The effects of specific vs. nonspecific referral information and test data on school psychologists' decisions were investigated. Eighty-two psychologists reviewed a hypothetical case study and made psychoeducational decisions. Knowledge of a teacher's reasons for referral did not influence expectations or placement decisions, but test data on…

An exercise to teach medical students counseling skills for promoting change in health-related behaviors using trained patient instructors and immediate feedback was found to be more effective than using simulated patients and videotaped interviews. (MSE)

Discusses use of computer simulations for instruction at the middle-school level, especially in history and geography. Reports on a case study of a large middle school's response to technology over a 3-year period. The study focuses on the simulation program "Mary Rose," a shipwreck salvaging simulation. (Author/CH)

Suggests use of instructional theory to generate criteria for evaluating microcomputer courseware and describes one approach to its use. This approach identifies skills that the three courseware types--drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation--can teach, and then selects the instructional theory that most specifically addresses the identified…

Suggests using a "bed of nails" (array of nails on a board) as a resistance demonstration where steel balls pass through the lattice of nails like electrons through metal. Although weaknesses of Drude's electrical conduction model are noted, the activity is recommended since it clearly illustrates drift velocity. (DH)

The effects of four different endodontic self-instructional review formats (slide-tape, latent-image simulation, computer text simulation, and computer-assisted video interactive simulation) on senior clinical endodontic performance are compared. Student evaluations, as well as comparative developmental expenditures, are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Designed to determine the number of business simulation game users in universities and the business community, this study is based on a survey of business school deans and faculty and business and consulting firms. Results indicate fairly high current usage with good potential for further growth. (LRW)

Despite the difficulties involved in developing and using noncognitive measures, they constitute an essential component of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. Six noncognitive methods are discussed: observable performance measures, self-report measures, consensus-rendering techniques, inventories, simulations, and secondary data…

Lists key topics considered in four discussion groups at a working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in 1987. Topics include effective teacher education; introducing new technology; teacher behavior; lack of software; simulation programs; program evaluations; and the information and…

Examined the feasibility of using two microcomputer simulations to improve preservice elementary teachers performance in the formation and testing of hypotheses. Considers the effects of mode of computer instruction and cooperation on the acquisition of skills. (CW)

Literature concerning the validity and reliability of both written and computer-based simulations in assessing clinical competence in the health professions is reviewed, and suggestions are given for the improvement of the psychometric qualities of simulation-based tests. (MSE)

Presents a simulation which examines the complexities of governmental machinery and the government's decision-making process. As the first in the American Foreign Policy Simulations series, this exercise in negotiation and compromise seeks to explore the potency of official roles in contrast to belief systems in foreign policymaking. (GEA)

A series of social studies lesssons to develop leadership in gifted students uses the videotape series called "Portrait of America" and simulation techniques in activities which emphasize self-awareness, higher level thinking, visualization, group dynamics, and independent study. (CB)

Considers nature of learning; significance of promoting learning rather than teaching; active nature of learning from experience; role of simulations and games in promoting learning; process of debriefing and its relationship to reflection; and teacher role. The Learning System, which relates general systems theory to process of learning, is…

A self-teaching module on queues, dealing with the use of random numbers in the simulation of realistic queueing or waiting-line situations, is described. Both mathematical content and teaching methods are considered. (MNS)