Among various possible pedagogical approaches which favor the integration of an environmental dimension into educational processes, gaming and simulation seem particularly suitable to environmental education. Environmental games and simulations reproduce in a simplified and didactical manner the complex nature of concrete environmental problems.…

This study examined the science process skill of prediction problem solving using naturalistic research methodology and information-processing theory. The think-aloud interview led to the identification of several specific program exploration and prediction behaviors. A total of 14 high school biology students made predictions concerning the…

Two optimalization models for the construction of tests with a maximal value of coefficient alpha are given. Both models have a linear form and can be solved by using a branch-and-bound algorithm. The first model assumes an item bank calibrated under the Rasch model and can be used, for instance, when classical test theory has to serve as an…

A reduction in agricultural activity in a rural farming community will result in reduced activity in almost every sector of the local economy. The result may be measured in loss of employment and income. This report provides a method to estimate such economic impacts with a minimum of data collection and manipulation. Most of the input data…

Geographers in the United States rely heavily on microcomputers. They employ microcomputers to enhance three general categories of tasks: word processing and other productivity needs, geographic instruction, and discipline-specific applications. Word processing and desktop publishing continue to be the primary uses of microcomputers by…

In an intensive English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program, implementing a sourcebook project affects the design and content of all the courses in a curriculum. Sourcebooks, multimedia collections of materials devoted to a given topic and used in a simulation of academic research, can be adapted for use in independently operated ESL courses as…

Resource materials and learning activities to help secondary students in Kentucky learn about their state's court system are provided. The guide begins by providing a history of the Kentucky Court of Justice. Discussed are the qualification of judges, the Retirement and Removal Commission, the Judicial Nominating Commission, and juries. Background…

This study reports two experiments which indicate that the processes of providing subjects with insightful representations of example programs and guiding subjects through an "ideal" problem solving strategy facilitate learning. A production system model (GRAPES) has been developed that simulates problem-solving and learning in the…

A computer program was developed with the potential to: demonstrate the power and uses of computers to students of environmental interpretation; show the use of computers for modeling in the realm of environmental interpretation; and show the use of computers as learning tools for students of environmental interpretation. A computer simulation…

A model of how automated and controlled processing can be mixed in computer simulations of problem solving is proposed. It is based on previous work by Hunt and Lansman (1983), who developed a model of problem solving that could reproduce the data obtained with several attention and performance paradigms, extending production-system notation to…

Developed to identify and qualitatively assess computer system evaluation techniques for use during acquisition of general purpose computer systems, this document presents several criteria for comparison and selection. An introduction discusses the automatic data processing (ADP) acquisition process and the need to plan for uncertainty through…

A normally distributed data set of 1,000 values--ranging from 50 to 150, with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 20--was created in order to evaluate the bootstrap method of repeated random sampling. Nine bootstrap samples of N=10 and nine more bootstrap samples of N=25 were randomly selected. One thousand random samples were selected from…

This paper defines, develops, and displays a mathematical modeling formulation for exploring decisions available to the higher educational administrator in evaluating discrete educational program budgets (instructional, service, and administrative) for possible future funding alternatives. Complex budget reduction strategies can be…

An approach to improve the test-taking abilities of minority students, and especially college students, are discussed. The problem of lower performance of minorities on norm-referenced, standardized test is also considered. One approach to help improve students' scores on standardized tests is test-taking instruction and practice on simulated…

An approach to gathering information on tenure ratios and the use of an uncomplicated computer planning model are discussed. The approach employs the Interactive Financial Planning System (IFPS) developed by EXECUCOM. The IFPS computer simulation system can be used by administrators with minimal technical knowledge. Information required to…