An opportunistic experiment is a type of randomized controlled trial that studies the effects of a planned intervention or policy change with minimal added disruption and cost. This guide defines opportunistic experiments and provides examples, discusses issues to consider when identifying potential opportunistic experiments, and outlines the…

Part-time engagement is a significant feature of senior secondary study for large numbers of students, in a context which includes high level policy pressures to achieve better outcomes for many more and a wider proportion of the schooling population, and significant policy and practice shifts at school, system and accreditation authority levels.…

This volume contains the reports of three working groups which were convened separately over a 3-year period at the request of the Advisory Committee for the Division of Information Science and Technology of the National Science Foundation to obtain the opinion of experts concerning research opportunities and trends in information science and…

The predicted increase in geoscience careers and research opportunities is discussed. A growing environmental concern and the need to search for oil outside the Persian Gulf has led to an educational revitalization in this area. (KR)

Describes a program in a Colorado school district that offers research grants to master teachers for projects that help solve school system problems or that disseminate teaching ideas and techniques to colleagues. Funded projects include inservice workshops for teachers and preparation of teaching aids or classroom materials. (TE)

Discusses the characteristics of applicants, their experience, satisfaction with proposal review, and the analysis of survey results. (CW)

Reviews the recent history of the National Science Foundation's funding of engineering research and the Engineering Research Center program. Discusses the selection, review and evaluation of centers. Criticizes the systems approach to engineering. Highlights the importance of engineering practice and the opportunities for research. (CW)

Canadian university infrastructures have eroded as seen in aging equipment, deteriorating facilities, and fewer skilled personnel to maintain and operate research equipment. Research infrastructure includes administrative overhead, facilities and equipment, and research personnel including faculty, technicians, and students. The biggest erosion of…

The last decade has seen a significant increase in industrial funding of university research and in the number and variety of arrangements that involve collaboration between universities and industry. The Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable is specially interested in this development. Working toward some answers, the Roundtable has…

Since the beginning of the decade, a significant number of states have initiated science and technology programs to encourage economic growth. Although these programs share some structural similarity, many of the specific details are unique. Among the unique aspects of these state programs are their objectives, organizational elements,…

Discusses the recent influx of highly talented immigrant engineers and engineering students into the United States. Identifies some of the opportunities available and benefits to the U.S. economy, along with some of the perceived and real problems posed by this trend. (TW)

Magnetic Information Technology (MINT), which involves use of magnetic techniques and materials to store information, is a critical growth industry in the United States. However, experts from both industry and academe forecast the inability of the United States to meet demand in this area. According to these experts, growth of magnetic information…

On June 5, 1985, the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable conducted a hearing designed to be the first step in what will be a continuing process by the Research Roundtable of seeking ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sponsored research system. The goal of the hearing was to identify ways to simplify the system…

The admissions process at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), freshmen year courses, and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) are discussed. MIT's admissions criteria include the College Board Achievement Test, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, high school transcripts, essay replies by applicants, letters of…

Chemical engineers play a key role in industries such as petroleum, food, artificial fibers, petrochemicals, plastics and many others. They are needed to tailor manufacturing technology to the requirements of products and to integrate product and process design. This report discusses how chemical engineers are continuing to address technological…