The study showed that levels of understanding attained by conventional lecture and computer-supported simulation method were not significantly different. Findings also indicated that use of innovative teaching techniques and student-ratings of the instructor are two independent variables. (Author/AG)

A detailed study by Educational Facilities Laboratories (EFL) and the Fairfax County, Virginia, school system shows which changes in operational procedures, maintenance practices, and buildings would yield significant savings in energy comsumption. (Author/MLF)

It is a widely held belief that anchor tests should be miniature versions (i.e., minitests), with respect to content and statistical characteristics of the tests being equated. This paper examines the foundations for this belief. It examines the requirement of statistical representativeness of anchor tests that are content representative. The…

I present modifications to the traditional course entitled, "Process dynamics and control," which I renamed "Modeling, dynamics, and control of chemical and biological processes." Additions include the central dogma of biology, pharmacokinetic systems, population balances, control of gene transcription, and large­-scale…

Presents computer simulations of diffusion, equilibria, molecular movement across a membrane, moving quanta at random between atoms, nuclear disintegration, and nuclear decay and half life. (GS)

The similarity of item and ability parameter estimations was investigated using two numerical analysis techniques via marginal maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) with a large simulated data set (n=1,000 examinees) and changing the number of quadrature points. MMLE estimation uses a numerical analysis technique to integrate examinees' abilities…

An advanced graduate level course in family therapy, "Theories and Methods of Marriage and Family Therapy" is described in this document. It is intended to provide an overview of various perspectives, theories, and methods used in marriage and family counseling. Particular emphasis is given the delineation of the distinctions between and among not…

This study developed and investigated an empirical sampling distribution of the congruence coefficient. The effects of sample size, number of variables, and population value of the congruence coefficient on the sampling distribution of the congruence coefficient were examined. Sample data were generated on the basis of the common factor model and…

This study examined the effect of three aspects of the testing context--physical privacy, anonymity, and offers of help from a tester--on children's expectations. Performance of 96 11-year-old boys and girls on a pictorial recall memory task in a simulated test was evaluated. The subjects were divided into eight different groups varying on the…

This paper describes the Structure-Mapping Engine (SME), a cognitive simulation program for studying human analogical processing. SME is based on Gentner's Structure-Mapping theory of analogy, and provides a "tool kit" for constructing matching algorithms consistent with this theory. This flexibility enhances cognitive simulation studies by…

The attractive features of various strategies for resolving a simulated commons dilemma (a paradox in which a long-term benefit requires the individual to forego immediate gain) were determined in conditions where 40 groups of college age participants (total number = 136) were acting as a world policy making body or local advisory group when there…

This Digest points out characteristics of quality computer software for children, describes different kinds of software, and suggests ways to get software for preview. The need to consider the purpose for which the software is to be used and the degree to which the software meets its stated goals is noted. Desirable software characteristics and…

Noting that few scholars have examined specifically how technology is affecting basic communication processes, students in interpersonal, small group, and advanced presentational forms classes studied the systems model of interpersonal communication. The systems model described by P. Emmert and W.C. Donaghy includes the following components:…

Literature on classroom drama suggests that there is considerable untapped potential for using drama as a teaching method in the English classroom. Studies have shown that high school students using dramatic enactment experienced more instances of higher order thinking, more topic-specific emotions, decreased apprehension, and less…

This paper describes the use of video to provide a screenplay depiction of a proposed artificial intelligence software system. Advantages of such use are identified: (1) the video can be used to provide a clear conceptualization of the proposed system; (2) it can illustrate abstract technical concepts; (3) it can simulate the functions of the…