Scores of 33 elementary science teachers on pre- and postmeasures of attitude toward science and science teaching showed that a year-long science workshop significantly reduced apprehension toward using science equipment, doing laboratory work, and discussing science topics. Contains 29 references. (Author/SV)

In describing several pitfalls associated with research on school and teacher effectiveness, the following aspects of effectiveness research are considered: correlation-causation relationship, controlling for background factors, statistical and practical significance, instrumentation problems, regression effects, measurement of change, nonlinear…

Presents an analysis of the responses of 686 secondary school teachers in England to a questionnaire survey on the subject of their job satisfaction. Areas covered include working conditions, roles and responsibilities, and classroom practices. Implications are drawn for teacher training and school management. (IAH)

Examines the problems affecting evaluation of distance education in developing countries in terms of economic, political, and social issues. Discusses one solution, a meta-analysis for synthesizing the results of research studies. (JOW)

This study compared the grade point averages and learning styles (social, independent, applied, conceptual, or combination) of 796 first-year students in 5 institutions of higher education in a southern state. Analysis indicated effects of learning styles, sex, and race on academic achievement. Findings suggest a need for administrative and…

This study of 174 students graduating from 11 small rural high schools in Iowa found that students felt themselves well prepared by their schools, that 80 percent went on to postsecondary education, and that most of these achieved a degree. Results are discussed with regard to the influence of the rural school and community in facilitating…

A questionnaire completed by 575 college deans, associate deans, and chairpersons found that misfit between the administrator's motivational style and job demands were related to perceived work stress and the perception of poor coping ability. The perception of poor coping ability was correlated with stress-related illnesses, and misfit was…

Examination of levels of publication productivity in 228 doctoral research departments in 23 disciplines revealed large differences, with the mean departments in the most productive disciplines averaging more than 10 times the number of publications of the mean departments in the least productive disciplines. The differences within disciplines…

This study at 21 colleges found that having entering freshmen write a short holistically scored essay added nothing to the prediction of freshman grade point average compared to predictions made from high school grade point average, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, and a multiple-choice test of writing-related skills. (Author/DB)

Twenty-two college students from each of three different epistemological groups--dualistic, multiplistic, and relativistic--completed both a syllogism and ink blot problem-solving task. Findings indicated that the three epistemological groups reliably differed in how they mentally organized the ink blot stimuli but not the syllogism problems.…

A total of 42 of 100 students completed a distance education course on translation from English into Spanish at a Spanish university. Course evaluation indicated that emphasis must be on stimulating students' independent skill acquisition and responsibility, as well as the attitudes and discipline needed for careers as translators. (SK)

Measures of the valence and instrumentality perceptions of 37 faculty members regarding distance teaching found that job satisfaction was largely associated with teaching, particularly working with motivated students and the quality of interaction with students, leading to a clear preference for face-to-face teaching. Benefits of off-campus…

Abstracts of 25 articles and documents provide examples of the delivery of science, math, and vocational education via such media as interactive television, communications satellites, videodiscs, and electronic mail. Studies of instructional effectiveness and design issues are also represented. (SK)

Data collected from 501 University of Central Queensland students required to attend at least one residential activity, such as science lab, found that significant numbers did not find residential experiences useful or important. The many reasons students choose distance education make it imperative that any necessary residential activities be…

The experience of piloting a course combining computer-assisted instruction with computer conferencing yielded lessons for distance education: (1) careful training in the use of the technology at various levels improves learner access and reduces frustrations; and (2) institutional infrastructure and absence of defined departmental…