Study tested the effects of an experiment-based physical science program on cognitive outcomes with 556 urban fourth through eighth graders. Teachers implemented the hands-on Quantitative Approach to Elementary Science program consisting of 22 physical science experiments. Results indicate the program influenced only science process skills and…

Examined cognitive processing and performance of 12 average seventh-grade students during cooperative problem solving. Factors that impeded performance included lack of an experiential framework, imposition of unrequired restrictions, lack of individual monitoring of cognitive activity, and unproductive beliefs. Factors that enhanced performance…

One Israeli junior high school initiated an extensive reading program that promotes independent English reading and increases acquisition of English. This article explains how to get such a program started, develop guidelines, and handle problems. Student surveys indicated that similar numbers of students enjoyed reading English and reading…

Using data from a national study of instructional practices in 7th- through 8th-grade science classes, this study examined a subset of Christian school teachers to determine what instructional practices predominated in Christian-school science classes. Results indicated that participants used 10 teaching methods (six constructivist and four…

Explored whether there were differences in IQ and achievement (at grades two, five, and seven) between students who delayed school entry and those who were retained in later elementary grades, as well as any interactions with gender. Concluded that instructional reform may be more effective for improving student success. (JBJ)

Investigated fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders' ownership of, use of, and attitudes toward computer and video games. Found that more boys than girls owned and used video games, and found gender differences in preferred games. Students enjoyed video and computer games, along with a variety of other activities. (JPB)

The present study introduces and demonstrates a new methodology for item and test bias studies: "moderated differential item functioning (DIF)." This technique expands the DIF methodology to incorporate contextual and sociological variables as moderating or mediating effects of the DIF. Specifically, this paper explores differential…

Variability stands in the heart of statistics theory and practice. Concepts and judgments involved in comparing groups have been found to be a productive vehicle for motivating learners to reason statistically and are critical for building the intuitive foundation for inferential reasoning. The focus in this paper is on the emergence of beginners'…

Patterns of consumption and production are not sustainable in developed/developing countries. In developed countries, the levels of pollution, especially those causing global change, are far too high and trends go in the wrong direction. In developing countries, there is too much strain on the local resource base, and this strain is increasing due…

This article addresses some important issues in mathematics instruction at the middle and secondary levels, including the structuring of a district's mathematics program; the choice of textbooks and use of calculators in the classroom; the need for more rigorous lesson planning practices; and the dangers of teaching to standardized tests rather…

The voices of students, as they share their lived experiences in school, provide an often missing perspective in the preparation of new teachers. As part of a research study that examined students' views on their educational experiences, particularly on the types of teachers and pedagogical practices that they perceived to be most beneficial to…

The Minnesota Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Plus project augmented the DARE curriculum with community, parent involvement, and extracurricular activity components. Of the 24 schools in the DARE Plus project, the 8 receiving the DARE Plus intervention are examined in this study. The association of participation in the extracurricular…

Maine is the first state to deliver "anytime, anywhere learning" to schools by providing laptop computers to every 7th and 8th grader in public schools statewide. It's an unprecedented attempt by a state to be a catalyst for school technology. The brainchild of then-Governor Angus King, the Independent who herded it through the…

The effect on achievement of the timing of the transition from elementary to intermediate school was investigated. Focus was on determining whether it matters if children transfer to an intermediate school at grade 6 or at grade 7. The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test was administered to grade 5 students in spring of 1981. The sixth and…

Investigates effects of media on attitudes of fourth- and seventh-grade students toward mentally handicapped using three treatments and discussion at each grade level. One group viewed "The Hayburners"; companion book was read to another group; third was exposed to both book and film; control group did neither. (17 references) (EJS)