Search

The two most commonly used nonverbal tests for gifted identification, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) nonverbal battery, have not been compared in their newer versions to explore the effects of their use on the identification of underserved populations. Additionally, the effects of the use of various norming groups and cutoff scores on both instruments' identification abilities has not been compared. This study compared 15,733 CogAT7 nonverbal battery scores and 14,421 NNAT2 scores of kindergartners between 2013 and 2015 from one large urban school district to explore the differences between how each test relates to major demographic variables and examine the effects on who is selected for participation in gifted programming based on which instrument, which norming group, and which cutoff scores are used. Both instruments were less likely to identify students from demographic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented than students from traditionally overrepresented demographic groups, but identification varied based on the type of norming plan used and which instrument was taken. Suggestions are made as to the best instrument for use with various demographic groups and norming plans.

The nonverbal battery of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is one of the two most common nonverbal measures used in gifted identification, yet the relationships between demographic variables and CogAT7 performance has not yet been fully examined. Additionally, the effect of using the CogAT7 nonverbal battery on the identification of diverse demographic groups based on various norming, cutoff, and modifier plans has only just begun to be explored. In this study, we analyzed the CogAT7 nonverbal battery scores of kindergartners from a very large urban school district with a high minority, low socioeconomic status, and high English language learner population to determine the relationships between demographic variables and CogAT performance. The results suggest relationships between CogAT scores and multiple demographic variables, similar to other nonverbal instruments. We also examined the effects of various norming practices, including school-level and group-specific norming, on identification using the CogAT7 nonverbal battery.

This study examines a method to decrease social loafing in a group examination. Students who met in teams during the semester took an exam in groups. Rules for the exam, based on the Jeopardy game show, facilitated both group and individual accountability. Feedback from students indicated that compared to a class that did not have group exams, students taking the group exam had less social loafing and had higher perceived levels of learning. Furthermore, among students taking the group exams, higher group participation was related to higher perceived performance and more positive attitudes about the exam. We developed a model for how the environment affects group processes which, in turn, affects group and individual outcomes.

One method to increase flexibility in class offerings is through the use of compressed courses, classes that have the same number of contact hours but over a shorter time period (e.g., 8 weeks vs. 15 weeks). Before offering these courses, it is important to determine whether they lead to equivalent or better student outcomes. This study examined 11 traditional-length and 8 compressed sections of the same graduate-level statistics course. Results indicated students in the compressed class scored significantly higher on both the third exam and final course grade. Student course evaluations were also significantly higher in the compressed courses. Graduate students rated traditional-length and compressed courses similar in difficulty. Implications for course offerings are discussed.

This chapter discusses how to improve validity in SoTL studies through generating appropriate measures and using designs that examine causality between an activity and students' performance. [Part II available at EJ1029365.]

This chapter suggests solutions to common practical problems in designing SoTL studies. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of designs are discussed. [Part I available at EJ1029363.]

This experiment examines the causal effect an electronic classroom response system (ECRS) has on students. Previous studies using an ECRS in the classroom indicate improved performance; however, many have confounds typical of classroom studies. To complement these studies, we conducted a laboratory study to minimize these confounds and concentrate on student engagement. We randomly assigned participants (n = 52) to receive a 10-minute lecture either with or without an ECRS. The lecture contained questions to increase student engagement but not provide student and instructor feedback of concept mastery. Afterwards, the lecture participants were given a surprise quiz. Students using the ECRS scored significantly higher. We discuss the implications of this experiment for the ECRS literature.

The authors examined student reactions to an activity in computer science, psychology, women's studies, and education courses. The reciprocal interview involves the instructor gathering information about the students, followed by students collectively asking questions of the instructor. The interview aims to make students more comfortable in interactions with the instructor by soliciting student input. Student responses indicated they enjoyed the activity and recommend faculty use it in various courses. Participants also reported the interview process helped create a more comfortable classroom environment and helped clarify instructors' expectations of students. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

We investigated whether students liked and learned more from PowerPoint presentations than from overhead transparencies. Students were exposed to lectures supported by transparencies and two different types of PowerPoint presentations. At the end of the semester, students preferred PowerPoint presentations but this preference was not found on ratings taken immediately after the lectures. Students performed worse on quizzes when PowerPoint presentations included non-text items such as pictures and sound effects. A second study further examined these findings. In this study participants were shown PowerPoint slides that contained only text, contained text and a relevant picture, and contained text with a picture that was not relevant. Students performed worse on recall and recognition tasks and had greater dislike for slides with pictures that were not relevant. We conclude that PowerPoint can be beneficial, but material that is not pertinent to the presentation can be harmful to students' learning.

We gathered information on MA and PhD psychology programs from direct mailings and Web sites from 70 universities in the United States. Analyses revealed that Web sites provided more information about graduate programs than direct mailings, especially in areas not directly related to graduate applications. Further analyses indicated that information on the Web was, overall, not more difficult to find than information through direct mail. We make suggestions to universities and students for maximizing their use of Web sites.

Examines the attitudes of Texas junior high/middle school and high school principals (n=207). Focuses on the severity of four school problems and the possibility of five criminology and criminal justice concepts. States that these are important for students to learn about to deter school crime. Includes references. (CMK)

Internal validity is important in assessing teaching demonstrations both for one's knowledge and for quality assessment demanded by outside sources. We describe a method to improve the internal validity of assessments of teaching demonstrations: a 1-group pretest-posttest design with alternative forms. This design is often more practical and ethical than random assignment, and it is more valid than a single posttest-only or simple 1-group pretest-posttest design. We describe how to interpret results from this design and discuss the advantages and disadvantages. (Contains 1 figure.)

We examined 443 drawings from the Texas state lottery from 1992 to 1997 to determine whether odd pricing effects would be found in multimillion-dollar lotteries. Specifically, we predicted that many more lottery tickets than expected would be purchased when the jackpot amount was $10 million than when it was $9 million. Three findings emerged. First, the higher the jackpot, the more tickets were purchased. Second, odd pricing effects were found at $10 million such that approximately 670,000 more tickets were purchased than expected. Third, controlling for the jackpot amount, there were approximately 620,000 fewer tickets purchased for each drawing per year. This final finding provides evidence that people are becoming less interested in multimillion-dollar lotteries.

The article discusses the references to alcohol in the books "So Hard to Die" and "Uncovering the Truth About Meriwether Lewis" in relation to Meriwether Lewis's death. It questions the assumption that Lewis had an alcohol addiction based on the purchase of large quantities of whiskey. The article suggests that the whiskey purchases may have been for government annuities to Indian tribes or for treaty talks with the Osage Indians. It also mentions the survival of the book "The History of Louisiana" that Lewis borrowed from Benjamin Smith Barton for the Expedition. [Extracted from the article]

A photoheterotrophical growth of anaerobic sulfur bacteria, such as Chromatium species, allows the production of a biological thiol glutathione amide, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine amide (GASH). The process of photoautotrophic growth on sulfide converts a major part of GASH to the corresponding perthiol. The presence of perthiol shows that GASH affects anaerobic sulfide metabolism.

Large hypershifts were observed using proton magnetic resonance combining 1D with 2D methods to determine the noncoordinated residues and molecular structure of high-spin ferric hemoproteins obtained from Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Ferricytochrome c' undergoes reversible unfolding at high temperature with one equilibrium intermediate present during the unfolding process that is involved in helix separation from the heme group. The identification of scalar connectivities for strongly relaxed protons helps in identifying residues on the distal and proximal sides of the heme group.