Discusses structural components of databases that require data-mining algorithms and describes the SUBDUE system that is designed to discover knowledge in structural databases. Analyses the ability of SUBDUE to scale to large databases and describes parallel and distributed implementations to investigate methods for improving the scalability of…

Proposes an algorithm that minimizes the asymptotic variance of the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator of a linear combination of abilities of interest. The criterion results in a closed-form expression that is easy to evaluate. Also shows how the algorithm can be modified if the interest is in a test with a "simple ability structure."…

Studied item exposure in a computerized adaptive test when the item selection algorithm presents examinees with questions they were asked in a previous test administration. Results with 178 repeat examinees on a medical technologists' test indicate that the combined use of an adaptive algorithm to select items and latent trait theory to estimate…

Describes structured care approaches, such as protocols, clinical pathways, and algorithms, which are being used increasingly to organize clinical knowledge and guide patient care. Reviews the types of structured care approaches available to the clinician and explores the value of structured care approaches in practice and education. (Contains 32…

Compares the approaches to teaching division in Britain and in Holland where different emphasis is placed on the development of mental and written methods. Describes how it is common for pupils in Britain to work from an early stage with pencil and paper rather than mentally whereas early emphasis is placed on mental strategies in Holland. (ASK)

The first of three articles that develop a framework for county-based prevention-resource-allocation algorithms based on the aggravated need for substance-abuse-prevention services estimated at the county level. Algorithm development is based on (1) statewide student drug survey, and (2) a set of social indicators routinely published by agencies…

Evaluates an instructional method in general chemistry that attempts to bridge the gap between algorithmic problem-solving abilities and conceptual understanding of chemistry students and emphasizes conceptual problem solving in the initial phase of a concept. Concludes that using a conceptual focus for the chemistry courses had many positive…

Discussion of finding relevant documents in electronic document collections focuses on an evaluation of the Kea automatic keyphrase extraction algorithm which was developed by members of the New Zealand Digital Library Project. Results are based on evaluations by human assessors of the quality and appropriateness of Kea keyphrases. (Author/LRW)

Describes the success, the methods (mental, informal written, standard algorithm) and the strategies of informal written arithmetic to be observed when 300 elementary students worked on six addition and six subtraction problems with three-digit numbers. (Author/MM)

The author and many illustrious co-signers sent an open letter to the U.S. Department of Education protesting a report designating 10 "exemplary" or "promising" math programs. The programs over-emphasize data analysis and statistics, de-emphasize arithmetic and algebra, and advocate early calculator use, which can undermine…

Proposes an item-selection algorithm for neutralizing the differential effects of time limits on computerized adaptive test scores. Uses a statistical model for distributions of examinees' response times on items in a bank that is updated each time an item is administered. Demonstrates the method using an item bank from the Armed Services…

Adapts Stanic and McKillip's ideas for the use of developmental algorithms to propose that the present emphasis on symbolic manipulation should be tempered with an emphasis on the conceptual understanding of the mathematics underlying the algorithm. Uses examples from the areas of numeric computation, algebraic manipulation, and equation solving…

Public radio is about to achieve a new technological level as the new Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) is deployed. The network will dramatically improve the capacity and quality of its interconnection system, but proper interfacing at member stations will be required to realize the full benefits of the new system. The new system uses digital…

This paper presents a new heuristic approach to interactive test assembly that is called the successive item replacement algorithm. This approach builds on the work of W. J. van der Linden (1987) and W. J. van der Linden and E. Boekkooi-Timminga (1989) in which methods of mathematical optimization are combined with item response theory to…

The complexity (fractal dimension value) of responses to the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) between 10 undergraduate students with learning disabilities and a comparison group of 10 students without learning disabilities were compared. The fractal value of responses was assessed under three conditions (copy, immediate, and delay) by…