An experiment replicated and extended a previous study on the value of negative instances in concept learning (i.e., an instance of something which does not exemplify the concept helps to make clear what the concept is). In this experiment, the concept to be learned was "adverb". The subjects were seventh grade students. Some groups of subjects…

An experienced person, in such tasks as sonar detection and recognition, has a considerable superiority over a machine recognition system in auditory pattern recognition. However, people require extensive exposure to auditory patterns before achieving a high level of performance. In an attempt to discover a method of training people to recognize…

The Delphi technique is a method of eliciting and refining group judgments. The procedures used have three features: anonymous response, iteration and controlled feedback, and statistical group response. A series of experiments were initiated at RAND to evaluate the procedures. Upper-class and graduate students were used as subjects and general…

Three new teaching techniques, using established principles of learning, were combined to teach an introductory digital computer course to college students. The techniques were: 1) programed instruction; 2) Fields-type teaching tests, "a discrimination method to teach concepts by modifying the examination procedure to emphasize similarities…

Tests predictions concerning the effectiveness of four different strategies for teaching 3-to 4-year-old children how to master a difficult construction task. Subjects were 32 preschool children. ( BD)

Use of multiple data sources in evaluation, or congruence analysis, promotes effective teaching. Data are systematically compared from classroom observation, teacher self-analysis, and student descriptions. A set is produced by scaling data from criteria and source. Diagnoses with suggested action are most useful in improving instruction. (CJH)

Two forms of naturalistic evaluation have appeared within the past decade: (1) a collection of qualitative techniques that are complimentary with conventional quantitative methods; and (2) an alternative paradigm that emphasizes the negotiation of multiple socially constructed realities, interdependence of facts and values, and the emergent…

A Monte Carlo simulation was used to compare the Mahalanobis "D" Squared and the Comrey "Dk" methods of detecting outliers in data sets. Under the conditions investigated, the "D" Squared technique was preferable as an outlier removal statistic. (SLD)

Unemployed job seekers indicated resources they were using in their job search. Ninety days later, job seekers (N=178) who had found employment did not report using significantly more resources in their job search activities than did unsuccessful job seekers (N=636). Primary difference between successful and unsuccessful job seekers seemed to be…

Explores the role of teacher evaluation and suggests ways professionalism might be achieved through the evaluation process. Recommends that peer review might be an important means of defining and enforcing professional standards in teaching. (DR)

Compares "computer based learning" in Europe with "computer assisted instruction" in the United States, noting that, in spite of the connotations of the names, the teacher is the primary beneficiary of software in Europe while the student is the primary beneficiary of software in the U.S. (HTH)

Notes that the Soviet Union has seen its own great debate about reading methods and that, in its most recent stage, linguistics and research have played a role. Reviews the development of reading instruction in that nation. (FL)

Naive dichotomous representations of complex realities persist in part because there is unfilled political and conceptual space in which they can flourish. Dichotomous representations of pedagogy have been popular and linger even though more discerning educators have abandoned this kind of rhetoric. Comparative perspective might contribute to the…

Monte Carlo simulation compared chi-square statistics, parameter estimates, and root mean square error of approximation values using normal and elliptical estimation methods. Three research conditions were imposed on the simulated data: sample size, population contamination percent, and kurtosis. A Bentler-Weeks structural model established the…

Gives statistical tables on the effectiveness of subject matter specialists. (GB)