Discussion of the role of computers in teaching basic writers to write focuses on a study of college students that examined the quality of student essays produced with word processing versus paper and pencil, described the kinds of thinking evidenced, and investigated whether any differences were gender related. (20 references) (LRW)

Utilizes two different experiments to test the effectiveness of a variety self-instructional training methods to reduce the dental fears of groups of 8- to 12-year-old children. Results indicate that high levels of anxiety impair the effectiveness of self-instruction. (FMW)

Discussion of research that evaluates the effectiveness of interactive video used for training in the United States and in the United Kingdom highlights a program developed for the Ford Motor Company. Topics discussed include content-treatment interaction; learning strategies; intermode differences; research criteria; pretest and posttest results;…

Describes a study that compared computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a more traditional paper-and-pencil method in teaching mathematics skills to elementary school students with and without mild mental handicaps. Pretests and posttests were analyzed, and it was found that CAI, and extended practice, enhanced automatization of mathematics…

Describes the implementation of a new microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) curriculum focusing on motion into a physical science course for preservice elementary teachers at Indiana University. Reports the results of tests administered to teachers before and after the motions unit. Discusses implications for instruction. (LZ)

This study highlights two groups of students enrolled in a college mathematics of finance course using same textbook and instructor. Experimental group used menu-driven symbolic calculators, whereas control group used standard scientific calculators. Significant increases in favor of experimental group were found both with respect to students'…

Discussion of elementary school mathematics instruction focuses on computer graphing programs to teach subtraction that use pictorial representations as well as graphs. Classroom graphing activities for first graders are described, and evaluations of student progress based on pre- and posttests are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

This response to a previously published article on the replaceability of media and instructional methods focuses on a study that uses a chemistry multimedia software package to examine cognitive processes in which learners interact with instructional designs and use media and methods to construct understanding. (nine references) (LRW)

Regression analysis of results from 81 fourth graders (41 females) completing several assessments of metamemory indicate that relationships between metamemory and recall depend on assessment method and timing of the child's engagement with the recall task. General metamemory is significantly related to recall on the posttest and near transfer.…

The grade improvement program "Where There's a Will There's an A" was evaluated with 36 experimental and 37 control group undergraduates. The approach and content of the evaluated materials appear inconsistent with the body of research on academic improvement, and study results do not indicate any improved achievement. (SLD)

A model-testing approach for evaluating the stability of item response theory item parameter estimates (IPEs) in a pretest-posttest design is illustrated. Nineteen items from the Head Start Measures Battery were used. A moderately high degree of stability in the IPEs for 5,510 children assessed on 2 occasions was found. (TJH)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Guelph that compared the learning achievements of a computer-administered mastery testing approach with a seminar-discussion approach. Pretests and posttests are described, student opinions are reported, and results are reported that indicate mastery/testing generated higher learning achievement.…

Describes a six-week summer remedial writing program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, which utilized instructional approaches designed to accommodate students' learning styles. Results on pre- and posttests of essay-writing ability, sentence fluency, and attitudes toward writing revealed improvements in all areas following the…

Describes a study of electronic support of face-to-face group meetings that was conducted with undergraduate and graduate students. Strategies used by groups to distribute control, determinants of which members took control, and the consequences of control strategies were examined. (Contains 38 references.) (LRW)

Effects of 3 different types of instruction (use of manipulatives, use of diagrams, and use of symbols only) of rational number content and teaching techniques were compared for 75 preservice teachers in a course in elementary mathematics. Only the manipulatives group showed significant improvement pretest to posttest. Implications are discussed.…