To undertake rigorous research in biology and ecology, students must be able to pose testable hypotheses, design decisive studies, and analyse results using suitable statistics. Yet, few biology students excel in topics involving statistics and most attempt to evade optional courses in research methods. Over the last few years, we have developed…

Background: The Waterford Early Math & Science (WEMS) program is a comprehensive educational software program designed to build math and science skills and concepts in grades K-2, alone or to supplement existing curricula. The program's capability to individualize lessons, assess and track student progress, and reteach lessons is aimed at…

This report summarizes the results of studies of four computer-assisted integrated learning systems (ILS) designed to teach students arithmetic: two in Israel (TOAM--distributed in the United States as DEGEM and SEMEL) and two in the United States (CCC and WICAT). The qualitative and quantitative studies identified cognitive, sociological, and…

This report updates information on private schools and provides nationally representative data on private school teachers. Two separate questionnaires were administered, one collecting information on school characteristics from administrators in a nationally representative sample of 1,174 private schools, and the second collecting information from…

The third volume of this three-part report provides additional information concerning a study of faculty development in the three segments of California public higher education: the University of California, California State University, and the California Community Colleges. Section I of this volume presents study findings and background material…

The problems of class scheduling in higher education institutions are discussed in this research study that investigated the scheduling preferences of students at Fontbonne College, a small, private, four-year college in Missouri. Scheduling for nontraditional, part-time students at Fontbonne has centered on evening and weekend classes with…

The main hypothesis was that the unit is appropriate for use at the kindergarten level. The evaluation was based upon the examination of four factors: 1) the reliability and item characteristics of the unit text; 2) the effect of bias associated with pupil sex, race, socio-economic status on geography achievement and learning gains; 3) the effect…

To ascertain the effectiveness of a training program, an evaluation of its effect on trainees must be obtained. In a teacher training program, sources of feedback exist which may prove significant in the development of improved training techniques. Two of these are: How the alumni feel about their own training experience and how their principals…

The purpose of this study was to determine degrees of internalization of character traits across two groups (K-12 teachers and Extension staff) with varying years of participation in character education professional and program development activities. An online survey was developed to collect data describing the 109 respondents, the extent of…

The main aim of this study was to determine the opinions of the undergraduate students and faculty members on factors that affect student learning and academic achievement. The sub aims of this study were to: (1) Develop a mean rank ordering of the 23 dimensions affecting learning, for both the students and faculty, and determine the similarities…

The paper describes a study of the comparative effectiveness of certain courses in achieving specified educational objectives. Social studies, language arts, vocational/technical, math, science, and fine arts courses were compared as to their effectiveness in achieving "social education." By means of a group concensus of elementary and secondary…

The major purpose of this study was to test the effects on later employment of having a high school diploma or having skill training but no diploma. This report is limited to the immediate effects of two experimental programs for dropouts. Four groups of students were utilized: (1) the diploma group of 115 students who had dropped out of school…

Little use has been made of the process of problematic situations as an evaluative measure in studying human relations. This paper reports on work carried out by the author to further research and development of this measure related to human relations. An analysis is made based on three elements which are necessary for defining interest…

Objective: To determine if a relationship exists between participation in a school breakfast program and measures of psychosocial and academic functioning in school-aged children. Methods: Information on participation in a school breakfast program, school record data, and in-depth interviews with parents and children were collected in 1 public…

Michigan State University (MSU) is strongly committed to the idea that study abroad is deeply beneficial and important for undergraduate students. However there is a relative scarcity of systematically gathered qualitative and quantitative information that assesses the impact of study abroad. In the summer of 2000, MSU implemented a broad plan to…