This article reports findings from a case study into reciprocal learning in tutor groups in a research-based master's programme, run jointly by Roehampton University, London, UK and Fontys OSO, The Netherlands. The research was designed to investigate to what extent, and how, forms of reciprocal learning arose in tutor groups for experienced…

This article compares the organization and practice of primary English language teaching in Norway and The Netherlands, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the respective systems. It is based on surveys carried out in each country. Several issues considered essential to the success of a primary EFL program are addressed, such as starting…

The concomitant-variable latent-class model is described for situations with continuous explanatory variables, and an EM estimation procedure to estimate the model is presented. The model is applied to the study of crime among ethnic groups in the Netherlands, and its utility is demonstrated. (SLD)

Computer simulations can facilitate the building of models of natural phenomena in research, such as in the molecular life sciences. In order to introduce molecular life science students to the use of computer simulations for model building, a digital case was developed in which students build a model of a pattern formation process in…

Responds to "Birth Order and Intelligence: Further Tests of the Confluence Model" by Robert D. Retherford and William H. Sewell. Reviews their arguments and suggests that their analyses of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study data support rather than contradict the model. (CJS)

An outline is given of the context in which The International School Effectiveness Research Project (ISERP) was designed and it is argued that the deficiencies of existing studies and the increased internationalization of education makes the more rigorous approach of ISERP essential. A number of methodological lessons from the study are given,…

This reaction to the papers in this PME Special Issue of "Educational Studies in Mathematics" draws a wider perspective on the issues addressed and some of the constructs used in research in Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). In particular, it tries to show that while the problems addressed existed within the world-wide arena of…

This paper discusses two methodological issues regarding the analysis of longitudinal data using structural equation modeling that emerged during the reconsideration of the analysis of a recent study on the relationship between academic motivation and language achievement in elementary education [Stoel R.D., Peetsma, T.T.D. and Roeleveld, J.…

This paper puts forth a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to estimating higher education institutions' per-student education costs (PSCs) in an effort to redress a number of methodological problems endemic to such estimations, particularly the allocation of shared expenditures between education and other institutional activities. An example…

This paper presents a hierarchical Bayes circumplex model for ordinal ratings data. The circumplex model was proposed to represent the circular ordering of items in psychological testing by imposing inequalities on the correlations of the items. We provide a specification of the circumplex, propose identifying constraints and conjugate priors for…

This paper describes the development and characteristics of structural interview procedures designed to aid researchers in investigating children's understanding of their logical arguments. The procedures comprise a system which assesses verbal expression, understanding of implication, and ability to reason logically; it also assesses…

The European Community's EUROPROF project seeks to improve the skills of vocational education and training professionals through collaborative research across regions and countries. The Netherlands and Germany have begun cross-border collaboration. (SK)

Accelerated longitudinal analyses of 7 cohorts of Dutch children over a 10-year period were used to determine whether longitudinal data on children in 1 cohort could predict outcomes of psychopathology in another. Results support accelerated longitudinal analysis to combine short-term longitudinal studies of behavioral-emotional problems into a…

Application of a knowledge and information systems perspective shows how agricultural innovation can be enhanced through networking. In the Netherlands, a number of alternative systems of inquiry and learning are infused with this perspective: participatory technology development, participatory rural appraisal, soft systems methodology, and rapid…

Examines how interviewers can revise questionnaires to minimize troubles in interviewees' responses and to encourage positive, optimistic responses. Discusses psychometrically valid questions, revising scripted text to use yes-no questions, reformulating unclear questions to evoke positive responses, presenting scripted questions as yes-no…