This investigation tested in a university setting a laboratory teaching approach found to be productive in high school settings. The extended discretion approach (ED) gives the student a task, from two to five brief procedural steps, and a list of resources from which to choose. The student must exercise discretion in the use of available…

Contemporary researchers often refer to the information processing paradigm to exlain the relative ineffectiveness of contemporary instructional techniques for modifying incorrect scientific concepts that students often bring to a learning situation. As a result of this research, instructional procedures have been developed that maximize the…

The multidisciplinary field of mining engineering offers many challenges. Often, many sources must be used to solve a problem. This document is a survey of information sources in mining engineering and is intended to identify those core resources which can help engineers and librarians to find information about the discipline. Sections include:…

A handbook for teaching assistants (TAs) at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park, is presented to provide information concerning departmental organization and facilities as well as teaching ideas and problems. TAs with the department are either graders who primarily grade homework and tests and…

This project had three major goals: (1) investigate the extent to which introductory physics students misuse or misunderstand formulas; (2) catalogue the typical ways in which they do this; and (3) begin the larger task of identifying key types of knowledge that successful problem solvers use to give formulas meaning. Exploratory interviews and…

An increase in industry-supported academic research is economically and socially desirable. This refers not to industrial philanthropy but to research consistent with a commercial "mission." This increased coupling is advocated because there is fine science and technique created in academia which is not effectively coupled to the nation's…

A study comparing two 40-student sections of general organic chemistry, one taught using the Keller Plan format and the other using a standard lecture method, is reported. Results of a student attitude survey showed students in the Keller Plan had a more positive attitude toward the course. (DT)

Argues that although the preformationists are often ridiculed in modern biology textbooks, the claims of these scholars are very reasonable in the light of eighteenth century knowledge. (JR)

Describes the application of a computer program designed to produce a formula determination simultaneously accounting for both elemental composition and probable isotopic species for a measured ion mass. (SLH)

Describes an experiment which can be used to test for the use of accelerants in the origin of a fire. Involves distillation and gas liquid chromatography to identify the accelerants, thus combining two experiments ordinarily included in the beginning organic laboratory. (SLH)

Describes procedures for collecting and using cryptozoic invertebrates in introductory biology classes to develop interest in invertebrate ecology, behavior, physiology, morphology, and taxonomy. (PEB)

Described is an approach to assessment of intuitive and analytic modes of thinking in physics. These modes of thinking are associated with Ausubel's theory of learning. High ability in either intuitive or analytic thinking was associated with success in college physics, with high learning efficiency following a pattern expected on the basis of…

Discusses the teaching of a junior level physical chemistry course with self-paced instruction to engineering and physical science students. Included are a description of topics and a summary of student responses. (CC)

Describes the use of student projects within a traditional biology laboratory class to incorporate openness, inquiry techniques, and student choice into course teaching. Included is a list of sample investigations. (CC)