Using an online microfiche catalog for technical service and retrieval of bibliographic data

A prototype system is created that integrates a microfiche catalog into an online computer system for bibliographic control. Costs and operational data are collected and analyzed. The system permits the more economical microfiche storage of catalog records than would be feasible for comparable online magnetic disk storage. Experimental tests demonstrate the feasibility of the online microfiche catalog system for use in library technical services and retrieval of bibliographic data. The primary result of the project is the creation of a completely operational facility, including all equipment, software, procedures, and data bases necessary to demonstrate the system. A second set of results is derived from the experimental use of the system and the evaluation of costs and times for various operations. The cost effectiveness of the online microfiche catalog is demonstrated.     

A Conceptual Framework for Learning to Teach Secondary Mathematics: A Situative Perspective

This paper offers for discussion and critique a conceptual framework that applies a situative perspective on learning to the study of learning to teach mathematics. From this perspective, such learning occurs in many different situations -- mathematics and teacher preparation courses, pre-service field experiences, and schools of employment. By participating over time in these varied contexts, mathematics teachers refine their conceptions about their craft -- the big ideas of mathematics, mathematics-specific pedagogy, and sense of self as a mathematics teacher. This framework guides a research project that traces the learning trajectories of teachers from two reform-based teacher preparation programs into their early teaching careers. We provide two examples from this research to illustrate how this framework has helped us understand the process of learning to teach. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Impact of Advancement Via Individual Determination on the College Readiness of First-Generation Hispanic Students in an Urban South Texas High School

The Urban Review - This study examined the phenomenon of college readiness in Hispanic first-generation college students. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between...     

Video as a tool for fostering productive discussions in mathematics professional development

This article explores the use of classroom video as a tool for fostering productive discussions about teaching and learning. The setting for our research is a 2-year mathematics professional development program, based on the Problem-Solving Cycle model. This model relies on video from the teachers’ own classrooms and emphasizes creating a community in which members feel comfortable learning from video. We describe our experiences carrying out the Problem-Solving Cycle model, focusing on our use of video, our efforts to promote a supportive and analytical environment, and the ways in which teachers’ conversations around video developed over a 2-year period.     

Bookstores and Other Book Sources

Ruth Adler's A Day in the Life of the New York Times (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1971—$6.77)

Les Daniels and The Mad Peck, Comix: A History of Comic Books in America (New York: Outerbridge &; Dienstfrey, 1971—$7.95)

75 Years of the Comics (Boston: Boston Book and Art Co., 1971—$9.95)

International Newspapers from University Microfilms (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University Microfilms, 1971—free on request, paper)

Chilton R. Bush (ed.) News Research for Better Newspapers (New York: American Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, 750 Third Ave., 1965-date (annual), $2.00 or $3.00 each (set of last five volumes available for $10.00), paper)

Maurice F. Tauber and Hilda Feinberg's Book Catalogs (Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1971—$15.00)

Martin E. Dann (ed.) The Black Press: 1827-1890 (New York: Putnam, 1971—$7.95)     

Developmental Trajectories of Acculturation in Hispanic Adolescents: Associations With Family Functioning and Adolescent Risk Behavior

This study examined longitudinal acculturation patterns, and their associations with family functioning and adolescent risk behaviors, in Hispanic immigrant families. A sample of 266 Hispanic adolescents (M_age = 13.4) and their primary parents completed measures of acculturation, family functioning, and adolescent conduct problems, substance use, and sexual behavior at five timepoints. Mixture models yielded three trajectory classes apiece for adolescent and parent acculturation. Assimilated adolescents reported the poorest family functioning, but adolescent assimilation negatively predicted adolescent cigarette smoking, sexual activity, and unprotected sex indirectly through family functioning. Follow‐up analyses indicated that discrepancies between adolescent and parent family functioning reports predicted these adolescent outcomes. Results are discussed regarding acculturation trajectories, adolescent risk behavior, and the mediating role of family functioning.     

Demand driven education through the delivery of interactive learning materials within the domain of Environmental Law: Design and research findings

This article describes the results of a research and development project within the domain of Environmental Law. Based on the need to adapt the learning material of the course to several target groups, an Interactive Learning Environment (called WindMill) was developed and tested in a long‐lasting field test.

The WindMill system starts with an intake procedure which guides the student to select the most suitable course variant. After the intake is completed and processed, a study planner provides the student with the necessary information and functions to study the selected course variant The study planner indicates which themes of the printed course materials should be studied and it gives an estimation of the required study load for each theme. Moreover, WindMill provides a large number of embedded support devices (ESDs), which are meant to support the student while studying the printed course materials.

The innovative course Environmental Law was tested with 35 students divided into two conditions, during a period of four months, and in a real life study setting. The control students (n =15) studied the full printed version of the course (basic content and workbook exercises). The experimental students (n = 20) also studied a part of the course from printed materials (basic content). The workbook, however, was substituted by the interactive WindMill system (intake and ESDs).

The field test showed no clear difference in test results between the two conditions. In both conditions more than 80% achieved the final test In general, the students appear to respond positively to the possibility that they can choose course variants which are adapted to some of their individual characteristics (juridicial prior knowledge and professional background). Furthermore, the students’ responses were positive on the printed basic content and were fairly positive on the ESDs. The experimental students were rather positive on the design and the contents of WindMill Especially, the clarity and overview of the study planner was highly appreciated.