A set of tests that might be reasonably used as provisional criterion measures in research on scientific thinking, particularly creative thinking, were developed and an assessment was made of the suitability of these tests as criterion variables from the standpoint of their psychometric properties. The Tests of Scientific Thinking are performance…

This discussion of teaching science as a design activity emphasizes open-ended problem solving. Highlights include the relationship between teachers and students; hypotheses as solutions; and descriptions of four microworlds, or computer simulations, in chemistry, geography, physiology, and genetics which use graphic interfaces. (LRW)

Describes three studies which explored the use of computer assisted instruction with mildly handicapped secondary school students. Comparisons with non-handicapped students are made in vocabulary development, using drill and practice; concept instruction in elementary logic, using a tutorial approach; and problem solving in health education, using…

This booklet presents four different scenarios of conflict from United States history. Students take on the roles of some of the characters in the conflicts to learn the differing viewpoints of the situations. Each simulation presents five sections: "background information"; "meet the people"; "investigator…

This study looked at the effect of contextual advisement and competition on transfer of mathematics skills in a computer-based instructional simulation game and simulation in which game participants helped their "aunt and uncle" fix up a house. Competition referred to whether or not the participant was playing against a computer…

Operational gaming techniques that are permeating the architectural profession are used to: elicit user needs, represent architectural realities in the classroom, understand the rationale behind complex design decisions, and model decision environments at many levels with coarse or refined data. (MLW)

Explains a discipline that requires students to become problem solvers in agronomic and pest areas using computer-simulated models. Describes the seven programing areas. The program is written in BASIC totaling 182K bytes for use with MS-DOS 2.0 or an IBM PC requiring 256 K RAM, color monitor, and card. Lists availability. (RT)

Demonstrates the value of the case-method approach in physical education pedagogy classes for preservice physical education teachers; presents a sample case in a middle school and outlines the accompanying questions. Holds that the case-method approach can bridge the gap between theory and practice through class discussion. (SM)

System-initiated adaptive advice and learner-requested nonadaptive background information were investigated in computer simulation game experiments with 64 seventh graders, 38 college students, and 80 seventh and eighth graders in Germany. Results are discussed in terms of theories of problem solving, intelligence, memory, and information…

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of three college courses on attitude change toward older adults. To measure attitude change the Kogan Attitudes Toward Old People Scale (1961) was administered to 221 college students at the beginning and end of the semester. Participants were enrolled in one of three college courses: Child…

This article draws on second language theory, particularly output theory as defined by Swain (1995), in order to conceptualise observations made in a computer-assisted language learning setting. It investigates second language output and learner behaviour within an electronic role-play setting, based on a subject-specific problem solving task and…

Many students doubt that statistical distributions are of practical value. Simulation makes it possible for students to tackle challenging, understandable projects that illustrate how distributions can be used to answer "what-if" questions of the type often posed by analysts. Course materials that have been developed over two years of classroom…

What is meant when people say that "learning environments are increasingly complex"? What is known about the cognitive processing that occurs during complex learning? How can educators provide effective instructional support for students who must learn and apply complex knowledge? These questions, and related issues, have fascinated educators and…

Scholastic achievement tests and mental ability tests normally consist of a set of multiple choice items, all of which are assumed to measure school-relevant cognitive abilities. The presumption, in a given test situation, is that the answers/solutions to the given tasks represent cognitive capabilities on the part of the examinees. The purpose of…

The project designed and developed a videodisc package that provides both assessment and related instruction programs for job-related mathematics problem solving, using simulations to provide direct access to vocational situations. The materials are intended to meet the needs of youth and young adults with mild mental handicaps in transition from…