The article describes a two-week summer program at the University of South Florida to develop leadership skills in 80 high school and middle school students through development of student products confronting real issues, spending time with community leaders, community action projects, committee work, and simulation games. (DB)

A study compared the effectiveness of two methods of teaching clinical breast examination: standardized teaching from family medicine faculty or well women teachers (n=54 first-year students) and unstandardized teaching during clinical rotations (n=70 second-year students). The standardized-teaching group had more consistent techniques, higher…

Computer simulation with artificial intelligence and discovery learning was used by 31 industrial technology students. Compared to 27 controls, simulation enabled students to recognize applications of new technology and the knowledge and skills needed. No differences appeared in field dependence/independence, so recognition was not a function of…

Discusses the development of an abstract model for hypermedia test guides. The model uses an object-oriented approach and is built on the declarative foundation of first-order logic. This method produces a model that is easy to construct and extends to cover new media technology. (Contains 27 references.) (JLB)

Discussion of how to teach thinking and problem-solving skills focuses on a study of seventh graders that attempted to convey expertlike behavior using LEGOLogo to explain how a washing machine operates. Topics addressed include concept representation and mental models; cognitive apprenticeship; and LEGOTClogo as a learning environment. (Contains…

Simulated data were used to investigate the performance of modified versions of the Mantel-Haenszel method of differential item functioning (DIF) analysis in computerized adaptive tests (CAT). Results indicate that CAT-based DIF procedures perform well and support the use of item response theory-based matching variables in DIF analysis. (SLD)

A text production model is considered as an instrument for researching the writing strategies of abstractors. Within this framework, abstracting is a subtype of the writer's activities, which are described in terms of text actions. A computer system can be constructed that evaluates and/or supports human text production. (Author/AEF)

Investigated a microcomputer-based system for the diagnosis and remediation of three Aristotelian alternative conceptions of force and motion held by eighth-grade physical science students. Reports that computer simulations exemplifying canonical conceptions facilitate alteration of students' naive conceptions to a significant degree. Suggests…

This article describes a functional mathematics activity to help secondary students with mild disabilities develop critical thinking, calculation, and reasoning skills by evaluating the "rent-to-own" option for furnishing an apartment. Suggestions address needed materials, prerequisite skills, procedures, sample worksheets, and modifications. (DB)

In a simulation, the lesioning of a connectionist model that maps orthographic inputs onto semantic features produces several counterintuitive behaviors that are also shown by acquired-dyslexic patients. The similarity strengthens the suggestion that the connectionist approach captures a key aspect of human cognitive processing. (SLD)

An active learning simulation game designed to increase pharmacy students' awareness of the physical, psychological, and financial difficulties of the ambulatory elderly in handling their medication is described. Questionnaires before and after the game, including a semantic differential tool, indicate that the program is successful in increasing…

According to the author's book "Being Digital," our world is shifting from atoms to bits. Digitally rendered information, combined with personal computing power and networks, will make computers active participants in our everyday lives. "Teaching-disabled" classrooms will move from passivity to active participation and…

Provides simple techniques for demonstrating and recording the effect of the changing shapes of moving objects when viewed through a moving slot. Includes a puzzle. A computer shareware program (IBM compatible) that simulates the distortions is available from the author. (MVL)

Describes the use of the computer software "Graphs and Tracks" a tool for interactive computer instruction, in teaching one-dimensional kinematics concepts and connecting these concepts to their graphical representations. Provides ordering information. (JRH)

This paper on conducting teacher training workshops concerning the use of simulations with gifted students defines a simulation, explains why simulations are effective in helping gifted students to learn, describes how a simulation works, and outlines the steps in teaching simulation strategies. (JDD)