Comparing learning styles for students with conduct and emotional problems

In Phase 1 of the study (1991–1992 school year), 43 elementary school students in five special education classes for behaviorally disordered children were classified using the Differential Test of Conduct and Emotional Problems. Subjects were classified as primarily emotional (ED) or conduct problems (CP). Results were as follows: 11 ED (26%), 15 CP (35%), 13 both ED and CP (31%), and 4 (9%) falling into neither grouping. During Phase 2 (1996–1997 school year), a different cohort of students (n = 68), from the same five elementary special education classes plus one junior high school class, was also classified on the Learning Style Identification Scale. Phase 2 results were 12 students ED (18%), 16 CP (24%), 14 both ED and CP (21%), and 26 neither (38%). Eighty‐eight percent of conduct problem students were classified as Style 1 learners. Findings are examined in light of federal special education eligibility criteria, specifically the exclusion of “socially maladjusted” students. Implications for the multidisciplinary team placement process and educational programming are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Needs Assessment-A Critical Reappraisal

We argue in this article that the discrepancy model of needs assessment is lacking in that it does not capture expert behavior, and hence can not lead to problem–solving expertise. With arguments based on a review of the theory and research literature related to problem solving and reflections based on practical experience, we contend that in the first instance, organizational problems are typically too illdefined and shrouded in ambiguity to be meaningfully captured by the model. In the real world, current and desired states cannot always be clearly articulated. We review literature showing that problem–solving expertise, while having a process component, is premised on possession of domain–specific knowledge. Expertise is knowledge based. It comes from wide and varied experience, based on learned principles and rules, which leads to problem categorization, to automacity, and to the deliberate selection or formulation of strategies. The expert draws on schemata stored in long–term memory. Thus we contend that by dwelling almost exclusively on the discrepancy approach to problem solving, the field of Human Resource Development unwittingly forfeits the opportunity to engage in a discourse which would be premised on expert practice.     

The relationship among attributions,divergent thinking,and retention of nonsense syllables and nonrelated words

Students' employment of meaning through cognitive strategies in a retention task was explored in terms of attributional assignment and/or divergent thinking. Students were randomly assigned to either a list of nonsense syllables or nonrelated words. Attributional assignment was measured by Lefcourt's Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scales (MMCS – IV); divergent thinking was measured by Guilford's tests of Fluency, Flexibility, and Originality. A questionnaire assessing students' beliefs regarding success and failure was also administered. No relationship was found among attributional assignment as measured by the MMCS-IV, divergent thinking, and retention. Strategy use was not related to retention. Students' attributional beliefs regarding failure were predictive of retention for the nonsense syllables. Discussion suggests the need to distinguish between tactic and strategy through analysis of metacognitive processes. Interpretation of the results may indicate that the divergent-thinking measures were not sensitive enough and/or the retention task did not require these divergent-thinking skills.     

Exploring the global/local boundary in education in developing countries: the case of the Caribbean

This article focuses on education in developing countries in the context of globalization and with specific reference to the Caribbean. It examines the concept of globalization and related concepts and positions developing countries within this context. It explores the possibility of the creation of a third space where the local and the global can co-mingle and new understandings can emerge. The article argues that although the global/local interface constitutes a zone of tension, it can, in the realm of education, become an area of creative opportunity. It outlines some parameters that can guide the way in which the third space can be shaped when Caribbean and other developing countries are faced with the challenge of accommodating external ideas into local education.     

A Class-Wide Intervention for Improving Homework Performance

Homework completion has an important impact on the overall academic functioning of students. Consultation requests often center on identifying efficient interventions so that teachers may facilitate the homework process and enhance students' academic achievement. This investigation employed a randomized interdependent group contingency and randomized reinforcers to improve homework completion and accuracy of spelling performance in 21 elementary school students. An ABAB reversal design across all students was employed. Results showed this intervention to have a positive impact on both spelling homework completion and accuracy rates. Limitations, future research, and contributions are addressed.     

Tenure and Academic Productivity

Abstract

The attitudes of male and female university professors at AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International accredited business schools differ substantially regarding certain aspects of traditional tenure. This survey of 1,306 professors at 307 AACSB International accredited schools in 48 states and Canada examines a broad range of tenure-related matters. Survey results indicate that although general agreement exists between male and female faculty with regard to the impact of tenure on higher education in business, eight significantly different tenure-related issues provide critical insight into problems that presently exist in academia.     

Adult‐child conflict control expectancies: Effects on taking conflict personally toward parents

This article examines how adult child conflict specific control expectancies influence the tendency to personalize conflict with parents. Adult children (N = 195) completed measures of conflict control expectancies and personalization of conflict specific to their parents. Multivariate Analyses of Variance revealed significant differences among adult children reporting internal, moderate, and external control orientations and conflict personalization dimensions of direct personalization, persecution feelings, stress reaction, and positive/negative relational effect.