Three sets of factors that are strongly and consistently productive of academic learning are student ability and motivation, amount and quality of instruction as well as the social-psychological morale of the classroom group, and the educationally stimulating qualities of the home environment. (Author/MLF)

Reviews science education research in grades 6-12 related to the constructs of student motivation, home or family environment, and peer-group environment. Science education literature (1964-1979) from several sources was examined and correlations made between construct variables and science learning. (CS)

Japan's achievements are the results of an outstanding educational system that emphasizes quality of instruction, gives priority to children's learning, and rewards hard work. (Author)

Historical analysis of the psychological traits and childhood environments of 55 leading poets, novelists, and dramatists indicated that outstanding traits and conditions of childhood can be identified and serve as portents of future accomplishments. (CL)

Reviews studies on the psychosocial learning environment of science classrooms focusing on: (1) assessment of classroom learning environments; (2) predictive validity of environmental perceptions in science classrooms; (3) past criterion validity studies; and (4) directions for future research. (DS)

This study identified early conditions of successful adults, via a historical analysis of psychological traits and childhood environments of 38 notable 20th-century American women writers. The study rated multiple traits and conditions representing cognitive, affective, familial, and educational aspects. Results focus on the degree of persistence…

A recent structural model suggesting that nine factors exerted effects on seventh grade students' mathematics achievement and attitude was further tested with a national sample of 2,500 tenth grade mathematics students. The structural model, evolved and cross-validated with the younger sample, significantly accounted for variance in mathematics…

The program of research on teacher-student relationships described in this issue is an important part of the field of classroom learning environments, although it has its own distinctive and significant features. The questionnaire on teacher interaction (QTI), the main instrument used in this research, follows the strong tradition in learning…

Data gathered from a national sample of 17-year-old high school students were used to correlate social studies achievement and attitude scores with various constructs previously determined to affect learning. Several significant correlations were found, both positively and negatively affecting learning outcomes. (CJ)

Reading achievement and attitude scores of a National Assessment of Educational Progress sample of 9-year-old students were multiply regressed on one another on home environment variables. Correlations and partial correlations of achievement with home environment, quality of instruction, and leisure time television watching were found. (Author/DF)

Eighteen studies on the correlation of home environment and learning were selected, and their results synthesized. The analyses suggest that ability and achievement are more closely linked to the socio-psychological environment and intellectual stimulation in the home than they are to parental socioeconomic status indicators. (Author/BW)

Tested a structural model of mathematics achievement and attitude with a probability sample of 3,116 adolescents from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth. Concluded that prior achievement and home environment influenced subsequent achievement most powerfully and that previous attitude had the most powerful influence on subsequent attitude.…

Analysis of the psychological traits and childhood environments of foremost essayists, historians, and critics (N=42) suggested that, while intelligence was a component of eminence, environmental influences were substantial. Familial, school, and social conditions provided indispensable support during the childhoods of the future essayists.…

Comparison of childhood traits and conditions of 21 eminent American women scientists and 235 eminent women in other fields found both groups more similar than different, but future scientists tended to engage in more scientific activities, were more bookish and scholarly, and were typically encouraged to pursue nature study, reading, and writing.…

An analytical, integrating perspective on much of the classroom environment research conducted in the 1970s is provided. The initial development of the Learning Environment Inventory and original research programs are described. (RL)