using self-study, repetition, or unsupported elaborative interrogation had difficulty recognizing the passage's main ideas. Elaborative interrogation's effectiveness was…

Practicum experiences and feelings of preparedness to teach were compared for 88 Ontario student teachers in either the fourth year of a "concurrent" undergraduate preservice program or a 1-year "consecutive" graduate preservice program. The two groups did not differ in teaching self-efficacy or the number of classroom management and discipline…

A survey of 23 Canadian student teachers in conventional placements or professional-development schools (PDS) found that their practica had taught them about curriculum, pupils and pupil-teacher interactions, discipline and classroom management, and the teaching profession. Compared to others, PDS student teachers relied more on weekly seminars…

A survey of coordinators and tutors in 50 adult-literacy programs in western Canada examined program activities involving writing; amount and type of instruction devoted to writing; and staff attitudes about the value of writing in the program, their own writing skills, potential of writing as a self-development tool, and professional-development…

At the University of Alberta (Canada), the Amazon Project is identifying and mapping continuing-professional-development activities and resources available through the University. The project has met challenges related to definitions of terms, lack of relevant information and statistics, and faculty suspicion and resistance. (SV)