This article addresses the advantages, disadvantages, and possible solutions to increased administrative problems posed by five proposed new categories of behavioral disorders: (1) attention deficit disorder, (2) traumatic brain injury, (3) fetal alcohol syndrome, (4) prenatal substance abuse, and (5) fragile X syndrome. (DB)

Two studies of the cognitive processes involved in online document-based information retrieval were conducted. These studies led to the development of five computational models of online document retrieval which were incorporated into the design of an "intelligent" document-based retrieval system. Both the system and the broader implications of…

Performance on a battery of tests of vocabulary words by 72 college students was compared as a function of whether the prior instruction involved presenting material in an organized or scrambled fashion. Organizing vocabulary words during study facilitated performance in categorizing, processing for understanding, or producing a word. (SLD)

Issues concerning evaluation, assessment, and classification of Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD) are discussed. The diagnosis of ADHD should be a best-estimate diagnosis, based on a behavioral assessment strategy with multimethod assessment. The selection and use of assessment techniques are discussed. (SLD)

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)

Analysis of data from the Behaviour Disorder Scale for 405 adults and adolescents with intellectual disability revealed that subjects exhibited a mean of 14 problem behaviors per person. Factor analysis identified two general syndromes (a conduct syndrome and an emotional syndrome), raising the possibility of dealing with sets of problem behaviors…

After a review of systems for analyzing classroom talk, an approach for a more refined system of classifying classroom discourse is presented based on a study of 20 final year English-as-a-Second-Language student teachers. The taxonomy of types of teacher acts may provide a diagnostic tool for teacher training. (20 references) (Author/LB)

Reviews three books: "The Schoolhome: Rethinking Schools for Changing Families," by Jane Martin; "Godly Play," by Jerome Berryman; and "Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth," by Margulis and Schwartz. (TJQ)

Categorization responses of 6 and 11 year olds and adults to test stimuli were examined against predictions derived from 2 models that stressed prototypical features or information about exemplars. For six year olds, only the prototype model fit the data. For the two older groups, both models explained variance in performance. (PAM)

Selecting and evaluating general surgery residents were studied using the Critical Incident Technique for 235 critical incidents identified by 10 faculty members and 4 senior residents. Derived categories of behavior to define surgical competence were used to develop an interview evaluation form and a handbook for interviewing applicants. (SLD)

This response to HE 531 676 proposes that critics of ability grouping for instruction are looking at grouping as a social, not educational, issue and that research supports the notion that grouping is good for all students, not just high-achievers. Gifted education is seen as a legitimate educational undertaking compatible with other goals. (MSE)

Proposes rejection of the traditional complex classification of correspondence (letter of inquiry, claim letter, adjustment letter) and the adoption of a simplified system of classification (direct versus indirect communication), addressing the genuine complexity of a specific rhetorical situations. Offers teaching suggestions involving…

Discusses and defines computer-based instructional simulations based on a review and analysis of computer-based simulation studies found in the literature. Simulation studies are classified and analyzed according to the instructional function for which the simulation was used, and needed research is suggested. (36 references) (LRW)

Parameters are presented for evaluating the extent to which the teacher has been taken into account in the writing of new curricula. Nine categories are developed to aid in determining whether the teacher is perceived as a promoter of or an obstacle to change. (SLD)

A technique for the numerical identification of bacteria using normalized likelihoods calculated from a probabilistic database is described, and the principles of the technique are explained. The listing of the computer program is included. Specimen results from the program, and examples of how they should be interpreted, are given. (KR)