Provides background information on Halloween and its celebration in North America, along with suggestions for student- and teacher-initiated activities for classroom use. The material and activities may be translated or adapted to various target languages in foreign, second, or bilingual education programs. (MDM)

Medical school faculty members' broad understanding of their domains has atrophied as specialization has increased. Medical students need teachers who can integrate the specific areas of a subject with overarching themes. Expanding the values of the university to once again include the scholarship of integration and teaching would provide the best…

Discusses the possible demise of the textbook as new technologies are introduced and notes the conditions necessary for new technologies to become feasible educational alternatives. (AEF)

Discusses the effect of object-oriented programming on the evolution of authoring systems. Topics include the definition of an object; examples of object-oriented authoring interfaces; what object-orientation means to an instructional developer; how object orientation increases productivity and enhances interactivity; and the future of courseware…

Discusses several key components of teaching excellence. Suggests that excellent teachers must demonstrate their knowledge and competence, prepare relevant teaching strategies, relate to students as learners, achieve a balance between student-centeredness and subject-content orientation, influence student learning motivation, manage classroom…

Describes the notion of second chances and its application to education. Presents a framework for evaluating second-chance programs based on accessibility and selection, adjustability of applicants, adjusted educational methods, productivity, accreditation, and acknowledgement. Examines possible illusions and rituals preventing a genuine second…

A kindergarten teacher used portfolio assessment with her students. After researching portfolios, she compiled a list of components for her classes and began the school year. She found that students were enthusiastic about portfolios, parents felt portfolios told more than report cards, and she could better see student growth. (Author/SM)

It is assumed that evaluators of the future will still be interested in case study methodology. Scenarios that ignore a case study method, that look back to a distinctive case study method, and that see the case study method as an integrating force in the qualitative-quantitative debate are explored. (SLD)

The rationale for a multistage approach to evaluating services demonstration programs is discussed. The approach takes into account limitations that are often found in such programs. The National Evaluation of Models for Linking Drug Abuse Treatment and Primary Care provides an example. (SLD)

Some specific opportunities and techniques are described for combining and integrating qualitative and quantitative methods from the design stage of a substance abuse program evaluation through implementation and reporting. The multiple problems and requirements of such an evaluation make integrated methods essential. (SLD)

Type I error rate and power for the t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, van der Waerden Normal Scores, and Welch-Aspin-Satterthwaite (W) test are compared for two simulated independent random samples from nonnormal distributions. Conditions under which the t test and W test are best to use are discussed. (SLD)

This report describes a behavior analysis treatment approach to establishing oral feeding in children with multiple developmental disabilities and gastrostomy-tube dependency. Pretreatment screening, functional assessment, and treatment are reported as implemented within a behavioral consultation model. A case study illustrates the sequence and…

Notes an antiscientific bias in writings that proclaim the value of qualitative approaches for studying information problems. Discusses the following methodological concerns: (1) scientific versus nonscientific traditions; (2) distinction between emic and etic perspectives; (3) artificial divide between qualitative and quantitative techniques; (4)…

Discussion of distance learning focuses on working with college faculty. Topics include defining telecommunicated distance learning; the teacher's role; elements of successful distance learning programs; and Western Illinois University's successful experience with distance learning, including support personnel, faculty development, administrative…

Discusses training needs for teachers new to distance learning technology and describes experiences at Georgia College with interactive video, including distance learning equipment and policies; training and preparation for faculty; instructional presentation styles; personalization strategies; and equipment usage and technology problems. (LRW)