Asserts that the computerized stock market simulation described by Williams and Walker is complex and a better approach to teaching financial economics. Describes a noncomputerized version of the same teaching activity used to teach asset valuation to undergraduate financial economics students. (CFR)

Describes a simulation exercise developed for an introductory biology course for nonmajors. The simulation focuses on the control of western spruce budworms in forests of the western United States. A nonlinear, multivariate simulation model is used. (PR)

Includes testimonials to, and previously published articles by, Ken Jones on categories in simulation; simulations in secondary schools, reading instruction, and English-as-a-Second-Language; simulations as assessment tools; aspects of design; differences in race, gender, and perceived ability and performance; influence of national culture;…

A study used price-response measures from recent national studies to assess college and university pricing (tuition and student aid) alternatives in diverse institutional settings. It is concluded that such analyses are feasible. Analysis indicated limits to "Robin Hood" pricing patterns are predominant in private colleges. Consideration…

Describes student projects and simulations designed to enrich social studies instruction. Students collected primary and secondary sources for a media kit on Russian economic development. Another group constructed a time line for a Canadian historical figure. Includes tips for designing and facilitating successful projects. (MJP)

This article describes an international relations simulation that focuses on threats of transnational insurgent organizations, the future of the Iraqi regime, and the effect of globalization on foreign policies. It contains both the Simulation Director's Guide and the Participant's Guide. The guides explain the steps taken to run the simulation…

Value-added models, which rate schools for effectiveness while taking into account the poverty and other socioeconomic status of the students, are generating increased interest. This paper describes the use of one such model to evaluate whether school ratings changed when three new programs were introduced: the "Target Teach" curriculum…

When elementary students collaborate in active learning projects that integrate the social studies they greatly advance their literacy skills and civic awareness. They can improve their analysis and ability to solve social problems by using reading and writing to construct knowledge about historical events. In the lessons described in this…

This chapter describes the development of a set of programs called "History Comes Alive," a series of historical simulations and interactive experiences for students at heritage sites in Ontario. The programs allow students from Ontario and New York to relive the past by spending 3 days and 2 nights in a simulated historical setting. In…

Methods of computerized adaptive testing using conventional scoring methods in order to develop a computerized placement test for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) were studied. As a consequence of simulation studies during the first phase of the study, the multilevel testing paradigm was adopted to produce three test levels…

Multilog (Thissen, 1991) was used to estimate parameters of 225 items from the Quebec Adaptive Behavior Scale (QABS). A database containing actual data from 2,439 subjects was used for the parameterization procedures. The two-parameter-logistic model was used in estimating item parameters and in the testing strategy. MicroCAT (Assessment Systems…

This resource notebook contains over 100 activities in which students investigate different aspects of the environment. The activities are presented in 21 sections covering the following environmental topics and issues: (1) soil; (2) water; (3) forests; (4) plant relationships; (5) wildlife; (6)measurement; (7) urban communities; (8) deserts; (9)…

This 9-12 hour organizational simulation enables participants to assume responsibility for operating a fictional technical college serving 10,000 students by taking on the roles of 10 college officials (president, vice presidents, deans, and campus administrators). Based on interviews with 117 vocational education administrators and instructors…

The issue of test-item selection in support of decision making in adaptive testing is considered. The number of items needed to make a decision is compared for two approaches: selecting items from an item pool that are most informative at the decision point or selecting items that are most informative at the examinee's ability level. The first…

The booklet describes the New Friends approach to mainstreaming young handicapped students. The approach focuses on the understanding and acceptance of individual differences through introduction of life-sized dolls with disabilities. Seven units are presented, each with notes to the teacher, discussion guidelines, lists of frequently asked…