An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

Ignorance of the characteristics of a mixed population may lead to bias in a summary measure of a phenomenon. A test based on sample kurtosis is demonstrated by a simulation study to be more powerful than six other known tests in detecting a class of mixed normal distributions. (SLD)

Combining Rasch and latent class models is presented as a way to overcome deficiencies and retain the positive features of both. An estimation algorithm is outlined, providing conditional maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters for each class. The model is illustrated with simulated data and real data (n=869 adults). (SLD)

Contends that microcomputers were introduced into the social studies classrooms to teach higher order thinking skills. Maintains that computers can aid in teaching both process and content. Reviews new computer software programs and points out each programs' educational objectives and problems. Contends microcomputers are an invaluable tool of…

This study examined the application of the marginal maximum likelihood-EM algorithm to the parameter estimation problems of the normal ogive and logistic polytomous response models for Likert-type items. A rating scale model, based on F. Samejima's (1969) graded response model, was developed. (TJH)

Medical students' (N=18) were interviewed as part of the evaluation of an innovative Longitudinal Introduction of Clinical Medicine program. Three themes emerged: the importance of experiences with patients; the differences in the effect of patient contact in the first versus the second year; and the educational structure that makes patient…

The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of the patient, training process, and test that were associated with the accuracy of the standardized patient's presentation of the clinical problem. The cohort consisted of 38 patients who were used to evaluate 98 medical students at the University of Manitoba in 1988. (MLW)

Two graduate students in deaf education wore ear plugs for two months to simulate hearing loss, and recorded their experiences and feelings. Excerpts from their journals are presented, commenting on such daily activities as shopping at a mall, watching television, driving, babysitting, and attending a football game. (JDD)

Ideas and guidelines are offered for teachers interested in creating a simulated French village for French language instruction. The discussion includes the rationale and process of inventing a village scenario and its necessary components, educational objectives, and linguistic content of the exercise. (MSE)

The functional skills activity, "On Your Own," provides an opportunity for adolescents with mild disabilities to apply cognitive and academic skills in the program's four phases (choosing a career, finding an apartment, furnishing the apartment, and learning to budget) involve direct instruction, hands-on activities, small-group discussions, and…

Asserts that debriefing is the missing link between learning achievement and simulations in social studies. Maintains that teachers who employ computer-assisted instruction must utilize effective debriefing activities. Provides a four-step debriefing model using the computer simulation, Oregon Trail. (CFR)

Two issues in analysis of interactions in complex linear models are considered. One is the omnibus test for interaction, and the other concerns follow-up tests when the omnibus test is significant. Reconsidered omnibus and follow-up tests are illustrated on an educational data set analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. (SLD)

Updates a 1987 survey of business-school deans, business faculty, and training-and-development managers in industry that examined the extent to which simulation games were used in academia and business training programs. Findings show that simulation-game usage has grown over the past ten years with expectations for further growth. Contains 29…

Describes work at the National University of Singapore on the Internet in expanding a simulation game used in supporting a course in decision technology. Topics include decision support systems, multilingual support for cross-cultural decision studies, process support in a World Wide Web-enhanced multiuser domain (MUD) learning environment, and…