An instructional approach used in a civil engineering curriculum at Queens University of Belfast (Northern Ireland) incorporates development of communication skills into active learning assignments. A "learning from disasters" exercise and two mock public inquiries illustrate the use and benefits of the technique. (Author/MSE)

Discusses users' perceptions of computers versus human beings as advice givers in problem-solving situations based on two studies conducted at Stockholm University (Sweden). Examines people's self-confidence and perception of advice, and concludes that perception relates to existing attitudes, experience, and domain knowledge. (Author/LRW)

When a college/university employee feels that his/her rights have been abrogated, the human resource department and in-house legal staff should be prepared to conduct a comprehensive, objective, and professional investigation. Such issues as proof of misconduct, "reasonable grounds," negligent investigation claims, and defamation claims are…

Noting that today's economic, social, and scientific problems require creative solutions, points out the need for creative talent. Discusses how current thinking and educational practices in this country do little to encourage the development of creative individuals. Suggests that concentrating on developing the potential of each individual would…

The Genetics Construction Kit is a computer-based learning tool that simulates the phenomena of classical transmission genetics. Its construction kit approach lets users set the parameters of the problem sets to be generated. The program has been used extensively in science education research and curriculum development. (Author/MSE)

The Internet provides a resource accessible to students for solving problems and satisfying information needs. Describes how students can use e-mail and the NASA Spacelink, Geographic Name Server, and Weather Underground databases. Appendices provide internet addresses and selected state telecommunications networks. Sample student inquiries are…

A study investigated the amounts of time that 29 physiotherapy and 29 occupational therapy students in problem-based curricula spent in nonscheduled and scheduled educational activities, and whether students increased or decreased time spent while progressing through academic and clinical curricula. A general decrease in time spent on educational…

This study, involving 30 elementary students with learning disabilities, found that students performed significantly better on mathematics tests given using a computer than by paper and pencil. It found no differences among variations of computer-assisted instruction, with either static or animated pictures and either utilizing or not utilizing a…

Describes activities that demonstrate the relationship of mathematics and science and their use in solving real-world problems like solid waste disposal. (JRH)

This case study of families of normal private preparatory school students and families of substance abusing/mood disordered students examines the relationship between substance abuse and mood disorders and the following factors: parental marital discord, degree of family satisfaction, and family problem-solving styles. Results showed that all…

A physics/chemistry teacher examined how brain-based learning environments could produce better learning conditions for students. He used thematic teaching, enriched language, naturally complex, long-term design and construction projects, and multifaceted assessment tools. The one-year curriculum indicated that teachers need not sacrifice content…

Statistical process control (SPC), which employs simple statistical tools and problem-solving techniques such as histograms, control charts, flow charts, and Pareto charts to implement continual product improvement procedures, can be incorporated into human service organizations. Examples illustrate use of SPC procedures to analyze behavioral data…

No significant differences in academic achievement or problem-solving ability were found when 212 undergraduate and graduate students in an introductory special education course received class lecture alone or class lecture and either a hypertext-based instructional program or a linear drill-practice computer-assisted instructional program.…

Analysis of the talk of four native Spanish-speaking third graders revealed the many reading and conversational strategies used as they cooperatively composed an answer to a reading comprehension question in Spanish. Demonstrates how students took a position on story interpretation, used evidence to support their positions, and came to the…

Examines the problems associated with interlanguage in French immersion and how teachers can use the writing process to help students develop the target language. It is suggested that language can be mediated through conferencing sessions, and in so doing, propel students into their zone of proximal development. (15 references) (Author/CK)