The validity of several criticisms of objective tests is addressed, and the viability of some alternatives to objective testing is discussed. Evidence against multiple-choice tests is not as strong as has been claimed. Authentic assessments may not always be better, and research about new forms of assessment is necessary. (SLD)

It is argued that the modification of the Nedelsky procedure proposed by L. J. Gross is a valid approach to setting standards when clinical reasoning is measured using multiple-choice questions. An example from the Medical Council of Canada's Qualifying Examination for approximately 2,400 examinees demonstrates the procedure's value. (SLD)

Effects of training in thinking aloud on the development of reading skills were examined for 64 sixth graders in 2 Finnish towns. Trainees adopted five of seven text processing strategies they were taught and were most responsive when the trainer modeled thinking aloud and guided students in the activity. (SLD)

Investigated why, contrary to expectations, group performance in a written test of problem solving was not better than individual performance. Examined protocols of students solving problems in groups and concluded that in much of the group discussion, students passed over right ideas in favor of simpler, but erroneous, ideas. (14 references) (MDH)

A case study is presented of a science class for 10 underachieving gifted intermediate grade students. The paper describes how a focus on overcoming underachievement might conflict with the need for active, hands-on science activities. Suggestions are offered for integrating the goals of raising self-concept while developing skills of inquiry and…

Discussion of the use of interactive videodisc in teacher education focuses on a study of elementary education teacher students that investigated the effects of interactive video on learning concepts of cooperative learning. Treatment of experimental and control groups is described, and a model for using videodisc in teacher education is…

Described is a study that used LOGO to improve the proportional reasoning ability of students enrolled in mathematics classes for students poorly prepared for college-level mathematics. Included are the methodology, procedures for using logo, and a discussion of the results. (KR)

Emphasizes, and illustrates with examples, the importance of taking classroom time to rectify incorrect student thinking by immediately undoing, or unraveling, students' misconceptions, errors, or misapplications. When this process is cultivated without a judgmental attitude on the part of the teacher, students' confidence is inspired and…

Presents a series of activities developed from the "Arithmetic Teacher's" regular feature entitled "Problem Solving: Tips for Teachers" to help students develop skills in each of the four steps of Polya's problem-solving process: (1) Understanding the Problem; (2) Making a Plan; (3) Carrying Out the Plan; and (4) Reflecting…

The topic of Presidents and First Ladies provides a thematic approach to the teaching of writing skills and thinking skills in the academic areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Activities include, among others, creating a graph of Presidential characteristics and creating a play about an event in one President's life.…

Presents results of intensive clinical interviews with 11 high school chemistry students representing a broad range of achievement levels as selected from 180 students who completed a written test upon completion of an instructional unit on chemical change. Results indicate that students commonly experience difficulties in chemical knowledge,…

Describes a qualitative study that explores students' perceptions of their own learning. Document review, participant observation, and open-ended interviews were used to gather and triangulate data. Factors that were perceived as helpful were woven into a theoretical model. The uses of the model are discussed. (Author/KR)

The "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) project, currently underway with African-American high school pupils and teachers in KwaZulu/Natal schools (South Africa), stresses the systematic development of thinking and problem-solving skills. The program has been very successful with relatively high achieving students but requires…

Reviews literature on writing across the curriculum and describes its application in a computers for teachers course at the College of Charleston (South Carolina). The article describes the course requirements and purpose, writing assignments, the exam essay, and the relationship of writing assignments to teaching techniques. (SM)

Teachers who have completed workshops designed to develop their teaching skills using one computer for the delivery of whole-class instruction are implementing new teaching strategies into their existing curricula. Software designed specifically for--or that can be adapted to--one-computer classrooms are used to involve groups in collaborative…