Two major hypotheses were tested in three experiments. The first hypothesis proposed that students can imitate and internalize filmic codes, to be used subsequently as covert schematized mediators. The second hypothesis was that subjects with low relevant aptitude scores would profit more than better able subjects from films which model for them…

Students were randomly assigned to study an instructional program by constructed responding or by reading. Level of prior attainment was ascertained by pretest scores. Interaction was found between prior achievement and instructional support. Constructed responding was especially beneficial for students with low pretest scores. (BJG)

The methodology and results of a study measuring the effectiveness of computer managed instruction in comparison with conventional classroom instruction at the University of Texas at Austin are reported. The module studied was an educational psychology statistics package presented to two sections of CMI and two sections of lecture/discussion…

Reports the results of an experiment assessing the effectiveness of two different approaches to using simulation games in a marketing course. In one, the game was used as a supplement to the standard lecture/discussion format; in the other, it was used as the central delivery vehicle. Twenty-one references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Suggests that (1) research has not produced an algorithm for the selection of media formats, (2) more research is required on the effects of present technology, and (3) production decisions are influenced by many considerations. (Author/CMV)

Three types of stimulus materials (text, film, and live demonstration) were used to teach graduate students cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and verbal learning and a motor skill task were measured to determine the effectiveness of the different media. No significant differences were found among the three modes of instruction. (Author/JEG)

College students read, listened to, or viewed a presentation about the library. Some presentations included cartoons. Results suggest that the printed text without cartoons is just as effective as cartoons or audiovisual presentations. If enjoyment is a factor, cartoons or audiovisual presentations should be considered. (Author/JEG)

A study of corrective feedback testing, in which scoring is based upon the number of attempts needed to achieve the correct answer, is compared to single attempt testing. (RAO)

Summarizes the results of five studies dealing with screen design for computer-based instruction (CBI) and provides suggestions for their application as well as future directions for research. Chunking, text density, and screen density are discussed as variables in screen design, and current research is described. (33 references) (LRW)

Describes research that examined the role of online examples in a minimal manual on learning to use an interface construction toolkit called InterCONS. Highlights include the minimalist approach to designing user resources; user performance; the use of online examples versus printed examples; and user reactions. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Explores the syntactic structure, cognitive functions, pedagogical features, and communicative characteristics of questions asked by graduate students in an asynchronous learning environment. Results show students used fewer syntactic forms and asked more rhetorical questions than in face-to-face classrooms and exhibited higher levels of…

Three-, 4-, and 5-year-olds performed Tower of London problems under spoken, manual, and combined (requiring both spoken and manual) response conditions. Preschoolers' solutions were most goal-focused when required to give only a spoken response, intermediately goal-focused when required to give both response types, and least goal-focused when…

Public schools face raised performance expectations on group-administered achievement tests. In response, educators have implemented various preparation strategies to ready students. However, the research community largely ignores the impact of setting on test performance. This randomized field trial assesses whether or not there were significant…