An open format in which students keep log books to help them become more active in the learning process is discussed. Included are creative thought and language, visualization, and using writing to learn how to learn. Examples of student writing are provided. (CW)

Presented are studies which confirm the idea that factors related to the format, the order of items presented, and the presentation style can affect the impact of information and student recall. Discussed are dynamic presentations, enumerated items, impact and timing, pairing of items, data summaries, and information load. (CW)

Compared are the estimates of students and professional field soil scientists. Results indicate that with three weeks of practice and the availability of good reference samples, students can attain a level of proficiency comparable to professional soil scientists. Suggestions for grading evaluations are provided. (Author/CW)

A peer review process similar to that used by scientific journals which can be applied to class work is presented. Stressed is the advantage of using peer review when writing skills are a priority but instructor time is limited. Guidelines and examples of comments are provided. (CW)

Described are the use of case-method teaching, educational competitions, and interactive computer-graphic instructional software to teach structural engineering concepts at the freshman level. Details of the instructional software used and the bridge competition are provided. (CW)

Presents advice that professors can give to their students on how to obtain quality, positive job or school references. (PR)

Described are analytical applications of the theory of random processes, in particular solutions obtained by using statistical procedures known as Monte Carlo techniques. Supercomputer simulations, sampling, integration, ensemble, annealing, and explicit simulation are discussed. (CW)

The present characteristics of Chilean engineering education are described together with conditions that are pressing for important changes. The effects of national economic development are stressed, which demands new professional skills and attitudes. (PR)

Compared are two approaches to exam writing in which the narrative approach is described as a novel, creative, and integrated learning opportunity. In this approach, a single system is chosen in which questions are asked that challenge the student to perceive interrelationships between principles and details previously learned. (CS)

Discussed is the performance of college students on the task of solving chemistry problems involving Lewis structures. Difficulty of the task and of individual problems is described. A taxonomy of skills associated with Lewis structures is presented. (CW)

Described are demonstrations designed to reveal the important "nonsolvent" properties of water through its interaction with a toy called "Magic Sand" and other synthetic silica derivatives, especially those bonded with organic moities. The procedures for seven demonstrations along with a discussion of the effects are presented. (CW)

Presented are laboratory methods which allow the demonstration and determination of the diffusion coefficients of compounds ranging in size from water to small proteins. Included are the procedures involving the use of a spectrometer, UV cell, triterated agar, and oxygen diffusion. Results including quantification are described. (CW)

Presented are common words and phrases which are encountered in the statistical analysis of test results. Included are analysis of the mid-point, distribution of scores, calculation of scaled scores, test reliability, item analysis, and coefficients of reliability. (CS)

Suggestions for the use of two different conventions in difference and rate terms in thermodynamics are made. It is shown how this approach lends itself to an accurate and concise discussion of function changes for a chemical reaction. (CW)

Discussed is some of the confusion encountered in electrochemistry due to misunderstandings of sign conventions and simple mathematical errors. Clarified are issues involving emf series, IUPAC sign conventions, calculation of cell potentials, reference electrodes, the polarity of electrodes in electrochemical devices, and overpotential. (CW)