New methods for representing the structural properties of domain-specific knowledge were studied. Network representations of data from 40 college students' ratings of the relatedness of domain concepts were derived using the Pathfinder scaling algorithm, and similarity between students' and instructor's networks was then assessed using a…

An experiment, which replicates an earlier study conducted in Sweden, was performed to study the effects of prior knowledge of relevant subject matter on reading comprehension and on memory. Fifty college students read one of two contrasting passages that presented two opposing points of view after they had recorded their beliefs about the subject…

A prescriptive model of problem-solving performance is described. The aim of the model is to specify explicitly how problems should be described initially in such a form as to facilitate their subsequent solution. According to the model, the process of initial problem description can be decomposed into two successive stages. The first uses general…

This study examined a proposed procedure for constructing theoretical descriptions of mechanics problems, in particular, to determine if the procedure led to explicit and correct descriptions of the motion and interaction of systems and if the resulting theoretical descriptions facilitated generation of correct constraint equations and, hence,…

A study was conducted to improve confidence judgment (CJ) accuracy of college students through training in discriminating known from unknown information. Both low- and high-achieving college students were given CJ tasks, consisting of general information questions, before and after a brief training session. In addition, as part of the initial CJ…

Asserts that college students lack understanding of the concept of function. Based on an epistemological theory, offers an instructional treatment using computers that presents a process concept of function and results in substantial improvements in student understanding for many students. (29 references) (MDH)

Information about student achievement outcomes is presented, and tests for each outcome area are described. The tests are categorized according to knowledge objectives, skill objectives, and intellectual disposition. Knowledge objectives include comprehension of facts and principles within a particular discipline (specialized knowledge) or a broad…

Criteria for evaluating part-time, adjunct faculty members employed by the University of San Francisco's adult external degree program are identified. Assumptions and objectives of the faculty development program are also specified. The College of Professional Studies offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight areas related to human…