In standardized patient-based tests of clinical competence, patients are used to present the clinical problem and to rate the actions taken by the student. This approach is evaluated by a microanalysis of 1 case used in a fourth year clinical examination of 98 medical students at the University of Manitoba. (MLW)

The article describes the system used to hire new faculty at Atlantic Community College (New Jersey). Critical components are descriptive interviewing, which focuses on how the candidate has behaved in real situations, and a teaching simulation. (DB)

A study investigating possible sex bias, concerning both student and standardized-patient genders, in an objective structured clinical examination found that neither men nor women were afforded an advantage by patient or test location. However, women's scores on tests administered by females were higher than corresponding men's scores. (MSE)

Three measures of differential item functioning for the dichotomous response model are extended to include Samejima's graded response model. Two are based on area differences between item true score functions, and one is a chi-square statistic for comparing differences in item parameters. (SLD)

Defines cognitive approaches to second-language acquisition research first in terms of goals and theoretical orientations, next, in terms of its methods (observations, experimentation, simulation), and last, in terms of its applications. (Author/VWL)

Used daily telephone interviews and simulations to compare maternal behaviors and cognitions within power bouts and single acts of noncompliance. Found that the power bouts formed a special class of discipline episodes distinct from single noncompliance. Mothers reported more negative perceptions of the child and more aversion during extended…

Describes an international economics course in which the culminating activity is a simulated General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) conference. Discusses the simulation phases and their timing, as well as modifications for using the simulation in other international-economics settings. Presents student evaluations of the course. (DSK)

In a clinical skills center, nurses, doctors, and specialists helped nursing and medical students develop clinical and communication skills in the context of holistic patient care. Two aspects of the format received high ratings: realistic patient scenarios and interdisciplinary team teaching. (SK)

Reports on the use of simulators to provide students with field trips of the future. This technology offers convincing, real-world, first-hand experiences in a small space within a few minutes. Simulators have found their way into museums and science centers around the nation, although they are still too expensive for most school districts. (SM)

Discusses an activity that uses the metaphor "the mind is a black box," in which students work in groups to discover what is inside a sealed, black, plastic box. States that the activity enables students to understand the need for theories in psychology and to comprehend how psychologists build, test, and refine those theories. (CMK)

Notes the value of using simulations to teach negotiation in business communication classes. Offers advice for designing and writing effective simulations. Describes a favorite simulation written by the author, and illustrates with it the process of teaching a simulated negotiation. (SR)

Discusses three types of least squares estimation (generalized, unweighted, and weighted). Results from a Monte Carlo simulation show that, in comparison with other least squares methods, the weighted least squared method generally reduced bias without increasing asymptotic standard errors. (SLD)

Describes a study that investigated undergraduate student reactions to an interactive video training program on CD-ROM called the MCGILL NEGOTIATION SIMULATOR designed to teach negotiation skills using a sales negotiation scenario. Also determined whether the program increased learning of negotiation concepts as measured by a pretest and posttest.…

Investigated the robustness of the group-level polytomous Item Response Theory model to violations of assumptions of school-level normality and within-school normality and constant variance with eight large simulated case samples. Discusses the precision obtained in estimating school ability. (SLD)

Describes a simulation project used in social theory courses where students work in groups of four or five to plan and present a television program. Explains that students choose the format of the show, take the roles of theorists, and present responses to contemporary issues that they think the theorists would offer. (CMK)