The theory of plate tectonics is discussed as it relates to connection, purported to be the driving force involved in the movements of the earth's crust. (SA)

Focuses on recent research on currents and eddies of the earth's oceans. Special emphasis is given to instrumentation involved in studying the oceans. (SA)

Presents an examination of graphical displays of solutions to time-dependent Schrodinger equation modeling a laser-excited three-level atom. It suggests that an energy level may be regarded as virtual when it is detuned from resonance by more than two Rabi frequencies. (Author/HM)

A short course in probability and statistics for administrators and managers is described. Topics covered in one of the lecture sessions are discussed. (DT)

Inequalities in schooling may be seen in relation to two types of educational outcomes: quality and quantity (or achievement and attainment). The qualitative dimension, a major concern of Coleman, Campbell, Hobson, McPartland, Mood, Weinfeld, and York are considered first, followed by the Blau-Duncan and Wisconsin studies of years of schooling…

A sophomore-level course in applications of mathematics was designed to introduce students to the diversity of situations in which mathematical models are used. The course precedes the study of the calculus, and is composed of a sequence of modules. A problem-solving approach is used. (SD)

Demonstrates that the number of kilometers of highway in the U.S. tends to grow exponentially and discusses what can be done to modify this growth. (MLH)

Undergraduate and graduate students are often confused about several aspects of modeling physical systems. Describes an approach to address these issues using a single physical transport problem that can be analyzed with multiple mathematical models. (DKM)

Discusses the methodological requirements for valid inferences from school-effectiveness research studies, which include long-term longitudinal data and proper statistical modelling of hierarchical data structures. Explains problems with using simple performance indicators to measure school effectiveness. Outlines appropriate multilevel…

Presents a utility model for academic department decision making and describes the structural specifications for analyzing it. The model confirms the class-size utility asymmetry predicted by the authors' academic rachet theory, but shows that marginal utility associated with college teaching loads is always negative. Curricular structure and…

Presents four activities that use graphing calculators, spreadsheets, and graphing software to model population growth. (MKR)

Describes a study of preservice teachers (N=30) that provides confirming evidence that students usually use two rational number operator constructs. Discusses the cognitive models of the students' strategies and the notational system used as an analytical tool. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Reports on the observed actions of prospective Swedish secondary mathematics teachers as they were working in a modeling situation. Discusses the way the students tackled the modeling situation and their strategies and attitudes as well as the difficulties in assessing mathematical modeling performance. (KHR)

Explains an application of mathematical modeling within a school setting as well as progressive use of graphing calculators in mathematical modeling. Analyzes students' performances in the process of problem-solving using the problem of baton-passing in relay races. Discusses students' use of their mathematical knowledge and ideas when they used…

Summarizes the current state of the art in test construction and contrasts it with previous conceptual models, some of which are wrong or misleading. New methodologies for item selection and review are presented, with current thinking on the specification of technical characteristics of tests. (Author/SLD)