Research on beliefs about second language learning based on a model designed by Elaine Horwitz is reviewed. The model is incorporated in the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) developed for students of English as a Second Language, college students of commonly taught languages (French, German, Spanish), and college teachers of…

This paper reports on five related studies on upper elementary school students' beliefs about the role of real-world knowledge in solving mathematical word problems, and on possibilities of overcoming their unrealistic mathematical modeling. Findings from the first study of 75 Belgian fifth-grade students showed that as a consequence of current…

A study was made of 10 practicum students in the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University and 7 cooperating teachers at a nearby middle school. The purpose of the study was to describe and analyze the practicum experience and its role in the preparation of middle school practicum students. Analysis of the study data yielded several…

Because traditional performance measures may not accurately assess what students learn or are taught, some K-12 classroom teachers, states, and teacher preparation programs are beginning to use portfolio assessment to document learning and growth in learning over time. Portfolio assessment is considered a more authentic way of evaluating and…

This study of metacognition and motivation explored variations over time in the relationships between children's metacognitions about their study activities and various components of motivation for achievement. The study attempted to: (1) identify possible causal relations between metacognitive and motivational variables by looking at their…

This 2-year study of the effectiveness and quality of continuing professional education (CPE) in the United Kingdom identified policy implementation issues resulting from recent government policies and economic imperatives which have given rise to a "new managerialism" which is changing the organizational culture of higher education…

Three questions concerning the Binary Search Method (BSM) of computerized adaptive testing were studied: (1) whether it provided a reliable and valid estimation of examinee ability; (2) its effect on examinee attitudes toward computerized adaptive testing and conventional paper-and-pencil testing; and (3) the relationship between item response…

In spring 1984, six English instructors at Clinton Community College (CCC), in New York State, were asked to incorporate an instructional unit on library skills into their freshman English classes. To assess the overall effectiveness of the unit, a study was conducted comparing the course grades and test scores of the students who received library…

The purpose of this study was to explore middle school students' perceptions of what factors facilitated their learning of science. Between 50 and 60 high-achieving middle school students were in residence on the University of South Florida campus for 12 consecutive days of study in the "World of Water" program. There were two sessions per summer…

English language sociological research on higher education in Canada from 1970-1980 is reviewed. Functionalists have tended to concentrate upon the task of describing the perceived functions of the educational system in the society and have usually considered major educational change as occurring in response to the requirements of the polity and…

Created in 1974, the Connecticut Wilderness School is a successful program for breaking patterns of failure due to negative self-image and instilling positive values of confidence and responsibility in order to develop constructive attitudes and behaviors in young people aged 15 to 20 who have run into trouble with the law. The wilderness program…

A return to basic inductive research methods is recommended. Specifically, the scientific method of "strong inference" ought to be applied in attempts to prove hypotheses concerning the relationship that may exist between attitude variables and the learning of a second or foreign language. These hypotheses, drawn from the literature and discussed…

This paper examines the relation of cognitive and developmental-contextual variables to alcohol use in adolescence and early adulthood in an attempt to increase the understanding of alcohol use during this age period. Components for each of the rational decision making theories, specifically attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy, were…

Asserts that the common perception of homeless children is that they are physically and psychologically impaired by their living circumstances and unable to function effectively in schools. Reports on a case study of efforts to educationally motivate homeless children. Discusses the implications for children's motivation. (CFR)

A 1957 book by Timothy Leary presented a model for interpersonal behavior. Dutch researchers have worked on using the model in educational research and teacher education. The paper discusses results of a research program which studied student and teacher perceptions of interpersonal behavior, teacher communication styles, and student outcomes. (SM)