This book gives the views of parents in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland about ways in which elementary schools should use the time they have with students. Although the parents' comments were collected during the course of a 1985 survey on health education in elementary schools, the whole context of the education of 4- through 12-year-olds…

An experimental examination was conducted using a multiple-choice test for the purpose of constructing an examination in mathematics. Some 1,125 secondary school students from various school districts were chosen as candidates. The test consisted of twenty mathematical situations requiring five true or false answers for each test item. No time…

Describes study which investigated peer interaction in relation to microcomputer use with 11- and 12-year-old children in a comprehensive secondary school in England. Highlights include the use of micro-PROLOG, a questionnaire to test students' attitudes towards computers, gender differences, and pretest and posttest results. (LRW)

The use of the Language Background Questionnaire is analyzed, and the following criticisms are offered: (1) the varying nature and range of questions used, (2) the inclusion of indirect language background questions, and (3) previous methods of categorization of individuals into groups using language background scores. (SL)

Investigates differences in attitudes toward children and parents among nursery nurses and teachers in three combined nursery centers, three nursery schools, and six day nurseries. Differences between the professional groups were found. (RH)

Survey results contrast teachers' (n=159) knowledge and understanding with the understanding levels expected by England's science National Curriculum. Teacher's understanding with respect to the concepts of force, energy, and changes in materials are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)

Investigates the levels of psychological health, stress, social attitudes, and the pattern of alcohol and drug consumption among the undergraduates in a single college within Oxford University (England). Reveals a high level of contentment with college life, a small minority of unhappy students, and no correlation between drug/alcohol use and…

Discusses a study that surveyed heads of locally maintained, grant-maintained, and private sector (British) primary schools concerning their management styles. Questionnaire and interview data suggest that autonomous primary schools are characterized by collective decision making and high job satisfaction levels. Private sector school heads'…

This article will draw on an investigation of teachers' research in a small-scale project involving 19 schools in the North West region of England. The teachers engaged in the research were funded by a government initiative, the Best Practice Research Scholarships Programme, and were mentored and tutored by university staff. The sample is very…

A study was conducted to examine and compare, in 10 selected countries, the interaction between current conceptions and theories of assessment and assessment practices. Of particular interest was the nature of changing practice and theory in assessing the learning achievements of students in elementary and secondary education, as well as the…

Intended for teachers in training and inservice courses, the seven chapters of this book focus on children and schooling, on some of the ways child development and learning have been perceived, and on how such perceptions appear to have affected or informed the process of formal education. Fundamental to the organization of the book is the attempt…

Three articles discuss professional staff development in higher education and suggest future possibilities. A proposed staff appraisal system that includes opportunities for student evaluation is outlined; questions relating to the concept and rationale of teacher appraisal in higher education are examined; and two case studies using innovation…

Reports a study of first-year A-level college students studying a foreign language in southwest England. The results concern students' perceptions of the way they chose their A-level subjects and of those subjects a few weeks into the courses. Results reveal a lack of confidence among the girls despite their superior academic qualifications to the…

Reports survey results of 126 students enrolled in first- or second-year biology courses concerning the effectiveness of different teaching methods within the lecture format. Indicates that the traditional, didactic lecture, although perceived as least effective, was regarded as highly effective when enhanced by active student involvement.…

Objective: To investigate the process, implementation, and short-term outcomes of a drug education programme (SPICED) introduced in Kirklees schools, West Yorkshire. Design: A retrospective evaluation using mixed methods. Setting: Ten primary schools in West Yorkshire. Methods: Interviews with professionals, survey of parents, focus groups with…