The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Groups of Four" program, examining the impact of the cooperative learning strategy on students' achievement in mathematical problem solving. Effects of three specific independent variables in the program were examined in terms of gender, group assignment, and ability,…

The effects of cooperative learning on attitudes of students toward laboratory work were studied with ninth-grade biology students in Nigeria. It was found to be successful in developing favorable attitudes. Reasons for this are discussed. (MNS)

Measures of both preferred and actual classroom and school environment were administered to 1,675 secondary school students in New South Wales (Australia). Shortened versions of the My Class Inventory, Classroom Environment Scale, and Individualized Classroom Environment Questionnaire, as well as the Quality of School Life questionnaire were…

Comparisons were made between teacher and pupil perceptions of eight facets of the mathematics environment. Teacher perceptions tended to differ from pupil perceptions although not always in the hypothesized direction. (Author/CW)

Reports on a study of students' perceptions of classroom environment and learning styles among 1,733 Singapore 10th-graders. Finds that school type had the most influence on the students' perceptions of both actual and preferred classroom environment. Also finds gender had lesser influence and learning styles had the least influence. (CFR)

Some researchers have argued that it is important to match teaching styles with students' learning styles, although a relatively small amount of research has been done on learning styles in science. This study focused on the differences between male and female secondary school chemistry students in an effort to determine the relationship of gender…

The underrepresentation of women in science and engineering might be caused by certain differences in science training processes. This study investigated sex differences in classroom atmosphere and classroom behaviors of science teachers and students. Males were dominant in working on classroom displays and classroom activities. (YP)

Examined was whether within-class social comparison processes mediate the effects of ability grouping in mathematics on self-concept. The sample was 149 students in seventh-grade classrooms in two schools, one practicing within-classroom grouping and the other using between-classroom grouping. It was predicted that, among students who frequently…

A large and representative 10% sample of classrooms consisting of 1,587 students from a mid-western province in Canada was administered a standardized achievement test battery. This battery consisted of four tests, Reading, Mathematics, Written Expression, and Using Sources of Information. Gender and rural-urban differences in achievement and…

Reports on an investigation into the differences in classroom climate and science-related attitudes among junior high school science classes on students in Taiwan. Most of the differences in classroom climate, student attitude, and their interactions were attributed to school location (metropolitan versus rural) rather than student…

Compared are boys' and girls' abilities and achievement in a research class which included both classroom and research institute experience. It was found that boys were more active in classroom interactions and that the ratings of girls and boys were otherwise not significantly different. (CW)

Discussed is the underrepresentation of women in higher education and science-related jobs and possible causes for the inequity. The implication for teachers, the feminine perspective, and classroom barriers are emphasized. (KR)

This publication is a compilation of papers presented at a research seminar in November 1986 at Curtin University of Technology, Australia. Five papers are included. Jane Butler Kahle's keynote address, "Images of Science: The Physicist and the Cowboy," outlines several aspects of the role of schools in the reproducion of the masculine image of…

Describes study of 315 secondary school students that investigated their reactions to computerized testing and assessed the practicability of this testing method in the classroom. Two versions of a standardized aptitude test battery used are described, one computerized and one printed, and a survey assessing students' reactions is discussed. (9…

Reports on a study of 70 secondary female students in mathematics classes over a period of 7 weeks. Finds that self-efficacy was the best predictor of learning intentions. Recommends further research on the relationships between perceived learning environment, self-efficacy, and learning intentions. (CFR)