Presents suggestions for making statistical topics interesting and relevant in the classroom. For each of the topics, a general discussion is followed by a suggested teaching sequence with specific activities and examples. (PK)

Describes a case-study simulation program designed to assist instructors in teaching ethics in psychology. Concludes that the program is useful for teaching ethics as it reveals the difficulty of ethical decision-making and generates, through student work, discussions on the moral bases for different ethical decisions. (Author/GEA)

Describes the creation of the computer program "BOUNCE," designed to simulate a weighted piston coming into equilibrium with a cloud of bouncing balls. The model follows the ideal gas law. Utilizes the critical event technique to create the model. Discusses another program, "BOOM," which simulates a chain reaction. (CW)

This article describes a monte carlo computer simulation of affirmative action employment policies. The counterintuitive results of the model are explained through a thought device involving urns and marbles. States that such model simulations have implications for social policy. (BSR)

In a simulation training program based on a task analysis approach, a moderately mentally retarded 25-year-old male was taught to operate an automated banking machine. The subject maintained appropriate banking skills using an actual automated banking machine up to six months after training. (Author/JW)

Reviews two case studies which evaluate the use of gaming/simulation as a participatory method for including users in the design of community projects. Questionnaires and interviews are used to compare visual gaming methods with verbal discussion methods in designing an activity center for handicapped residents and a community garden project. (LRW)

National Assessment of Educational Progress reading data were scaled using a unidimensional item response theory model. Bock's full-information factor analysis and Rosenbaum's test of unidimensionality were applied. Conclusions about unidimensionality for balanced incomplete block spiralled data were the same as for complete data. (Author/GDC)

Described is a unit, SAMPLING, which focuses on developing student understanding of probability and data collection for junior high school students. Activities in SAMPLING incorporate physical materials, simple computer simulations, surveys of subjective data, computer simulations of complex situations, and a culminating activity requiring the…

Describes six types of software (manipulative, problem-solving, text reconstruction, text construction, simulation, and adventure) and the possible roles of each in computer-assisted language learning. (Author/CB)

Covariance structure modeling by LISREL was used in an analysis of relations between intellectual ability, as measured by the Finnish version of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA), and achievement in reading, writing, foreign language, and mathematics in longitudinal data on 234 Finnish school children. The validity of the ITPA…

This article reviews five modes of computer-assisted software so that teachers will be more aware of them and use computers more in their classrooms. The five modes are the following: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial; (3) simulation; (4) demonstration; and (5) instructional games. Teachers should review softwares and choose those that meet…

This overview of computer uses in occupational training discusses three computer-based training modes--embedded, stand-alone, and adjunct training. An adjunct training system is described which captures task realism through a simulation to teach the use of a command and control system. A pilot study of this adjunct system's use is described.…

Describes use of computer simulation which generates bird songs so that students can analyze song motifs and sequences as an introduction to descriptive analysis of behavior in an animal behavior course. Advantages of the simulation are discussed together with computer hardware/software needed and data presentation, analysis, and generation…

This study examined the effects of a simulated patient examination administered to applicants for the General Surgical residency program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Results obtained from 29 applicants showed no significant differences in faculty ratings between applicants provided practical exam results and those using…

Describes a unit of study for the middle school which involves students in simulating the writing of the United States Constitution. Students work in small groups and pattern their own Preamble and Bill of Rights after the originals. (JDH)