A three-year study compared entry-level and junior-level clinically oriented reading and writing skills of 231 medical students. Entry-level skills were found to be the best predictors of clinical skills. Inclusion of communication skills training in admission criteria and/or medical curriculum are recommended. (Author/MSE)

Argues that simulation and gaming techniques could provide an ideal vehicle for overcoming the failure of most communication skills courses to motivate science students and to achieve their educational objectives. Two simulation exercises developed for teaching communication skills to science students are described. Two figures accompany the text.…

Explains why reenacting trial scenes from literature should be a useful reading, writing, and speaking activity in English classrooms. (RL)

The effectiveness of an interactive computer-based instruction program designed to give students experience with exploratory drilling is compared to a previously used field-oriented simulated exploration program. The development, operation, and implementation of the computer program are discussed. (DC)

Since all commonly used latent trait models assume a unidimensional test, the applicability of the procedure to obviously multidimensional tests is questionable. This paper presents the results of the application of latent trait, traditional, and factor analyses to a series of actual and hypothetical tests that vary in factoral complexity.…

To enliven her fourth-grade class on rainy days, the author grouped the students into five teams to study the Westward Movement in the United States. Each team became a wagon train, tracing a different pioneer route and marking their progress with group reports, research projects, and diaries. (SJL)

Observation of undergraduate students in an anthropology course was used to evaluate the impacts of learning strategies, group size, and sex composition of groups on successful interaction with a computer simulation. Sixteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Facing a future of static or declining funding available for faculty salaries, higher education must evolve strategies to enable its institutions to avoid stagnation of their faculty. Guidelines for health-science school administrators in formulating policies to maintain faculty vitality are proposed. (Author/MLW)

The author discusses simulations and curriculum materials which will help students to consider the energy v environment issue. (SJL)

To study attitudes toward computer assisted instruction in social studies, secondary students and teachers in Mobile, Alabama, were asked to use the microcomputer-based simulation "Civil War." Pre- and post-assessment scores of subjects' knowledge/attitudes concerning microcomputers are discussed. Journal availability: P.O. Box 535, Cupertino, CA…

Describes simulation games involving random phenomena concepts. Reviews the role of such games in teaching abstract scientific concepts. (SK)

Reports the simulation of sensory and mobility problems of older adults as an effective training model when combined with a number of roles and scenarios. Discusses the application of the training model in work with geriatric health professionals. (Author)

Presents a dice-playing game which mathematically unsophisticated students and school children can play to learn empirically the principles of radioactive dating and population growth. (HM)

A description, reanalysis, and critique of a selected portion of data reported by Elstein and colleagues is reported. Data from the study of medical diagnosis using three simulations are evaluated in terms of technical properties and consistency with a psychological model of diagnostic inquiry proposed by the researchers. (MLW)

This article describes recent progress in chemical synthesis which depends on comparable advances in other areas of chemistry. Analysis and theories of chemical structure and reactions are determinants in progress in chemical synthesis and are described also. (Author/SA)