A computer model which simulates nutrient cycling helps students understand the pathways which elements follow. Examples of exercises which are designed to develop a more critical awareness of the literature dealing with nutrient cycling in ecosystems and a deeper understanding of the scientific method are discussed. (Author/IS)

Discusses several definitions of protocols, methods of protocol collection and analysis, applications in current research, and the limitations of collecting protocols as a research method. (HOD)

Describes a program at the University of Iowa called the Mass Communication Laboratory Sequence that offers students the opportunity to develop their abilities as professional communicators who can identify, research, and analyze problems that need communication strategies and media products for solutions. (HOD)

Stressing that in order for quality circles to work, members must believe that their participation makes a difference, the author outlines procedures for setting up quality circles within schools and school districts and describes their successful operation. (MJL)

A laboratory experiment that involves solving problems with conflicting evidence or inconsistent data. The experiment gives students opportunities to reason as scientists. (EB)

Arguing that computers can be used to improve not only the delivery of undergraduate mathematics courses, but also their content, the author discusses several broad areas in which computers might improve the undergraduate curriculum. (SD)

The director of the National Institute of Education talks of problems that vex education researchers and believes that a breakthrough is close at hand. (Editor)

In a reviewed series of spontaneous and learning-set studies of adults and children, adults solved problems even if they attended to four dimensions; young children failed when attending so broadly, but solved when attending to a single dimension. (Author/HS)

Describes a therapeutic approach for helping families relieve a crisis by calling on their extended family of relatives, friends, and neighbors to meet and initiate a healing process leading towards a productive and constructive resolution of their crisis. (Author/RK)

Focuses on theory and findings from three lines of research which seek to clarify differences in the subtle but powerful influence exerted by both non-reaction from an observing adult and evaluative aspects of social cues operative in a variety of interpersonal and achievement situations. (JH)

Discusses a high school laboratory in which the students take an active role in designing, implementing, and performing experiments concerning basic concepts in physics. (MLH)

Description of the philosophy and general nature of a course at Drake University that emphasizes basic concepts of analytical thinking, including think, decompose, simplify, specify, and rethink problems. Some sample homework exercises are included. The journal is available from University of California Press, Berkeley, California 94720.…

The Advising Center for Undeclared Majors (ACUM) at Florida State University provides a noncoercive atmosphere in which undecided undergraduates can explore possible academic and career areas while working toward the completion of their required general education program. (Author)

An applied approach is argued to be a fruitful one for sociology in general and especially for polytechnics. The argument rests on two premises: (1) that the polytechnics ought to distinguish themselves from the universities by a commitment to useful knowledge and (2) that sociology would be enhanced by an increased emphasis on social problem…

The game of "Sprouts" is explained, then several theorems concerning the game are stated and proved. (DT)