Standardization of grades in public speaking

Communicators achieve increased rule consensus as they use talk to overcome problems. Two kinds of talk seem especially useful to increasing consensus: remedial talk, which uses rules to correct past problems; and legislative talk, which uses rules to propose guides for future conduct.     

Microtechnology Processes and Cooperative Behavior of Third Grade Children

This study investigates four variations of a microtechnology process and its effect on the development of cooperative behavior in 96 third grade children. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. The treatments were the complete microtechnology process and three variations of the process. Findings suggest that: cooperative behavior can be significantly (p < .01) increased by use of microtechnology techniques; the microtechnology process is effective without the self-confrontation component; and the behavior developed exhibited short-term retention.     

Two critical psychological components of ski racing: Fun and feelings

The concepts of having fun and being aware of feeling states are presented as two critical factors in ski racing. First, the positive motivational characteristics of ‘fun’ are outlined. It is suggested that fun is not only a concept for young athletes but elite ones as well. Preliminary data based on a questionnaire, completed by the United States Alpine Ski Team and approximately 150 ski coaches, are presented. Second, the discussion on feelings refers to the mental programming of tactile sensations and determining one's emotional arousal (feeling state) prior to, and during, competition. Practical suggestions are made with regard to the psychological states and their effects on ski racing.     

The National Curriculum and Standards in Primary Schools: A comparative perspective

A comparison is made of the standards in primary school mathematics in England and Cyprus, drawing upon national curricula, content of textbooks and data from international comparisons of attainment. Standards are conceptualised in three ways: expected, planned and realised. It is demonstrated that high expected and high planned standards, as set in national curricula and textbooks, are not associated with high realised standards. Four possible explanations are explored and policy issues associated with national standard setting are discussed. The value of setting national curriculum standards and targets by reference to comparative international data is raised.     

The Power of Truth

Democracy thrives on journalism, and journalism thrives on truth. The subject is Truth—what it is, how we find it and why it’s important. In finding Truth, the internet is a rich and dangerous source. Nothing is better than a well-prepared, face to face interview. But Truth is not free. Journalism must find a way to elicit payment for all forms of disseminated Truth—print and online. One Truth seems clear: books and magazines will never disappear, be displaced or diminished to irrelevance.