Introduces performance technology as a field of application for training professionals. The term "performance technology" is defined and explained, the epistemological foundations of performance technology are outlined, the relevance of performance technology to training and human development is described, and myths about performance…

Describes a laboratory course, modeled on the approach developed by Robert Karplus for physics laboratory courses, emphasizing discovery learning. (SK)

Approaches to extrema that do not require calculus are presented to help free maxima/minima problems from the confines of calculus. Many students falsely suppose that these types of problems can only be dealt with through calculus, since few, if any, noncalculus examples are usually presented. (MP)

The problems used in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented. There are three groups of five problems, which corresponded to Elementary, Junior, and Senior contest sets. The contest questions are seen as interesting for individual study, and potentially useful to teachers of computer programing. (MP)

The mathematical nature of the product barcode that now appears on many supermarket goods is discussed. Particular attention is given to the nature and formula of a "check digit" used to verify that product numbers are correctly scanned. Several possible student activities related to this code and others are suggested. (MP)

Examined the expectancies of success, evaluations of performance, and achievement-related attributions about tasks that typically show sex differences. Results suggest that there are generalized, rather than task specific, sex differences in achievement expectancies, evaluations, and attributions. (Author/GC)

Describes the concept of quality circles: small, homogeneous groups of workers who discuss product improvement. The idea originated in Japan and has infiltrated U.S. industry and, ultimately, U.S. schools. Explains the quality circle program in the Muskegon (Michigan) schools and its effects in improving communication among employees and…

Discusses needs assessment as a problem-focusing strategy and examines several definitions of need. Considers five purposes for assessing needs, and presents six guiding principles for the work of a needs assessment team. (RC)

This study extends research of college students' comprehension of implication into the area of conjunction and disjunction. The results indicated that the majority of the students did not comprehend conjunction and disjunction well enough to correctly respond to most subtest components. (MP)

Programmable calculators are useful tools in the classroom that are often overlooked. This report gives examples of problems and activities that can be brought within the scope of such calculators. (MP)

Describes a behavioral problem-solving package designed to train negotiation and emotional expression skills. Training consisted of modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback regarding the rehearsal. Training was associated with increases in target, nontarget, and subjective behaviors, thereby demonstrating generalized treatment effects. (Author)

Presents the second part of a cognitive model of family conflict. Proposes that high efficacy enhances persistence in family problem solving while low efficacy inhibits such efforts, and that chronic low efficacy may lead to learned helplessness responses in family members. (Author)

Many students appear to enjoy mysteries at the same level that they hate proofs. It is felt that the solutions of the two can be so alike that their diagrammatic forms will coincide. One geometry and three mystery problems involving logic for solution are presented. (MP)

A discussion of the reasons for the new design of international standard typing paper (AY) with dimensions of 210 mm by 297 mm leads to a discussion of the ratio of the sides and geometric concepts involving similar rectangles. (MP)

A set of activities designed to help students discover properties about order-3 spirolaterals on square grid paper is presented. The materials are prepared on worksheets designed for easy duplication. The lessons can lead to investigations involving spirolaterals of many other orders and shapes. (MP)