Fifteen studies comparing various educational outcomes of problem-based, community-oriented medical curricula with those of conventional programs are reviewed. The problems inherent in comparative research at the curriculum level are discussed. (MSE)

Argues that cookbook chemistry laboratory experiments do little to teach scientific inquiry. Suggests providing students with laboratory experiences that follow the introduction of a concept and challenge students to investigate that concept through an experiment involving very few initial instructions. Lists some such challenges used in chemistry…

Discussion of the use of computers and appropriate software for teaching learning disabled individuals focuses on improving problem solving, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Highlights include evaluation guidelines, teaching strategies, and reviews of 10 programs that have been used successfully with different age groups with a variety of…

Promotes the use of machine-scored tests in basic engineering science classes. Discusses some principles and practices of machine-scored testing. Provides several example test items. Argues that such tests can be used to enhance basic understanding of concepts and problem solving skills. (TW)

Describes the novice-to-expert model of human learning and compares it to the recent advances in the areas of artificial intelligence and expert systems. Discusses some of the characteristics of experts, proposing connections between them with expert systems and theories of left-right brain functions. (TW)

Argues that the use of computer technologies in secondary schools should change the nature of mathematics education. Urges the rethinking of the uses of traditional paper-and-pencil computations. Suggests some computer applications for elementary algebra and for problem solving in arithmetic and calculus. (TW)

Reports on the progress of a project designed to establish both a research agenda for mathematics education and a conceptual framework for such an undertaking. Describes four conferences which have been organized to consider teaching problem solving, effective teaching, teaching and learning algebra, and middle school number concepts. (TW)

Discusses the use of artificial intelligence to improve occupational instruction in complex subjects with high performance goals, such as those required for high-technology jobs. Highlights include intelligent computer assisted instruction, examples in space technology training, intelligent simulation environments, and the need for adult training…

Decribes a study which compared computer assisted instruction (CAI) with a parallel paper-and-pencil module to assess the impact on students' achievement and attitudes in chemistry. Supports the contention that CAI works as well or better than more traditional methods and tends to promote positive attitudes. (RT)

Describes and evaluates two projects designed to update elementary and middle school mathematics programs: (1) the revision of elementary school's mathematics and computer literacy curriculum; and (2) an inservice program to train middle school teachers how to incorporate computers, calculators, and manipulatives into the classroom. (CLB)

Discusses some aspects of electrodeposition and electroplating. Emphasizes the materials, techniques, and safety precautions necessary to make electrodeposition work reliably in the chemistry laboratory. Describes some problem-solving applications of this process. (TW)

Reports on a study intended to determine the science education research interests of elementary teachers and to examine the data according to certain demographic variables. Results indicate that hands-on experience, science content, cognitive development and learning styles, problem solving, and teaching strategies were the top five research…

Mandler's theory of emotion is suggested as a framework for investigating affective issues in problem solving. Several dimensions of the emotional states of problem solvers are specified. Implications of this framework for research on affective issues in problem solving are also discussed. (PK)

Suggests that secondary school students seem to have reasonably good procedural knowledge in areas of mathematics as rational numbers, probability, measurement, and data organization and interpretation. It appears, however, that students are lacking the conceptual knowledge enabling them to successfully do the assessment items on applications,…

Describes a common misconception in the study of mechanics. Cites textbooks as being in error for equating velocity components along the string because the string does not remain taut. Discusses the typical textbook approach to a problem of this nature and the misconception that pervades textbooks in the British Isles. (CW)