A survey of public and Catholic school teachers investigated the relationship between organizational value orientation and two variables--organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Private schools had more normative and public schools more utilitarian orientations. Schools with more normative orientations showed significantly higher job…

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 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…

Using an environmental approach, Israeli researchers compared an experimental high school that emphasized respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness to a conventional high school. Social climate surveys of students and teachers indicated experimental classes had more perceived teacher support and less competition. The environmental instrument…

This study assessed the use of oral recitation lessons (ORL) to develop second graders' oral reading fluency and the effects of fluency training on reading comprehension. ORL proved effective in developing oral reading fluency. Fluency and reading comprehension of ORL students was superior to that of students receiving traditional reading…

Dutch researchers investigated the effects of Obuchova's method of teaching measurement to kindergarten children with no knowledge of conservation or seriation. Results indicated training was highly effective. Skills were transferred to conservation tasks not taught in training. Transfer to concepts not included in training was also observed. (SM)

Primary teachers and intermediate grades students viewed videotapes of students displaying either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or normal behavior, each labeled accordingly. Surveys indicated that the ADHD behavior, but not the label, had a significant negative impact on teachers' and peers' ratings. (SM)

This study investigated the generality of the negative suggestion effect in objective tests. College students read text passages and took objective tests. Later, they rated statements' validity, including statements from the initial test. Students were more likely to consider objectively false statements true if they had appeared on the earlier…