Examines the relationship between teaching and research. Considers whether an emphasis on one or the other better serves the interests of communications departments. Adumbrates arguments suggesting that research undermines teaching and those suggesting the converse. Shares the results of a meta-analysis of existing research on the topic. Finds a…

This work provides a correlation study of the role of the following cognitive variables on problem solving in elementary physical chemistry: scientific reasoning (level of intellectual development/developmental level), working-memory capacity, functional mental ("M") capacity, and disembedding ability (i.e., degree of perceptual field…

College student employment has been increasing steadily for at least four decades. At present, approximately 80% of all college students are employed while completing their undergraduate education. Even among students under the age of 24 at 4-year colleges, more than 50% are employed during the school year. Although some general trends are…

Results of individaul evaluations of four classes of medical students' (N=213) performance in a communication and interview skills curriculum were synthesized using methods typically used in literary meta-analytic reviews. Results showed a significant positive effect. Implications for program evaluation are discussed. (JAC)

The Bayesian inferential process is modified for use in an aggregate meta-analytic evaluation. Compared with the average effect size meta-analytic approach, the Bayesian approach was more sensitive, more consistent and more powerful. This approach is recommended when primary data are not available and when all evaluations involve comparisons of…

This book presents a description of Direct Instruction and a meta-analysis of research on Direct Instruction. The term "Direct Instruction" as used in the book refers to instructional programs developed by Siegfried Englemann and his colleagues, including DISTAR (Direct instruction System for Teaching Arithmetic and Reading) and DISTAR…

The fundamental question to which most clients want and deserve an answer is, "Am I going to get better (as a result of counseling)?" Although meta-analyses provide strong evidence supporting the efficacy of counseling in general, if one wants to make probabilistic statements about individual client outcomes--rather than about the more generalized…

Describes a meta-analysis that indicated a slight student preference for a traditional educational format over a distance education format in higher education, and little difference in satisfaction levels, even when considering presence and type of interaction. Discusses meta-analysis as a method for synthesizing literature. (Contains 53…

Presents the results from two meta-analyses of the Mozart Effect studies. Explains that in Christopher Chabris' meta-analyses, 16 studies with subjects (n=714) and 12 studies with subjects (n=522) were analyzed; while in the author's meta-analysis 36 studies with subjects (n=2,465) and 31 studies with subjects (n=2,089) were analyzed. (CMK)

Uses the results of meta-analyses examining the effects of various message design strategies to evaluate public speaking and persuasion textbooks. Compares the conclusions of the meta-analyses to the conclusions and advice offered by textbooks that rely on social scientific studies. (MG)

Experimental studies based on the Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Model (conducted between 1980-1990) were identified to determine the value of teaching students through their learning style preferences. Meta-analysis determined that matching students' learning style preferences with educational interventions compatible with those preferences is…

Finds that communication-skills instruction generates (using the Binomial Effect Size Display) a 44% increase in critical-thinking ability. Finds that forensic participation demonstrated the largest positive impact on critical-thinking improvement, but that all communication skills experiences demonstrated significant improvement. (SR)

Student ratings of instruction measure general instructional skill, give a composite of delivering instruction, facilitate interactions, and evaluate student learning. A meta-analysis of the multisection validity studies indicates student ratings are moderately valid, but affected by administrative, instructor, and course characteristics. (MMU)

Focuses on the evaluative use of teaching portfolios for personnel decisions in higher education and compares claims for their merits against fundamental research on evaluating faculty teaching. Draws on the literature on teaching portfolio development and suggests meta-analysis to examine the impact of using portfolios for personnel decisions.…

Meta-analysis of 18 studies on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) at the college level found an overall mean effect size of 0.127, i.e., students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with CAI performed slightly better than those receiving only traditional instruction. CAI was most effective in aviation and English…