Reviews and critiques the major findings in the simulation impact literature, and offers an impact evaluation of the recently developed urban politics simulation, "Urban Policy Game: A Simulation of Urban Politics." Particular emphasis is placed on the variety of learning experiences accompanying role-play simulations, especially verstehen…

This paper describes the Structure-Mapping Engine (SME), a cognitive simulation program for studying human analogical processing. SME is based on Gentner's Structure-Mapping theory of analogy, and provides a "tool kit" for constructing matching algorithms consistent with this theory. This flexibility enhances cognitive simulation studies by…

Describes learning activities based on the U.S. Constitution that enhance higher level thinking skills in elementary students. One activity proposes a hypothetical constitutional amendment banning Saturday cartoons; a second taxes children's earnings; and other activities focus on dramatizing events surrounding the Constitutional Convention. (LS)

A theory is proposed of the processes which enable a subject to learn while solving a problem. One subject's protocol--including 224 steps and taking 90 minutes--is described. Adequacy of the mechanisms is guaranteed by a computer simulation of the processes in an adaptive production system. (Author/GDC)

Analysis of errors children make is modeled both with and without computers. Patterns of thinking are traced for a fifth grader, with the discussion focused on getting clues for remedial instruction by analyzing the dialog. (MNS)

Six case studies were conducted on the use of business games and simulations in higher education. Results showed that cognitive learning was greatly affected by particular approaches of students; competitiveness tends to have a negative effect on cognitive gains; and learning is enhanced by advance briefing and tutor involvement during the game.…

This study investigated the effects of combining interactive microcomputer simulations and concrete activities on the development of abstract thinking in elementary school mathematics. Students in grades 2-4 were assessed on tasks involving designs and patterns. (MNS)

This booklet examines the current instructional uses of computers, their demands on teachers and teacher trainers, and the measures required to further promote their use. Five principal educational computer uses are addressed: (1) learning from computers in drill and practice and tutorial programs; (2) learning with computers using simulations and…

The article explores the value of simulation gaming for changing attitudes of gifted students concerning sex roles. Simulation gaming has considerable potential for reducing, altering, and changing attitudes concerning sex role limitations, since gaming involves devising plans and motivating appeals, in addition to role playing, negotiating,…

Descriptions of the problem-solving strategies of experts solving realistic, computer-generated transmission genetics problems are presented in this paper and implications for instruction are discussed. Seven experts were involved in the study. All of the experts had a doctoral degree and experience in both teaching and doing research in genetics.…

Maintaining that educators need a functional understanding of the brain and how it operates in order to teach effectively and to critically analyze the vast amount of neuroscientific information being published, this book provides information on brain-imaging techniques and the anatomy and physiology of the brain. The book also introduces a model…

Promotes the use of computers in teaching not only to solve problems but also to help students be better at analyzing problems and developing procedures for their solution. Outlines several problems where a computer-assisted analysis can help give students a thorough understanding of the topic. (TW)

Maintains that literacy and informed decision making in an uncertain world require the ability to reason statistically. Describes a course designed to help students use statistical concepts as tools for social reasoning within simulations of real-world problems. Describes four types of instructional activities used. (CFR)

Students must be actively involved in the process of learning for it to have personal meaning and importance in their lives. Teachers must also become critical thinkers, creative individuals, and decision makers in order to create more challenging learning environments. Teachers need to blend structure and spontaneity into meaningful learning…

Discusses the rationale and attributes of the whole-language approach and applies it to secondary social studies instruction. Describes assessment strategies used with the whole-language approach and maintains that evaluation of student writing helps prepare them for appraisal in the workplace. (CFR)