Describes Assessment Center (AC) programs that are used in Germany to prepare university business graduates making job applications to large companies. The simulation of real-life application procedures is explained, problems associated with the validity of the AC are addressed, and the roles and attitudes of students and experts are discussed.…

Describes a classroom demonstration that simulates a verbal encounter with a person experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia. Suggests that the instructor deliver an unannounced monologue that illustrates the disordered thought and speech of a person with schizophrenia. Discusses student evaluation of the demonstration. Concludes that students in…

Describes a set of six instructional simulation games in economics. Identifies simulation goals as increasing students' understanding of economic variables and political policy issues and enabling students to question, express views, and hold decision makers accountable. Suggests that by increasing economic awareness, the games will promote the…

Describes a teacher-developed simulation designed to teach cultural geography to students in the middle grades. Contends that this interdisciplinary activity can be adapted to fit teacher or curriculum needs. Includes student instructions and descriptions of six pilgrimages. (CFR)

A model-based modification of the standardization index based on a multidimensional item response theory bias modeling approach is presented that detects and estimates differential item functioning (DIF) (item bias) simultaneously for several items as well as differential test functioning (DTF). This SIBTEST procedure is tested through a computer…

Research has shown that learning is most effective when job-related. The ideal solution for many young students would be work-study programs or apprenticeships that closely relate learning and experience. Industry stresses the need for a fourth "R" beyond the basic literacy skills--readiness for change. Computer simulation programs may help enrich…

Discusses the use of educational technology for science and math instruction in elementary and secondary schools through conversations with six curriculum specialists and administrators. Highlights include the use of IBM and Macintosh hardware and software; hand-held computers; integrated learning systems; math workstations; computer simulations;…

An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

Ignorance of the characteristics of a mixed population may lead to bias in a summary measure of a phenomenon. A test based on sample kurtosis is demonstrated by a simulation study to be more powerful than six other known tests in detecting a class of mixed normal distributions. (SLD)

Combining Rasch and latent class models is presented as a way to overcome deficiencies and retain the positive features of both. An estimation algorithm is outlined, providing conditional maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters for each class. The model is illustrated with simulated data and real data (n=869 adults). (SLD)

Contends that microcomputers were introduced into the social studies classrooms to teach higher order thinking skills. Maintains that computers can aid in teaching both process and content. Reviews new computer software programs and points out each programs' educational objectives and problems. Contends microcomputers are an invaluable tool of…

This study examined the application of the marginal maximum likelihood-EM algorithm to the parameter estimation problems of the normal ogive and logistic polytomous response models for Likert-type items. A rating scale model, based on F. Samejima's (1969) graded response model, was developed. (TJH)

Medical students' (N=18) were interviewed as part of the evaluation of an innovative Longitudinal Introduction of Clinical Medicine program. Three themes emerged: the importance of experiences with patients; the differences in the effect of patient contact in the first versus the second year; and the educational structure that makes patient…

The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of the patient, training process, and test that were associated with the accuracy of the standardized patient's presentation of the clinical problem. The cohort consisted of 38 patients who were used to evaluate 98 medical students at the University of Manitoba in 1988. (MLW)