An educational intervention was effective in improving the judgment of experienced student-health physicians (N=11) in predicting positive culture in simulated patients with pharyngitis. The intervention was three parts: an initial one-hour lecture; three sessions with computer-based cognitive feedback; and monthly reports of the percentage of…

In August and September of 1989, 76 fourth year students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine took the objective structured clinical examinations. Analyses were conducted looking at the relationship of sequence to see whether scores showed a decrease in the afternoon. No significant effect of examinee fatigue was seen. (MLW)

Analysis of a two-way sample of means is considered when corresponding population means are believed a priori to satisfy a partial order restriction. Simulation and the Gibbs sampler are used to summarize posterior distributions, and the posterior distribution is used to predict GPAs of first-year students at University of Iowa. (SLD)

Describes a hands-on simulation in which students determine the age of "fossil" pollen samples based on the pollen types present when examined microscopically. Provides instructions for the preparation of pollen slides. (MDH)

Presents a simple activity that simulates natural selection working on random mutations through many generations. (PR)

Advocates the use of simulations in second-language classrooms, examining their advantages and presenting data from a study on college students' perceptions of the effectiveness of these advantages in an advanced second-language classroom. The study indicates that students found simulations enjoyable, motivating, and effective in promoting…

Describes a course for talented high school students that focuses on DNA science and technology. Employs Cold Spring Harbor's DNA Science laboratory manual. Engages students in performing sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia tests in rabbits. (DDR)

Describes a teaching strategy in which counselors-in-training vicariously work with clients according to various theoretical orientations for use in an introductory family-counseling course. An evolving vignette features a family in various developmental stages. Intergenerational transmission possibilities are introduced when trainees work with…

Discusses 10 ways that middle-school social-studies teachers can transform their teaching through computer-based technology. Emphasizes general concepts related to middle-school social studies, such as databases, e-mail, simulations, and the web. (SR)

Proposes two approaches to using role-playing in the history classroom: (1) providing factual information to the students; and (2) allowing them to discover the experiences of historical actors. Expounds that the recommended role-playing simulations help students discover why Canadians were divided over the conscription issue in World War I. (CMK)

Describes five in-class exercises for use in consumer behavior classes that encourage student involvement in group and class discussions, promote student interest in course material, and stimulate critical thinking. Explains that the exercises can be adapted for other related courses and are equally successful with students of varying abilities.…

A review of 21 research studies on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in mathematics with students having learning disabilities found that drill and practice formats have predominated over game, tutorial, or simulation formats. Overall, CAI was found to be an effective medium for mathematics instruction. Suggestions for further research and for…

Discourse analysis of audiotapes of simulated telephone hotline conversations of adolescent dyads consisting of either one, two, or no adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) found that adolescents with and without LD were equally skilled at requesting advice, but adolescents with LD had significantly greater difficulty generating solutions to…

Explains using the Bosnian war crimes simulation to introduce international law and its political and legal ramifications in the course "Introduction to International Politics." Discusses the characteristics of the simulation, its effectiveness, and the response by students. Offers an evaluation of the exercise. (CMK)

Describes a Mega Planning simulation using a complete strategic planning process aimed at reinventing U.S. public education systems. The process involved scoping (developing the ideal mission, assessing mega-needs, and deriving mission objectives); planning (deriving the mission profile, performing function analyses, and evaluating performance…