This study investigated professional growth as an individually reflective and authentically collaborative phenomenon. The study examined the extent to which self-directed professional learning, personal and shared reflection, and authentic collaboration within a supportive study group could create changes in secondary teachers' perceptions of…

This report is a compilation of four different studies involving kindergartners (N=950) who participated in the "I LIKE ME!" program. I LIKE ME! is a 12-week program that uses a personalized reader with "I" statements as positive inducements for learning and achievement for kindergartners. The goals of the program are to bring home, school, and…

This study evaluated the impact of length of training in the Life Skills Training (LST) program on teachers' perception of the work climate and sense of self-efficacy, identifying process components affecting those outcomes. The LST program is a psychoeducational model of group intervention designed to improve the well-being of children and…

Applying Social Cognitive Career Theory to preservice teachers, a study examined to what extent dispositional optimism and a subjective sense of performance during an internship predict changes in career self-efficacy. The study first determined whether a sample of preservice teachers experienced positive changes in career self-efficacy after an…

This paper discusses an ecological approach to training educators for urban schools which focuses on learning to develop and nurture collaborative relationships with parents and communities. It argues that the construct of collective efficacy is the missing link in understanding and implementing successful linkages between schools, parents, and…

An Australian study of 100 computer using secondary school teachers investigated gender issues in educational computing (physical, environmental, social, and human resource problems and teacher perceptions of collegial help and self-knowledge). The study found that, though barriers to computer integration are fewer, some remain: lack of access,…

Provides validity evidence for a new instrument that assesses a career-related self-efficacy intervention for Hispanic and Latino students. Focuses on the broad area of career decision making and on math and science tasks. Results indicate adequate validity of the instrument, particularly for women and minority students. (RJM)

Field experiences in a teacher certification program for elementary science, math, and technology were evaluated for their effectiveness in improving participants' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor ability. Surveys and interviews indicated participants felt little connection between the content coursework and educational methods course. They…

This study investigated relationships among teacher experience, efficacy, and attitude toward implementation of instructional innovation. Surveys immediately following a staff development program on cooperative learning indicated that experience was negatively correlated, personal teaching efficacy positively correlated, and general teaching…

Reviews factors that influence high school and college students' physical activity adoption and/or maintenance based on recent behavioral research. Relevant determinants of physical activity include self-efficacy, intentions, perceived barriers, enjoyment, stages of change, and social support. Suggestions for behavior modifications to increase…

Formulates a conceptual framework to assess the iatrogenic effects of human services. Discusses the structurally negative effects incorporated into the system, when these services are used inappropriately, and what methods might test the iatrogenic potential of these services. (JS)

Data from interviews with 475 parents of students (and 84 nonparent controls) at a multiracial-multiethnic high school were used to test hypotheses about communication between parents and their children's schools. Results suggest differences between parents and nonparents and between racial groups in their recognition and solution of problems and…

This study evaluated locus of control orientations, perceptions of efficacy, and outcome expectancies of 282 adolescents with mental retardation and compared them to students with learning disabilities and at-risk students. Subjects were found to hold unrealistic understandings and perceptions of causality and excessively external global…

The effects of personal and teaching efficacy on teachers' use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and on student achievement were studied. Nineteen special education teachers each monitored 2 elementary school students with mild disabilities over 16 weeks in math computation using CBM. Teachers with high personal and teaching efficacy more…

Reports on a study of 70 secondary female students in mathematics classes over a period of 7 weeks. Finds that self-efficacy was the best predictor of learning intentions. Recommends further research on the relationships between perceived learning environment, self-efficacy, and learning intentions. (CFR)