In this article, the author argues that there appears to be a thrust, at least from the federal government, to provide a rigid definition of what counts as "science": namely, randomized field trials. Code words for this method pervade the No Child Left Behind Act; the phrase "scientifically based research" occurs more than 100…

Provides an overview of recent research on computers in the classroom, highlighting reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and from the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Research methodology used in studying computer-assisted instruction is discussed, and drill and practice skills versus higher order thinking…

In this personal narrative, the author notes that he has often said more or less in jest that when it comes to evaluating international studies, people lose their critical capacities and forget everything they ever learned in their courses in research methods and statistics. Results that would raise flags in any other endeavor receive no…

International comparisons of academic achievement are faulted by methodological problems. U.S. schools are doing better in international comparisons than we have been led to believe. However, there are shortcomings. An education reform agenda needs to treat poor urban and rural schools as patients in an intensive-care ward. (MLF)

Reviews results of studies concerned with the effects of computer-assisted instruction on secondary students in the areas of academic achievement, motivation, and social development. Discusses a report on such findings which employs the research technique of meta analysis to translate measured research findings into standard units of effect. (JJD)