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Describes an approach to teaching the student research paper that improves the quality of arguments and prose. Reviews specific steps to writing and researching the research paper, which include free writing on a topic of interest, formulating a research question, interviewing and surveying, initial drafting of an argument, and (only after these steps) researching in the library. (TB)

Examines the use of video for listening comprehension in material design and test construction and discusses test-takers' views about video-mediated listening assessment in an English-as-a-Second-Language class in Tokyo. Findings indicate that the learners liked video in listening comprehension tests and preferred video tests over audiocassette tests. (36 references) (Author/CK)

Reports on a survey that investigated significant differences within the English teacher community in terms of the beliefs and practices on key issues. Makes a contribution to a larger National Council of Teachers of English project to foster communication among disparate groups of English educators. (TB)

Examines how the demographic values of foreign travel, previous foreign-language learning, major field of study, and other factors affect students' beliefs about the study of German. The article focuses on student-perceived improvement in the four skills and cultural knowledge, student motivation, and the expected contributions of teachers and peers. (26 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the importance of professional preparation and training of early childhood educators and the role of the National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development. Suggests that reflection, self-evaluation, and self-direction are critical to the process of professional development. Provides an instrument designed for self-evaluation, describing its use and strengths. (BAC)

Describes a longitudinal study in South Africa of teacher education students that measured associations between frequency of students' school library use and their subsequent academic success in college. No association was found between frequent use and academic success, and further investigations that use qualitative research methodology are suggested. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study at a Michigan high school that investigated elements that contributed to a meaningful library research task. Highlights include information literacy; students' feelings of satisfaction and achievement; student questionnaires and student and teacher interviews; group work; and process instruction. (LRW)

In partial replication of a 1989 Ohio study, job satisfaction questionnaires were distributed in 1994 to support staff in 13 Michigan state academic libraries. Results indicated that, although staff are satisfied with supervision, coworkers, and benefits, there is dissatisfaction with opportunities for promotion, pay, and contingent rewards. These results differ from the Ohio study's findings. (JMV)

The SUNY University Center Libraries conducted a survey on faculty use of electronic information technologies and resources at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook. Questionnaire topics included access to electronic technologies, and current and future expectations and preferences for library services. Findings revealed inequities in access to electronic information among disciplines and a lack of knowledge about resources. (JMV)

Discusses results of a survey of music technical services librarians that investigated retrieval problems with the symbols for sharp and flat in music notation in online catalogs. Comparisons are made with an earlier study of online catalog vendors, and a list of institutions surveyed and the questionnaire used are appended. (LRW)

A computer microworld called Triple Representation Model uses graphical, tabular, and algebraic representations to influence conceptions of function. A majority of students were able to cope with partial data, recognize invariants while coordinating actions among representations, and recognize invariants while creating and comparing different representations. (MKR)

Describes a study that assessed the impact of four half-hour science programs for fourth graders aired on commercial radio in a causal-comparative between-groups study with prebroadcast and postbroadcast questionnaires. Formative and summative evaluation of the programs is described, and results are reviewed. (21 references) (LRW)

This case study examines the implications of the installation and expansion of a CD-ROM local area network (LAN) in the Hofstra University library based on a survey of users' perceptions. Topics discussed include perceived strength of the periodicals collection; training issues; economic factors; physical space; and reference personnel. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes a survey of academic librarians that investigated issues relating to CD-ROM indexes, including print index cancellations; cost versus other factors in cancellations; database vendors' charging structure; CD-ROM durability; student preference for CD-ROM over print; and effective use without librarian assistance. (22 references) (LRW)

Examines problem-based small-group discussions and describes a study conducted in The Netherlands that investigated the thoughts of students, both content-related and non-task related, through a thought sampling method. Highlights include categories of students' thoughts; validity measures; and results of student questionnaires. (LRW)

Discussion of ethics in librarianship focuses on a study of library schools accredited by the American Library Association that was conducted to provide factual information about how the study of ethics in librarianship is currently incorporated into the curriculum. Specific courses on ethics and courses that incorporate ethics are examined. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Suggests that recent social changes and trends make it imperative to include demographics of all kinds in research on child development. Proposes guidelines to help child development researchers procure demographic information from their study population. Provides specific questions that may help researchers devise demographic indicators, and presents a brief discussion of issues related to choices among measures. (AA)

Comments on the ideas presented by Entwisle and Astone in this issue. Suggests that to produce sound measurements of children's socioeconomic background requires a substantial investment in coding, data collection, and management. Nevertheless, a standard set of racial-ethnic and socioeconomic variables, no matter how well measured, cannot serve as all-purpose statistical controls for family background. (AA)

Discusses a study of undergraduates that was conducted to compare the perceived learning effects of mixing cases with either a simple or complex business game in a business policy course. The effective use of cases and of business games is discussed, and course design is explained. (42 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that investigated the effect of motivational variables on task persistence and performance in Navy technical training by giving students problems in a self-paced computer simulation game or drill with variable or fixed payoff points. Student responses to an evaluation questionnaire are discussed. (14 references) (LRW)

Item-writing considerations in creating instruments using Likert-type scales, according to Michael Busch, include semantics of labeling response choices and number of response categories. Jean Turner discusses problems regarding the use of Likert-scale questionnaires for L2 research, for instance the cultural background of language learners being surveyed. (JP)

Presents a questionnaire for teachers of young adults to assess what texts are currently being used in classrooms, and for what purpose. Lists books that the author feels are appropriate for young readers. (PA)