Computer software packages that are commercially available for physics instruction are compiled in this paper. Information for each program includes: the broad subject category (i.e., mechanics, waves and sound, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and light, modern physics, mathematical models, or general reference/testing…

According to the classical working memory perspective, tasks such as command and control decision-making should be performed less effectively if extraneous material must be retained in short-term memory. Only marginal support for this prediction was obtained for a simulation involving scheduling trucking and transportation missions, although…

The purpose of this paper is to present two new alternative methods to the current goodness of fit methodology. With the increase use of computerized adaptive test (CAT), the ability to determine the accuracy of calibrated item parameter estimates is paramount. The first method applies a normalizing transformation to the logistic residuals to make…

For this discussion, new technologies are defined as specially designed training systems based on microcomputers that incorporate high resolution color displays, special input devices for responses, laser videodiscs for storage of stimulus materials, and hard disk storage for programs and responses. Such systems have several advantages over…

The effects of a multidimensional latent trait space on estimation of item and person parameters by the computer program LOGIST are examined. Several item pools were simulated that ranged from truly unidimensional to an inconsequential general latent trait. Item pools with intermediate levels of prepotency of the general latent trait were also…

A unit in business French in which students create a fictional company is outlined and discussed. In the five- or six-session unit, students follow a series of steps in establishing an enterprise, discuss various aspects of their emerging company, make legal and practical decisions, and reflect on the company's economic environment and long-term…

Although item bias statistics are widely recommended for use in test development and test analysis work, problems arise in their interpretation. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the validity of logistic test models and computer simulation methods for providing a frame of reference for item bias statistic interpretations.…

Simulation, including role-playing and role-simulation, as techniques for teaching English as a second language are discussed and illustrated. Introductory sections outline the instructional value of simulations, their motivating function, stages in their production, and their structure. Their production includes these stages: analysis of student…

This 3-year research project, centered on the cognitive psychology of child-computer interaction, focused on the use of microcomputers for teaching specific topics in mathematics and science. In particular, issues arising from the use of computer-based simulations to promote learning (including the nature of the information displayed, the degree…

In order to evaluate standard setting procedures, apart from the more commonly applied approach of simply comparing the derived standards or failure rates across various techniques, this study investigated the errors of classification associated with the contrasting groups procedures. Monte Carlo simulations were employed to produce…

Featuring real-life examples that show economic principles at work, this document contains teaching units which are designed to supplement basic economics and consumer education textbooks in social studies, home economics, and business education classes. Written for grades 9-12, and adaptable for grades 7-8, the materials bring economic principles…

This story, one of three in The Sexuality Decision-Making Series for Teens, contains several different possible plot lines depending on the decisions the reader makes for the characters at various "choice points." The study focuses on the theme of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Tracy and Tom have been in love for a year, and they…

In the late 1960s and early 1970s a considerable amount of research was conducted on methods for authoring and structuring instructional materials by researchers who did not, at that time, have access to the existing delivery systems necessary to fully implement their ideas. One of these methodologies is Structural Communications, developed by…

The ue of hands-on models in teaching protein synthesis, in comparison to traditional expository methods, has been shown to improve the content achievement of biology students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of models and the accompanying laboratory exercises in terms of content achievement and attitude toward biology and…

Many multidimensional item response theory (IRT) models have been proposed. A comparison is made between the so-called full information models and the models that use only pairwise information. Three multidimensional models described are: (1) the compensatory model of R. D. Bock and M. Aitken (1981) using the computer program TESTFACT; (2) a model…