Describes "Western Gunfighters--Myths and Realities," a database for teaching about the Wild West. Includes a focus on process objectives such as identifying cause and effect, formulating hypotheses, distinguishing between fact and opinion, and arranging information in usable forms. Offers instructions and advice for setting up or…

Describes the Technical Literacy Project which was developed at the University of Nottingham to examine and compare the computer literacy skills of graduating secondary school students and industry workers. The use of Macintosh computers and HyperCard software is explained; gender differences are examined; and results showing better performances…

Presents a study to determine differences in effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) compared to traditional instruction of general biology students (n=54) for units on photosynthesis and introductory genetics and to assess students attitudes toward CAI. Results indicate CAI tutorials are no more or less effective in promoting student…

A survey of 2,256 teachers, testing coordinators, principals, and superintendents on ethical issues related to norm-referenced test (NRT) administration and practice found that 44 percent believed that colleagues engage in practices that are blatant cheating, and 78 percent believed that teaching information only because it is on the test occurs.…

Politicians and educators recommend significant improvements in scientific and mathematical competency so Americans can be more competitive in tomorrow's high-tech economy. The article outlines shortcomings of current change proposals and describes an alternative that integrates various kinds of knowing, including science and technology, into an…

Key findings based on data from the Second International Science Study for 19,036 third, fourth, seventh, eighth, ninth, eleventh, and twelfth graders in Sweden are discussed. Findings concerning achievement, attitudes, gender differences, future education, and career choices indicate that science achievement is increasing, and gender differences…

Reports study results of introductory psychology students preparing for a quiz using programed instruction, reading a text, or reading an unrelated text. Lists principles of learning, including clear learning objectives, small steps, logical sequence, active responding, and drill and practice. Concludes that programed instruction is highly…

The University of California's (Los Angeles) Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing survey of state assessment directors reveals that about 25 states currently study or develop performance assessments. Obstacles to statewide use of performance assessments were expressed. The new Student Assessment Exchange should…

Presents techniques for encouraging peer learning in the college classroom. Discusses icebreaking exercises, ways to encourage total participation, and methods for dealing with grade anxiety. Argues that, with peer learning, students learn to develop their own resources for learning. Urges testing that calls for application of theoretical…

Four national educational reform initiatives (national goals for schools, core curriculum, national student examination system, and teacher certification processes) are examined and policy implications discussed. It is argued that, although these initiatives are progressing, they will not succeed without sustained commitment on the parts of the…

Teacher testing-related attitudes and practices related to court-ordered achievement testing were studied through a mail survey completed by 79 elementary school teachers in a midwestern urban district. Teachers engaged in a large number of test preparation practices and reported finding minimal value in purpose or results of testing. (SLD)

Discussion of learning styles and learner control focuses on a study of college students that paired field-dependent and field-independent learning styles with different instructional control treatments. The use of interactive video lessons and a printed self-study guide is described, and treatments for the experimental and control groups are…

Developmental Sentence Scoring (DSS) is a measure of spoken syntax that provides a numeric variable, provides some developmental data, and serves an organizing function for asking and answering clinical questions. DSS is useful in making diagnostic judgments, selecting goals and planning treatment, and measuring intervention efficacy. Difficulties…

A study was conducted to assess the effect of station position in a multiple-stations performance-based examination administered to 127 senior medical students. There was no evidence for a sequence effect on student performance, with no improvement on scores awarded for standardized cases across successive cases in the examination. (SLD)

The evaluator is an instructional system product that provides practice, testing capability, and feedback in a way not yet seen in computer-assisted instruction. Training methods using an evaluator contain scenario-based simulation exercises, followed by a critique of performance. A focus on competency-based education and performance makes the…