Stability and predictive validity of the Boehm test of basic concepts—Revised among black kindergartners

Preschool Children's Learning Behaviors, Concept Attainment, Social Skills, and Problem Behaviors: Validity Evidence for Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale Scores

This study provides concurrent and predictive validity and test-retest reliability evidence for scores from the preschool teacher-completed Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale (PLBS; McDermott, Green, Francis, & Stott, 2002) using two regional samples of preschool children aged 3 to 5.5 years (Ns of 61 and 70). Teacher ratings of social skills and problem behaviors were collected using the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS; Merrell, 1994), and estimates of preschoolers' basic concept attainment were obtained using the individually administered Bracken Basic Concept Scale (BBCS; Bracken, 1984). Results indicated that preschoolers' adaptive learning behaviors were positively correlated with social skills and negatively associated with problem behaviors but were not significantly related to subsequent basic concept attainment. Four-week test-retest coefficients for the PLBS Total score and Competence Motivation, Attention/Persistence, and Attitude Toward Learning subscale scores were adequate. Results support the unique contribution of PLBS scores in understanding children's responses to learning activities in preschool classroom environments.

Computer-assisted instruction in concept development of six-year-old children

Effects of a 15-wk. computer-assisted course or regular instruction on concept development by 6-yr.-old kindergarten children in Ankara (M age of sample = 66.0 mo., SD = 4.6; M age of girls = 65.0 mo., SD 4.4; M age of boys = 66.0 mo., SD = 4.5). Children were assigned to two groups of 40 (Experimental group: 18 girls and 22 boys; M girls' age = 65.3 mo., SD = 3.7, M boys' age = 67.1 mo., SD = 4.1;

CONTROL GROUP

21 girls, 19 boys, M girls' age = 64.9 mo., SD = 5.01, M boys' age = 66.7 mo., SD = 5.1). All were given the Bracken Basic Concept Scale-Revised and a general information form. Mean posttest scores in concept development for the group given computer-assisted training were statistically significantly higher.