Describes a study that examined the choice of topics and problems made by 14- and 15-year-olds using a computerized tutorial mathematics program. The discussion covers the reasons for student choices, the effectiveness of the tutorial mode, and the need for teaching programs to present clear choices. (5 references) (CLB)

A task specification chart that integrates the content facets and the procedural steps of a specified task is suggested as a tool for designing a test and interpreting its results. This procedure is demonstrated for a mathematics test covering one instructional unit on adding and subtracting fractions. (Author/GDC)

The troubleshooting flow chart is a tool used in a "contributions" course for student teachers that served to make educational psychology and sociology relevant for teaching practice. Theoretical aspects of this approach are discussed. (DF)

Describes the objectives of the RISE legislation, specifically, to reform a school system which must keep up with a society whose technological and social changes are occurring at an increasing rate. (Author/RK)

Presents a flow chart for naming inorganic compounds. Although it is not necessary for students to memorize rules, preliminary skills needed before using the chart are outlined. Also presents an activity in which the mass of an imaginary atom is determined using lead shot, Petri dishes, and a platform balance. (JN)

The state of Arizona Department of Education operates a successful program to remove asbestos-containing building materials from schools, drawing from the expertise of the Department of Health Services, Bureau of Environmental Hygiene and Sanitation, Bureau of Waste Control, and eliciting cooperation of school officials. Includes an asbestos…

Examines the School Instructional Development Model, which focuses on the library media specialist's role in instructional design and curriculum improvement. There are 11 references. (Author/RAA)

Software design is still a craft; techniques are based on the way things have been done, not on basic theorems or design principles. Suggests that academic software design needs to be more like a science or technology and that a taxonomy of design solutions or classification method is required. Describes two case studies. (MLW)

Provides a coding system, with flow charts, for "Hazchem," which provides an application of the knowledge of chemical behavior to emergency situations. (CS)

Describes a one-dimensional model for an ideal gas to study development of disordered motion in Newtonian mechanics. A Monte Carlo procedure for simulation of the statistical ensemble of an ideal gas with fixed total energy is developed. Compares both approaches for a pseudoexperimental foundation of statistical mechanics. (Author/JN)

Some things other than costs are going up in education, the National Assessment of Educational Progress discovers from its second round of reading tests. (Editor) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Discusses the relationship between prior computer experiences and the linear or nonlinear steps students choose when working with hypermedia environments and time spent on task (based on a study of graduate students). Experience with content-area software, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, programming, hypermedia, and authoring are…

Examines factors affecting selection and development of computer simulations, including type of learner, simulation formats, instructional purposes, learning outcomes, fidelity, learning stages, and logistical issues. A flowchart model and set of prescriptions to help designers arrive at specifications for an instructional simulation are…

Discusses procedures for the analysis of instructional strategies incorporated into distance learning materials, especially with regard to the development of higher order cognitive ability (i.e., critical thinking). Three approaches to task analysis are examined, including the learning hierarchy model, the concept hierarchy, and the information…

Discusses the evaluation of instructional software, describes two versions of a software evaluation model, and reports the results of two studies that compared evaluative decisions based upon subjective software ratings and data collected using both versions of the evaluation model. Teacher use of student data for decision making is also examined.…