This action research project sought to improve social skills in targeted elementary students. The problem of poor social skills was documented by means of data revealing the number of students exhibiting inappropriate behaviors. Students exhibited a lack of social skills through: inappropriate manners, lack of cooperation, not occupying one's own…

This action research project sought to improve the social skills of targeted third-, fourth-, fifth-, and seventh-grade students in order to improve their classroom performance. The students' lack of social skills was documented by means of teacher observation checklists, teacher and student surveys, and past disciplinary records. Objectives of…

Not every child copes easily with the challenges school presents, and not every parent knows how to effectively help a child meet these challenges. This parent workshop video program builds from realistic scenarios of parent and child struggles over school to present parents with the tools they need to help children develop self-confidence,…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program to motivate students to learn through multiple intelligences, cooperative learning, and positive discipline. The targeted population consisted of students in kindergarten, fourth grade, and sixth grade at two grade school and one middle school sites. Evidence of lack of motivation…

In 1998, the Keystone Research Center published a comprehensive review of research on two high-profile ideas for raising educational achievement: lowering class size in the early grades and instituting private school vouchers. This report presents a research update, emphasizing results since early 1998. Over the past 2 years, the evidence on the…

Reports that at the first grade level, parental tutoring appeared to produce significant increases in student reading, language arts, and math achievement, while at the second grade level there were no significant differences on posttest measures between groups receiving tutoring from their parents and those not. (FL)

Describes the mentoring program at Canisius College, New York. Program evaluation showed it had a positive impact on the retention and academic performance of freshmen and provided an opportunity to demonstrate the college's concern for students. Both faculty and students reported benefits from the program. (JAC)

This study synthesized evaluations of the K-12 career education projects funded by USOE in 1975-76. Each study was assigned to one of USOE's nine student outcome goals. Results and comments are presented by goal statement. Implications for evaluation design and career education effectiveness are considered. (SJL)

Addresses the age-old problem of getting students to play in tune and offers suggestions to correct this problem. Outlines three easy steps: (1) make students aware of existing problems, (2) let students correct these problems, and (3) teach students the idiosyncrasies of their instrument. Includes a list of problem notes. (MJP)

Identifies elements that have impeded parental involvement in urban school reform efforts and recognizes positive and encouraging techniques leading toward successful family-school-community partnerships. Argues that parental involvement is most important in America's inner-city urban neighborhoods and that an alliance between groups, long in…

Outlines approaches for student evaluation in service learning projects. Maintains that most service learning project participants' goals fall into three broad areas: civic development, academic achievement, and personal or social development. Assessment in these areas can be accomplished through tabulation of service hours, student journals, and…

Reports on a study conducted by a university geography department and its school of education. They divided a World Regional Geography class into two groups. One utilized the traditional lecture method; the other implemented a collaborative learning approach. No significant gain was realized at the conclusion of the study. (MJP)

Describes and defines the steps involved in measurement and evaluation: (1) determining an outcome; (2)defining scoring criteria; (3)establishing appropriate assessment tasks; and (4)creating opportunities for learning. Includes a flow chart for a design-down curriculum and an example of a vocal performance rating scale assessment. (MJP)

Using a standard economics course as a control group, tests the relative effectiveness of "Economics U$A," a telecourse on student achievement and attitudes in both on-campus and off-campus settings. Concludes that the telecourse can be used successfully in nontraditional courses, and that delivery format may have an impact on student…

Describes instructional stages in a first-year Russian undergraduate course, at Nottingham University (England), that make use of video. Video enables students to explore areas often neglected in traditional language courses, contributes to cultural awareness and language skills, and helps learners assimilate into the target culture more easily.…