If students can see a clear reason for comprehensive examinations and have a model to follow in preparation, they will learn more and their test anxiety will be reduced. A history of doctoral examinations is presented, and how students might be helped to prepare for them is discussed. (RM)

The stability of a two-factor model recently proposed for the Gibb Experimental Test of Testwiseness was assessed, using confirmatory factor analysis. Designed to measure seven specific testwiseness skills with 10 items per skill, Gibb's test has been shown to discriminate between persons trained and untrained in selected testwiseness skills. Such…

This study examined the effectiveness of PLAE (Preplan List, Activate, and Evaluate) in training students to have executive control over their learning strategies. Subjects, 56 at-risk students enrolled in four separate sections of an upper-level study strategies course at a major southern university, received intensive, direct instruction in…

Provides a brief review of test-wiseness research and discusses a model of direct instruction as an alternative to reading comprehension test-wiseness instruction. (FL)

Presents a theoretical model that identifies the context in which students experience difficulties with complex multiple choice exams (MCE). Provides a structured approach that facilitates the development of critical thinking and metacognitive skills. Discusses a workshop in which participants reported increased knowledge concerning the process…

The stability of a 2-factor model proposed for the Gibb Experimental Test of Testwiseness was studied with 173 undergraduates. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that data fit the two-factor model and a simpler one-factor model. The Gibb test could be characterized as tapping a general testwiseness proficiency. (SLD)

The effectiveness of a strategy for improving performance on multiple-choice items for examinees was assessed using an aptitude-treatment interaction model. Results showed that for low-anxious examinees, generation of an answer before selecting a response led to higher performance, but not for highly anxious examinees. (Author/JAZ)

J. D. Bransford's tetrahedral model of learning considers four variables: (1) learning activities, (2) characteristics of the learner, (3) criterial tasks, and (4) the nature of the materials. Bransford's model provides a research-based theoretical framework that can be used to teach, model, and have students apply a variety of study strategies to…

The articles in this journal issue present a variety of teaching methods to enhance writing instruction. The titles of the articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "Writing for Real World Audiences in the Classroom?" (James P. Beck); (2) "Copycatting: Learning to Write by Imitating" (Mary Ann Stemper); (3) "The…

The effect of an advance organizer on post test performance was studied in a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design with the effects of the organizer, pretest and mathematics learning passage controlled. An advance organizer of approximately 500 words and a learning passage of approximately 1,000 words were developed. A 41-item multiple choice test based on…

Discusses the Supplemental Instruction (SI) approach to teaching study skills using course content. Summarizes the methods used in SI review sessions and reviews data measuring the success of students involved in SI with implications for improving student performance in other difficult courses at the community college level. (SKC)

The Writing Center at Troy State University (Troy, Alabama), is described in this report. Currently in its seventh year of operation, the Center functions under the philosophy that any student can be successful given the appropriate method of instruction and sufficient time. It provides a multiplicity of services including one-to-one tutorials,…

Higher Education for Learning Problems (H.E.L.P.) is a tutorial program for students at Marshall University (West Virginia) who have learning disabilities. Tutoring in coursework is done by graduate assistants under the supervision of the director or assistant director. Remedial instruction in reading, spelling, and written language is provided by…

A special transitional course (College Success) developed for college freshmen at the State University of New York College at Cortland is described in this report. Designed to meet standard problems of transition from high school to college and deal with detected deficits in learning and studying skills, it offers small group experience on issues…

The purpose of the Health Sciences Recruitment and Retention Program at Florida International University is to increase the numbers of qualified Hispanic and black students applying to the health sciences programs and to admit and retain them. Fields of study include dietetics, medical technology, and occupational and physical therapy. The…