Discusses the activities of Junior Achievement of Georgia in its efforts to promote economic education. Describes programs developed on economics: a textbook, workbook exercises, a student company activity, computer based simulation, and a business consultancy. Explains the development of a curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade and…

Estimating item parameters from a two-parameter normal ogive model is considered using Gibbs sampling to simulate draws from the joint posterior distribution of ability and item parameters. The method gives marginal posterior density estimates for any parameter of interest, as illustrated using data from a 33-item mathematics placement…

Computer simulations were run to measure the relationship between testlet validity and factors of item pool size and testlet length for both adaptive and linearly constructed testlets. Making a testlet adaptive yields only modest increases in aggregate validity because of the peakedness of the typical proficiency distribution. (Author/SLD)

Methodology is suggested for several statistical procedures to detect polytomously scored items that function differently for two subgroups of examinees. The 3 methods are alternative ways of combining the data from 2 x "k" tables. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of two of the methods, designated HW1 and HW3. (SLD)

Review of research and development on the design of computer-based simulation for diagnostic training highlights the development and evaluation of eight diagnostic training systems that explored the appropriate level of student modeling needed for technology training. Topics addressed include changes in interface design, displays, and system…

Describes a variety of computer software programs and student activities utilizing the computer to help teach secondary social studies. Suggests using word processors, painting programs, and computer simulations for history and government courses. Concludes that successful use of computers in social studies instruction depends on the design of…

Describes a week-long instructional unit on late-nineteenth-century immigration to United States. Uses simulated diaries as the core of the lesson. Includes a bibliography of print, photographic, and video resources. (CFR)

Techniques for adjusting census figures are discussed, with a focus on sampling error, uncertainty of estimates resulting from the luck of sample choice. Computer simulations illustrate the ways in which the smoothing algorithm may make adjustments less, rather than more, accurate. (SLD)

A two-stage process that considers the multidimensionality of tests under the framework of unidimensional item response theory is described and evaluated. Findings from a simulation indicate that gains in estimation robustness and score interpretation are possible with almost no sacrifice of goodness of fit when using this two-stage approach. (SLD)

The development of a spaceflight simulation program as part of a research and development course is described. Topics such as space exploration, design, propulsion, aerodynamics of space craft, robotics, communication, construction, medicine, lasers, hydroponics, geology, chemistry, and space physiology are emphasized. (KR)

Using one simulated and two real data sets, the effects of the systematic variation of the item-selection procedure and the stepsize method on the operating characteristics of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for instruments with polychotomously scored rating scale items were studied. The six rating scale CAT procedures used performed well.…

Discusses and defines computer-based instructional simulations based on a review and analysis of computer-based simulation studies found in the literature. Simulation studies are classified and analyzed according to the instructional function for which the simulation was used, and needed research is suggested. (36 references) (LRW)

Discussed are solutions to the problem "What is the expected number of rolls for the total first to exceed 6?" Several algebraic solutions are presented. A computer program which may be used to simulate this problem is included. (CW)

An educational intervention was effective in improving the judgment of experienced student-health physicians (N=11) in predicting positive culture in simulated patients with pharyngitis. The intervention was three parts: an initial one-hour lecture; three sessions with computer-based cognitive feedback; and monthly reports of the percentage of…

In August and September of 1989, 76 fourth year students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine took the objective structured clinical examinations. Analyses were conducted looking at the relationship of sequence to see whether scores showed a decrease in the afternoon. No significant effect of examinee fatigue was seen. (MLW)