This research investigated the impact of combining two approaches to inservice teacher education (action research and train the trainer) on teacher attitudes and practices. The inservice developed assessment approaches aligned with cooperative learning instructional approaches. Teachers were introduced to a model of collaborative assessment aimed…

This paper reports on a longitudinal case study of an elementary teacher during her transition from preservice to inservice teaching. Bandura's (1995) concept of self-efficacy belief is used as a framework for presenting the findings of the study. The subject's experiences in science teaching provided information about her competency as a teacher,…

This study explores the applicability of the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale (CDMSE) to Chinese college students. The reliability and validity of the scale are examined using two independent samples (128 students from a polytechnic institute and 157 students from a teacher's college in China). The results indicate that the CDMSE is…

This study examined how elementary teacher candidates in a program that emphasized the integration of computer-based technologies as tools for teaching and learning used technology, both personally and professionally, during the teacher preparation program. The study also examined factors that influenced their disposition to use and integrate…

Studied middle school teachers' and student teachers' perceptions of efficacy, relations of their attitudes to efficacy perceptions, and how they translate their views of efficacy and climate into an ethos of caring. Found that both groups articulated high self-efficacy and sophisticated views of young adolescents. Ongoing internships with…

Discusses the effects of increasing numbers of adults over 65 on communities and programs at community colleges. Argues that older adults' sense of self-worth and quality of life is related to community involvement and that community colleges should provide programs that encourage participation. Describes potential barriers to participation. (14…

Describes a study of Norwegian college students that investigated whether gender, group composition, or self-efficacy in computing has any impact on cooperation, giving or getting task-related help, and level of activity in student groups. Results confirms gender differences in self-efficacy in computing. (Author/LRW)

Nine middle school teachers developed objectives and activities for a pilot early field experience to introduce freshman teacher candidates to the complexity and student diversity of urban education. Compared to 30 freshmen placed in a traditional (tutoring) field experience, project freshmen demonstrated greater personal teaching efficacy,…

Three methods of library instruction were used with 49 students in an urban graduate teacher education program: campus-based class with face-to-face instruction, campus-based class with Web-based tutorial, and Web-based tutorial. All groups improved their efficacy beliefs and library skills, but gains differed significantly between some groups.…

Investigated socioeconomic status (SES) background and gender of 334 Grade 12 adolescents in relation to prestige level and gender composition of occupations. Results indicated significant relationship between SES background and occupational prestige level for males and females, with high SES females more likely than low SES females to choose…

The viability of self-instructional strategy training was investigated in a study involving 22 learning disabled and 11 normal fifth and sixth graders. Training produced meaningful and lasting effects on composition skills and heightened the sense of self-efficacy of subjects. (TJH)

Discussion of locus of control (LOC), gender, and mathematics and technical subjects focuses on a study of preschool girls and boys that investigated the effects of a LOGO program on efficacy and LOC. Highlights include treatment of experimental and control groups; gender differences; parent questionnaires; and pretests and posttests. (69…

Study investigated teacher preferences for certain modes of helping students (enactive attainment, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and anxiety reduction). Preservice and inservice teachers read six scenarios of students with learning difficulties and ranked helping responses. Overall, they preferred verbal persuasion; they tended to…

Describes a study of affective differences between 300 university undergraduates enrolled in an introductory psychology course, comparing students who elected to participate in Supplemental Instruction (a nonremedial, academic support model targeting high-risk courses) with those who did not. Assesses Supplemental Instruction's effects on locus of…

Describes a study of undergraduates completing electronic mail and word processing tasks that investigated the effects of experience on attitudes toward computers and judgment of confidence, or self-efficacy. Use of the Computer Technologies Survey is discussed, and treatment of experimental and control groups is described. Survey instrument and…