Describes two laboratory exercises corresponding to studies of statics and dynamics to illustrate the concept that the combination of real and simulated laboratory tools, with some real data being recorded in computer-aided form, can result in a very sound understanding of physical principles. (JRH)

Authors discuss how computer laboratory interfacing has revolutionized their nonscience-major introductory chemistry course. Discusses the advantages of doing away with the "cookbook" approach to laboratory experimentation. Presents an evaluation of the course approach including the finding that over 75 percent of the students felt that…

Describes study conducted at Memorial University to determine how students were using the Biology Microcomputer Resource Centre. The four main purposes of the survey were to determine (1) level of use of the center; (2) whether students benefited from this use; (3) characteristics of center users; and (4) influence of the instructor on center use.…

The purpose of this study was to determine the concerns of Texas science teachers about the 40 percent laboratory time rule just prior to enforcement and at the end of its first year of implementation. The methodology, results of the first and second years, conclusions, and implications for teaching science are discussed. (KR)

A trend at U.S. colleges and universities in teaching first-year science courses is discussed. An approach in the classroom and lab in which students engage in science through observation and hypothesis is emphasized. Hands-on science, experiential science, and constructing science through cooperative learning are discussed. (KR)

Reassess the influence of the Commission on Undergraduate Education in the Biological Sciences (CUEBS) upon current undergraduate biology instruction, 20 years after making its findings public. Emphasizes the importance for the new generation of biology educators to reattempt the achievement of CUEBS goals despite past failures. (24 references)…

Warns against the new model emerging for first-year writing programs that puts dogma before diversity, politics before craft, ideology before critical thinking, and the social goals of the teacher before the educational needs of the student. Discusses how this model came about, the threat it poses to first-year courses, and new possibilities for…

Discussion of mathematical modeling, particularly for high school physics curricula, focuses on software that is connected with laboratory work and the inference of mathematical models based on measurements of physical quantities. Fitting procedures are described, and user interface is explained. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

The construction and stocking of an in-class pond is discussed. Suggestions for eight activities using the pond are provided. A list of 15 references is included. (CW)

A survey gathered information on methods of class II amalgam preparation taught in 59 dental schools. Focus was on the teaching and testing of proximal retention groove use, stated rationale for placing retention grooves, and the relationship of the instruction to board criteria for cavity preparation. (MSE)

Ecological, interdisciplinary, and interconnected laboratory lessons focusing on magneticism: (1) producing electric power; (2) magnetics and magneticism; (3) electomagnetism (2 parts); and turbines (2 parts). Lessons, designed as precursor for students to make choices in electricity production, use a directed inquiry approach. (MCO)

Discusses the functioning of campus children's centers in the college community. Communities that are an integral part of of the center's functioning are identified as sponsors, producers, and consumers. The conditions under which they establish relationships are common geographic location, values and interests, history, and tasks. (SH)

Two motifs of the Prehensive Leadership Model (PLM) are applied to efforts to solve problems related to stepchild status and low morale that are typical of campus child care centers. The importance of the PLM distinction between general and special leadership is discussed. (SH)

Describes two classroom experiments that investigated the effects of using projected-display computers: the first compared teaching a course using a projected display with teaching the course in a computer lab; and the second compared using a computer and projected display with standard lectures. Effects on test scores are discussed. (three…

Provides an update and expansion of an earlier "Delphi Study" which predicted changes that might occur resulting from the impact of technology on the teaching of writing. Provides comments based on recent research. Discusses two books that focus specifically on technology and writing. (MG)