There are pros and cons in using simulation games to enhance social studies textbook content. Teachers should not assume that games accurately represent reality, although they do allow students to experience decision making. Research indicates that games do not promote increased learning or motivation; however, games are effective in teaching…

A study examined three different approaches to the teaching of economic concepts and the development of problem-solving skills: a real life problem-solving experience, a contrived experience using simulation and gaming, and a discussion-workbook experience. (Author/JR)

Defines gaming simulation and considers its utility as a didactic approach. Analyzes available games that are relevant for teaching and learning various aspects of personnel administration, and discusses the process of game design, illustrating with a description of JOBS, a game currently being developed by the author. (Author)

The effects of specific vs. nonspecific referral information and test data on school psychologists' decisions were investigated. Eighty-two psychologists reviewed a hypothetical case study and made psychoeducational decisions. Knowledge of a teacher's reasons for referral did not influence expectations or placement decisions, but test data on…

An exercise to teach medical students counseling skills for promoting change in health-related behaviors using trained patient instructors and immediate feedback was found to be more effective than using simulated patients and videotaped interviews. (MSE)

Discusses use of computer simulations for instruction at the middle-school level, especially in history and geography. Reports on a case study of a large middle school's response to technology over a 3-year period. The study focuses on the simulation program "Mary Rose," a shipwreck salvaging simulation. (Author/CH)

Suggests use of instructional theory to generate criteria for evaluating microcomputer courseware and describes one approach to its use. This approach identifies skills that the three courseware types--drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation--can teach, and then selects the instructional theory that most specifically addresses the identified…

Suggests using a "bed of nails" (array of nails on a board) as a resistance demonstration where steel balls pass through the lattice of nails like electrons through metal. Although weaknesses of Drude's electrical conduction model are noted, the activity is recommended since it clearly illustrates drift velocity. (DH)

The effects of four different endodontic self-instructional review formats (slide-tape, latent-image simulation, computer text simulation, and computer-assisted video interactive simulation) on senior clinical endodontic performance are compared. Student evaluations, as well as comparative developmental expenditures, are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Designed to determine the number of business simulation game users in universities and the business community, this study is based on a survey of business school deans and faculty and business and consulting firms. Results indicate fairly high current usage with good potential for further growth. (LRW)

Despite the difficulties involved in developing and using noncognitive measures, they constitute an essential component of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. Six noncognitive methods are discussed: observable performance measures, self-report measures, consensus-rendering techniques, inventories, simulations, and secondary data…

Describes an interactive video system of animated programs developed at Stanford University that enables drama students to design and stage their own versions of scenes, and learn about the theatrical process quickly and inexpensively. The discussion covers the development of the programs and examples of their implementation. (CLB)

Seven data sets (namely, clinical data on children) were subjected to clustering by seven algorithms--the B-coefficient, Linear Typal Analysis; elementary linkage analysis, Numerical Taxonomy System, Statistical Analysis System hierarchical clustering method, Taxonomy, and Bolz's Type Analysis. The little-known B-coefficient method compared…

Lists key topics considered in four discussion groups at a working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in 1987. Topics include effective teacher education; introducing new technology; teacher behavior; lack of software; simulation programs; program evaluations; and the information and…

Examined the feasibility of using two microcomputer simulations to improve preservice elementary teachers performance in the formation and testing of hypotheses. Considers the effects of mode of computer instruction and cooperation on the acquisition of skills. (CW)