Reports on a study that investigated the effects of various instructional practices on programming proficiency focusing on characteristics of Pascal classes. States that instructional practices involve extensive on-line access, explicit instruction, and extensive feedback. (ML)

Describes a course aimed at developing library self-reliance in students that was offered through a predominantly Black outreach program at Evergreen State College. Highlights include the classroom environment and course content, which were constructed collaboratively by students and librarians, and guidelines for similar courses. (CLB)

Differentiates between learning efficiency (enhancing the rate of learning) and learning effectiveness (enhancing the mastery and retention of facts, concepts, and relationships). Discusses some of the contributions of knowledge engineering to metalearning. Provides a concept map for constructing knowledge bases, along with some possible…

Describes the cyclical nature of a problem-solving sequence produced from observing children involved in the process. Discusses the generic qualities of science: (1) observing; (2) inferring; (3) classifying; (4) predicting; (5) controlling variables; and (6) hypothesizing. Explains the processes in use and advantages of a process-led course. (RT)

Argues that the students, the primary constituency of the schools, have been omitted from efforts at school reform. Urges that students become part of a partnership with administrators, teachers, and parents through an integrated thematic plan that would make the student the center of the school universe. (FMW)

Two studies addressed various issues concerning the use of microcomputers in the classroom. One focused on the attitudes and concerns of teachers regarding the use of innovation, such as microcomputers, in instruction; the second explained the integration of Logo learning environments into the mathematics curriculum of primary schools in Belgium.…

Three articles on the use of new technologies in education focus on (1) Digital Video Interactive (DVI) Technology and its value in designing and developing educational materials for children; (2) problem solving with computers by using functions; and (3) new information technology and educational change in Norway. (LRW)

States the objectives and implementation procedures for this teacher-directed or individualized learning discovery unit. Describes the value of the program and additional activities that can be included. Shows a copy of the program. (RT)

Describes three games that one can play with or without a computer involving arithmetic, strategy, and problem solving techniques. Lists an abbreviated program for BASIC. Provides information on availability of the variable number game and the ARITHMETICULATOR which does calculations of large numbers and runs on IBM PCs. (RT)

Describes mechanisms of thought associated with making predictions. Concludes that successful predictors had high initial knowledge of the subject matter and were formally operational. Unsuccessful predictors had low initial knowledge and were concretely operational. Systematic manipulation, note taking, and higher-level thinking skills were…

Gives the background history and chemistry of modern day chemical warfare from World War I to the present. Provides discussion questions to stimulate deeper thinking on the issue. Contains a discussion activity called "Can New Chemical Weapons Lead to Humane Warfare?" (CW)

Describes Pathfinder, a microcomputer software package designed to improve students' understanding and skills in interpreting graphs of physical phenomena which was tested in high school math classes. Differences in strategies between various ability levels are reported, and student interactions based on observations and interviews are discussed.…

Describes eight applications of the use of computers in teaching chemistry. Includes discussions of audio frequency measurements of heat capacity ratios, quantum mechanics, ab initio calculations, problem solving using spreadsheets, simplex optimization, faradaic impedance diagrams, and the recording and tabulation of student laboratory data. (TW)

Discusses some of the aspects of problem solving that teachers can observe for assessment purposes in a student's practical and written work. Suggests that these observations can be incorporated into a student's assessment traditionally or using alternative assessment devices. (PK)

Used data from a nonprobability sample of 455 adolescents and youth who committed suicide to test whether attempters and committers differ with respect to environmental and stress-producing factors. Showed differences between the two. To aid identification of high-risk persons, study discusses social-psychological characteristics of committers and…