Results are presented from a study that implemented and assessed the effectiveness of a research-based model for training preservice secondary teaching trainees (N=97) in a complex teaching skill: clarity of explanation. Extensive discussion is presented on the study design and implementation. (IAH)

Results of a study which tested the effect of four instructional strategies on students' (N=138) writing indicate that the most effective instructional strategy for informational writing was presentation of model pieces of writing, followed by free writing. (IAH)

Results are reported from a study which showed that activating competent readers' naive conceptions about a complex science concept is not as effective in dispelling inaccurate information as activating their naive conceptions and then explicitly directing them to read and attend to ideas that might differ from their own. (IAH)

This study compares the effect on instruction of two strategies used by special education teachers (N=22) to monitor reading skills development. One strategy used only the overall performance indicator from a written recall measure; the other used this indicator in conjunction with a more qualitative analysis of student protocols. (IAH)

Findings from an investigation into the effectiveness of an explicit training model on low socioeconomic (SES) four- and five-year-old's (N=26) ability to solve geometric analogy problems suggest that higher level cognitive skills of low SES preschoolers can be enhanced through instruction. (IAH)

Study findings indicate that exposure to a statement on a true-false test increased college students' (N=64) tendency to believe the statement was true, regardless of whether the statement actually was true or false. In contrast to previous research, these findings support existence of a negative suggestion effect for true-false exams. (IAH)

Data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study were analyzed to identify variables related to five types of student behavior: misbehavior, violent behavior, substance abuse, preparedness for class, and classroom behavior. Results indicated that variables not under school control and certain school practices and policies significantly…

This study investigated return-to-task rates on hard and easy tasks that secondary students projected for scenario characters and for themselves. Data revealed significantly greater rates of return to easy tasks. Girls had significantly higher return-to-task rates. Evidence of self-presentation bias was present. (SM)

Describes the development of the Primary Teacher Questionnaire (PTQ), a self-report beliefs scale. The three phases described are item development, initial testing and scale refinement, and field testing. Data analysis indicated that the PTQ provides a feasible way of assessing teachers' beliefs about appropriate primary level instruction. (SM)

Black high school seniors and white high school seniors were surveyed regarding the influence of school counseling, parental agreement with educational goals, and curriculum choice on college aspirations. Black students used counseling more frequently. Though the races differed significantly in high school programs, there were no significant…

A classroom procedure included error imitation and correction and repeated practice to mastery within regular third-grade spelling instruction. Pretesting and posttesting compared corrected-test procedures with standard practice and practice with fewer words. Significantly higher test scores and teacher ratings documented the effectiveness of the…

This study examined whether computer-assisted instruction (CAI), compared to conventional instruction, would improve the teaching of grammar and writing to college students studying developmental communication. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest evaluation indicated students receiving CAI enjoyed a substantial advantage in the presence of a…

This study investigated relationships between student practice and achievement in physical education for subgroups of students based on initial skill level and gender. Students were pretested, received instruction, then posttested on certain volleyball skills. Researchers viewed and coded videotapes. Subgroup analyses provided greater information…

This study examined retention in grades K-8 using data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study. Male, minority, and lower socioeconomic status (SES) students were more likely to be retained. Retention related to less optimal academic and personal-social outcomes, particularly for female, white, and higher SES students. (SM)

This study used the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory and skill and attitude measures to investigate associations between student outcomes and classroom environment for high school chemistry students. The nature of the classroom environment accounted for appreciable proportions of variance in both cognitive and affective outcomes beyond…