Extreme-value statistics is often used to estimate so-called return values (actually related to quantiles) for environmental quantities like wind speed or wave height. A basic method for estimation is the method of block maxima which consists in partitioning observations in blocks, where maxima from each block could be considered independent.…

Over the past several decades, colleges and universities have moved away from the traditional chalk-and-talk lecture. Professors have experimented with a myriad of methods to engage students more fully. Some of the innovations that have been used have succeeded in improving student performance and satisfaction. In this paper we report the learning…

THE PROBLEM: This study investigated students' perceptions of the English Village Program at the Fong Shan Elementary School in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. The main objectives of this research were to discover the fifth graders' motivation and attitudes toward (a) the simulated theme classrooms, (b) the native English-speaking teacher's instruction,…

This study compared the performance of the LOGIST and BILOG computer programs on item response theory (IRT) based scaling and equating for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) using real and simulated data and two calibration structures. Applications of IRT for the TOEFL program are based on the three-parameter logistic (3PL) model.…

A GERT analysis of a hypothetical firm's manpower requirements is presented here to show the required heterogeneous inputs to the firm's training program in three previously specified areas: first-line supervisors, staff analysists, and junior executives. (Author/JB)

This annotated bibliography, compiled by the Office of Medical Education Research and Development, is part of a larger study to assess the status and potential use of simulation technology in medicine. Bibliographic citations are provided for 224 publications dealing with the development, utilization, and evaluation of simulation technology with…

If the profession of architecture is to become knowledge-based, architectural variables as stimuli must be amenable to simulation that is cheap, flexible, transportable, reduced in size, and valid in terms of responses elicited by "real" construction. Forty-four publications relating to these considerations are listed in this…

A computer based business game to be used as a teaching tool in high school business-related courses was designed, developed, and tested. The game is constructed in modules that can be linked together in a variety of ways to achieve a different decision configuration for different class needs and a changing configuration over time to parallel the…

The research program is designed to accomplish two primary objectives: (1) to obtain a basic understanding of the digital encoding algorithm under certain general conditions, and (2) to determine explicitly what kinds of practical digital encoding equipment should be used for the various tasks which require it. In order to accomplish these…

Both the technical history of training devices and the issues which currently confront their design and use are discussed by a group of distinguished scientists and engineers. A blend of human factors and engineering paper reflects the twin thrusts that make up the educational tools that are training device systems. (Author)

Training devices should be designed to provide efficient learning conditions, especially guided practice and prompt feedback. These devices can be more useful than their operational equipment counterparts because they facilitate the focusing of learner attention on particular components of a total operation, they make operations visible for study,…

How games were used in colonial America for both learning and amusement. (HB)