The Effect of Method of Instruction on Long‐term Retention of Mathematics Concepts

This paper presents the final report of an extended study which assessed the viability of individualised tertiary mathematics instruction in Australia. Data collected over five years between 1978 and 1984 gave information on three treatments: a personalised system of instruction based closely on the Keller Plan with no final examination, a conventional lecture course with final examination and a modified personalised system including lectures. Long‐term retention of concepts was used as the major criterion for judging success of the methods. Results favouring students taught in the conventional manner have led to a questioning of the original precepts of the personalised system as developed by Keller.     

Does Political Advertising Lead to Online Information Seeking? A Real-World Test Using Google Search Data

Though the political advertising literature has documented the effects of political advertising on political attitudes and voting behavior, less attention has been paid to the role of political advertising in stimulating information search. This study seeks to examine the impact of political advertising on real world information seeking using CMAG data from the Wisconsin Ad Project combined with Google Trends search data. Results suggest that increased advertising volume is associated with increased online information seeking. Additionally, this study tests the feasibility of using Google Trends search data as a proxy measure of political information seeking.     

Science and report writing

In recent years Australian primary schools have adopted an across-the-curriculum approach to writing. However, relatively little research has been conducted in the area of primary science. This paper reports the result of a small scale collaborative study involving a Year 2 and a Year 5 class, and their classroom teacher, which used science activities as the basis for developing report-writing skills using a framework consisting of three focus questions. Students in both classes learned to use the framework in one term and it was found that it improved the quality of reports. Specialisations: science and technology curriculum development, secondary and primary teacher education in agriculture, science and environmental education. Specialisations: cognition and curriculum, early childhood and primary teacher education in science and social education.     

Promoting an awareness of retractions: the Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport experience

The current mission statement of the Medical Library Association states that it is "dedicated to improving health through professional excellence and leadership of its members in the ... provision of information services and educational programs ..." With this goal in mind, retractions offer medical librarians a professional challenge to become involved in the scientific process. Through results of a survey conducted among the consortium of South Central Academic Medical Libraries (SCAMeL), this paper reveals opinions on the importance of retraction awareness and who is responsible for disseminating this knowledge. The paper also reports what the Louisiana State University Medical Center at Shreveport Library and other SCAMeL member libraries are doing to promote awareness.     

Multicultural Inclusion of Lesbian and Gay Literature Themes in Elementary Classrooms

This article provides a rationale for and methods to assist elementary educators in creating spaces where the enhancement of awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ)-themed literature could be explored in elementary schools and classrooms. The authors assert that an approach to providing gender and sexuality diversity in the elementary grades is part of multicultural practice in elementary classrooms. Through document analysis, the authors discovered the existing theories, practices, and evidence available in the literature that would provide elementary educators support to use LGBTQ-themed children's literature in academic spaces. The authors then provide a set of guidelines for educators to modify their existing instructional practices in order to empower young learners with the critical literacy attributes necessary in order to gain access to knowledge, power, and opportunities.