Myriad research in a variety of contexts shows spatial skills benefit students; however, they are not given enough attention in classroom instruction. In this review we systematically explore geoscience education literature focusing on spatial interventions to answer research questions on trends in spatial skills and other characteristics. We…

Constructing effective and well-balanced learning groups is important for collaborative learning. Past research explored how group formation policies affect learners' behaviors and performance. With the different classroom contexts, many group formation policies work in theory, yet their feasibility is rarely investigated in authentic class…

Engagement in game design tasks can help preservice teachers develop pedagogical and technical skills for teaching and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the design process, preservice teachers not only exercise critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, but also learn about an instructional method to support their…

Compares two basic types of computer-based simulations--(1) variable-assignment simulations, and (2) diagnostic problem-solving simulations. Differences in the role of the computer, in the nature of the problem presented to the learner, and in the decision making required of the student are described. (eight references) (LRW)

Complex decision-making environments often demand that a range of alternative strategies be identified and compared for their shared value in achieving desired ends. Simple parametric statistical procedures such as analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis can be used in such situations to compare (using selected criteria) the value…

Explores classroom microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary social studies. The utility of drill and practice and tutorial programs is reviewed; computer spreadsheets to project election tallies and databases for use in analyzing voter data are described; and economics and election simulations are compared. (MBR)

Annual use of fuel oil for heating schools and other facilities of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools, Montgomery County Government, and Montgomery College exceeds four-million gallons. This report examines the processes by which purchases and distributions of fuel oil are made, makes recommendations based on the examination, and…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

A Monte Carlo study was conducted to compare the performance of three statistical indices of test item bias in small samples of examinees. The statistical indices compared were the Delta method, the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method, and the Standardization method. Sample sizes of 50, 100, and 200 were examined. One thousand samples of each size were…

This practicum was designed to address a problem in a teacher education program where case study experience for education students to learn to diagnose learning disabilities was limited and difficult to provide due to such problems as course scheduling, transportation in a rural area, and identifying appropriate children for study. Participants…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…