Administered the Survey of Reading Attitudes to 613 fourth- , fifth- , and sixth-grade Canadian students. Means, standard deviations, coefficient of alpha reliability estimates, and standard errors of measurement were computed for the eight dimensions of reading attitudes. Results indicated reliability estimates comparable to previous samples.…

The term "open education" has often been confused with the concept of open area classrooms, not only among educators and the public, but in research as well. The effects of these two concepts were tested in a study of 56 teachers and their students in fifth- and sixth-grade classes in British Columbia. The results showed classroom types…

Twelve classes of students in grades 4 through 6 studied beaver ecology, either at an outdoor-education center near Toronto or in the classroom. Results indicate that outdoor education was more effective in promoting students' cognitive achievement than classroom study, but did not confirm the popular belief that outdoor programs influence…

This cross-cultural study tests a model of motivation on children's learning. Participating in the study are 805 Chinese students and 740 Canadian students. Students answered survey questions related to their perceptions of parents and teachers as well as their motivation orientations and the perceived level of control in learning; their homeroom…

Investigated the relationship between hyperactive behavior and children's (N=92) perceptions of teachers' behavior, particularly acceptance and demand. Hyperactive behavior was significantly related to both variables in the directions of less perceived acceptance and greater perceived demand. Hyperactive boys perceived significantly less…

Surveys of 887 children in grades 4-6 in Nova Scotia found that student attitudes toward physical activities were significantly more positive in programs taught by a specialist with undergraduate physical education training than in programs taught by a nonspecialist teacher. The positive effects of specialist physical education teachers were…

Fifth- and sixth-grade students from portions of New Brunswick (Canada) and Maine in the Saint John River Valley discussed what their community means to them and the changing economics of this region. An interactive role-playing game led to a debate concerning the economic and environmental impacts of a proposed salmon ladder on the river. (LP)

This report reviews the Values, Influences, and Peers (VIP) program in the Peel, Ontario schools. Originally developed as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the VIP program was first introduced in Peel in 1983 as a pilot initiative in one school. Launched as a response to an increase in…

Compared smoking rates among 1,428 Canadian children in grade six in 1975 or 1978 and examined variables related to smoking. Results indicated peer smoking and attitudes toward cigarettes were significant predictors both years. Academic achievement and aspirations entered the 1975 model while smoking exposure variables entered the 1978 model. (JAC)

Investigates the short-term impact of a smoking curriculum for children. Attitudes of the experimental group tended to become less negative, and they improved more in knowledge. The absolute gains in knowledge scores were, however, relatively small, indicating the need for further modifications in the curriculum material. (Author)

Explains the goals and assumptions of the Political Education Project of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. Gives an example of the stories developed by the project teams as a means by which students are introduced to political realities in interesting ways. Reports two studies supporting the approach. (KO)

Reports on a study of trust expectancies among 113 Native American and Caucasian intermediate grade students in same-race and mixed-race schools. Finds that both racial groups had more trust expectancy of their own race. Also finds that this trust expectancy pattern was somewhat less evident in mixed-race schools. (CFR)

Examines the sociocultural-linguistic processes involved in writing stories in English and French for 2 bilingual children, aged 10 and 11, in Quebec. Points out differences between the children in their views of play, schooling, and story creation. Proposes a unity of process across both languages that is mirrored in the writing of first- and…

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which principals, teachers, parents, and students report that the recommendations of the 1981 Middle School Report were being implemented in each of the five middle schools in the North York (Ontario) school system. The 13 recommendations addressed such issues as the philosophy of the middle…

This document reports the results of a Canadian survey that questioned approximately 4,000 students and 200 teachers on marine related topics. The student population consisted of children from the fifth through ninth grades. Their questionnaire included items on: (1) attitudes toward the ocean, wildlife, and marine resource issues; (2) orientation…