GRADING A‐LEVEL DOUBLE SUBJECT MATHEMATICIANS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SELECTION

This study used entry data from the 1980 Summer examination of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate to assess the comparative grading of two forms of double mathematics: separate Pure and Applied papers as against Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

The data confirm expectation, and existing evidence, in finding that whilst in the former system the two resulting grades are approximately equal, in the latter case large grade differences abound. These different patterns suggest that there may be some lack of comparability between the two types of award.

Using grades in Physics as a monitor it is shown that if the aggregate is based upon the compensatory model then those entering the separate papers appear to achieve less well (and significantly so at certain levels). On the other hand if the conjunctive model is adopted then the two systems appear to yield very similar results. These findings, if typical of the national picture, have clear implications for those involved with the selection of post‐Alevel students, particularly for further study in mathematics and related subjects.     

Type of high school biology program and its effect on student attitude and achievement in college life science

A specially designed questionnaire and a modification of the “Science Classroom Activity Checklist” by L. H. Krockendorfer were used to categorize 299 life science students at the University of Iowa into two groups; those with high school biology backgrounds founded in the BSCS philosophy and those with traditionally oriented backgrounds. These groups were compared with respect to grade achievement in a college life science course, ratings of their background for the college course, and their attitude toward biology as established by their high school experience. With respect to inquiry and student-centered methods, texts were revealed as poor indicators of types of programs offered.     

The CS-US interval (ISI) function in rabbit nictitating membrane response conditioning with very long intertriai intervals

In Experiment 1, four values of conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus interval, or interstimulus interval (ISI) (200, 500, 800, and 1,100 msec) were studied in one trial/day acquisition of the conditioned nictitating membrane response of the rabbit. The 1,100-msec ISI group was superior to the other groups, contrary to the usual findings of ISI studies in the conditioning literature. In Experiment 2, effective conditioning levels were attained with an ISI as long as 2,200 msec, when the intertriai interval was set at either 24 or 48 h. Results are interpreted in terms of the role of orienting responses in the conditioning process.     

Chinese adolescents' reasoning about democratic and authority-based decision making in peer,family, and school contexts

This study explored the judgments and reasoning of Chinese adolescents (13-18 years of age) from 3 regions of mainland China (N = 574) regarding procedures for making decisions involving children in peer, family, and school contexts. Participants evaluated 2 democratic decision-making procedures (majority rule and consensus) and decision making by adult authorities for 2 decisions embedded in each social context. Judgments and reasoning about decision-making procedures varied by social context and by the decision under consideration, and evaluations of procedures became more differentiated with increasing age. The findings reveal that concepts of rights, individual autonomy, and democratic norms (majority rule) are salient aspects of Chinese adolescents' social reasoning and are used to evaluate critically existing social practices.     

Further Study of the Choice of Anchor Tests in Equating

In this study, we describe what factors influence the observed score correlation between an (external) anchor test and a total test. We show that the anchor to full‐test observed score correlation is based on two components: the true score correlation between the anchor and total test, and the reliability of the anchor test. Findings using an analytical approach suggest that making an anchor test a miditest does not generally maximize the anchor to total test correlation. Results are discussed in the context of what conditions maximize the correlations between the anchor and total test.     

The Science of a Sundae: Using the Principle of Colligative Properties in Food Science Outreach Activities for Middle and High School Students

The opportunities for outreach activities for professionals and academics in food science are extensive, as too are the range of participants’ experience levels and platforms for delivery. Here, we present a set of activities that are readily adaptable for a range of students (ages 10 to 18) in multiple platforms (demonstration table and hands‐on workshop). Our activity, collectively called “The Science of a Sundae,” has three units, one for each of the three parts of a sundae: the caramel sauce, the cherry, and the ice cream. In each unit we use these familiar food items to illustrate how colligative properties (or, simply, “solutions” for younger students) impact the chemical, microbiological, and sensorial properties of food. We have used these activities to present to over 1000 students and their parents/chaperones. Grade levels of student participants have ranged from 5th grade through high school, and these activities have been presented in the form of a demonstration table at science events as well as a set of three 45‐minute workshops in a classroom setting. Educational impact of these activities was evaluated with 7th grade students (n = 77) who participated in the 3‐phase workshop. On average, students who took the posttest (after participation in the workshop) scored 36% higher than students who took the pretest (prior to participation in the workshop). These results and instructor observations suggest the merit of this lesson and its adaptability among ages and platforms.     

Remediation and Dismissal Policies in Counselor Education: Lessons Learned from a Challenge in Federal Court

Counselor educators today are faced with a difficult dilemma. They are mandated to dismiss students they judged to be unfit and irremediable, yet they risk legal action whenever executing a student dismissal decision. Their duty to protect the public must be weighed against the liabilities of costly litigation to institutions, programs, and themselves. This article describes 1 counselor education program's decision to dismiss a student and endure a lengthy, although unsuccessful, lawsuit and jury trial in federal court. The strengths and weaknesses of the program's remediation and dismissal protocol are examined as they emerged under court scrutiny.     

Defensive attack behavior in male and female rats

Male rats in a restraining tube bit and wounded the snout of an anesthetized male conspecific as a direct function of the intensity of tailshock, with bites declining systematically in the time interval after shock. Female rats’ bites on a male rat were also dependent on shock, but did not produce wounds. When an anesthetized cat was presented to rats in the same situation, females bit and wounded the cat before shock was given, while the males again bit only in response to shock. These data were interpreted as indicating that male bites on both a conspecific and a predator fit the same defensive biting pattern. In contrast, females’ bites on a male rat are actively inhibited, while females’ bites on a predator are neither inhibited nor shock dependent: this latter finding may reflect the adaptive value (protection of the young) of attacking a predator before it hurts the female rat.     

Formative research on an early stage of the systemic change process in a small school district

This study utilised a qualitative research methodology known as formative research to improve the process guidelines that are described in the Guidance System for Transforming Education (GSTE). This study took place in a small (5447 students), partly urban and partly rural school district in Indiana. The researchers, also serving as change facilitators, investigated an early stage of the systemic change process as outlined in the GSTE. Specifically, the research focused on field‐testing and improving the process for assessing the district's readiness for change. It was found that this process could have been improved if the facilitators had had more guidance to help them develop the interview protocols.