Presents several dimensions of students' science perceptions in grades 1-12 in a rural county school system. The pupils' viewpoints are related to school and nonschool experiences and to the views of local adults. The students' perceptions were also used as a basis to explore issues raised by school administrators and teachers. (KR)

Investigates incidents of racial intolerance directed at white students at historically black colleges through a telephone survey of white students at nine historically black campuses. Results support that white students in these schools have generally positive experiences, with few racist incidents reported. (SLD)

Drawing on cross-national analysis, a discussion of study abroad programs examines approaches to financial support in the European Community, national governments, and various European and U.S. programs and institutions. Findings indicate patterns in program type shaping program goals, participant attitudes, experiences abroad, and program…

This study was conducted to provide information on environmental knowledge of fifth and sixth graders in a Greek city in order to allow effective planning of environmental education. Results indicate that children's knowledge about the environment is influenced by their immediate experience as well as by textbook content. Discusses implications of…

Probes the interaction between teacher-education experiences and existing student beliefs, through observation and analysis of two elementary teaching candidates' experience in social studies methods courses and student teaching. Suggests that beliefs can facilitate professional growth if articulated as tools for reflection, but can be obstacles…

Reports on a community service learning project in which 11 college students participated in conflict-resolution activities in a middle school. The students' reactions to the experience varied according to their different motivations for participating. Training and close supervision, partially accomplished through meetings and reading weekly…

Describes the use of literacy portfolios in an eighth-grade classroom. Discusses the growth of self-awareness, the strong sense of personal commitment, the connection between analyzing and critiquing individual work through the eyes of a reader, the creation of a community of writers, and student reflections on their writing experiences. (SD)

Interviews with 66 students, faculty, and administrators in ten departments of a large public research university revealed a number of factors instrumental in integrating first-year students successfully into graduate programs: a structured departmental orientation complementing the university-wide orientation; a culture of collegiality;…

In an interview, two college students discuss aspects of the college experience, including the transition from high school to college, the most helpful general education and other courses, choice of major, classroom communication, curriculum relevance, effective teaching methods, and particularly important experiences and skills learned. (MSE)

Research on African American students' low academic performance has focused on Black adolescents, who, like most American adolescents, exhibit oppositional attitudes. In contrast, an ethnographic study of two all-Black elementary schools suggests that middle-class Black children begin school very much achievement-oriented and engaged, and that…

It is recognised that getting a good education is one of the most important determinants of a child's future, but missing at least some education remains a common occurrence for many children and young people in the United Kingdom. Over recent years, education has been placed high on the political agenda in the UK. Among other things, a wide range…

Purpose: This paper focuses on the determinants of student satisfaction and retention in a college or university that are assumed to impact students' college experience. Design/methodology/approach: Using empirical data and Herzberg's two-factor theory, a modified version of the questionnaire developed by Keaveney and Young was administered to…

A policy capturing approach was used to examine the advising variables that contribute to student satisfaction. Students (N = 468) rated 48 scenarios in which advising approach, relationship, advisor gender, emotional nature of the relationship, and type of advisor were manipulated. Results show that being known to the advisor, having a…

Mathematics teacher education programs are designed with an intention, explicit or implicit, to produce graduates who are competent in both pedagogic knowledge and discipline knowledge. This paper explores students' experiences in coming to learn mathematics and mathematics education. Using an example from a quiz question, supplemented with…

It is expected that the demand for gerontological social workers will increase as the elderly population continues to grow. However, many practitioners enter the aging field with little or no formal training. Successful gerontological social work practice requires workers to be knowledgeable and technically competent. Fieldwork plays a critical…