Describes study conducted with undergraduates in India to investigate the selection of suitable learning strategies in science instruction. Highlights include six independent and seven group learning strategies; components of students' learning potential; the influence of different components of learning potential on three achievement levels; and…

Compares class size and faculty rating by students. Warns that certain instructors may not be effective with large class size (>100) but may be very effective with small class size. Infers that some poor large class instructors do not improve with time. (MVL)

Examines the current development of computer compact disk storage devices (CD-ROM). Describes the basics of how the CD-ROM operates and identifies educational uses. Lists companies currently providing CD-ROM software and producing CD-ROM players. (MVL)

Analyzes the classroom interaction pattern of physics teacher trainees in a Nigerian college of education. Findings include: more than half of the lesson was a monologue, and there is a significant relationship between classroom interaction patterns and attitudes towards the teaching profession. Suggests some future changes. (YP)

Introduces three physics experiments for high school and college classes. Topics include measuring the ratio of heat capacities using a microcomputer and a glass syringe, producing large electric sparks using a variation of a Leyden bucket, and observing transmission line behavior using television signals. Includes descriptions of materials and…

Considers eight components to be considered in setting up a microcomputer center for use with college classes. Discussions include hardware, software, physical facility, furniture, technical support, personnel, continuing financial expenditures, and security. (CW)

Describes several environmental education activities. Introduces educational materials and two environmental education programs. Provides demographic and geographic data of the region. (YP)

A study of 557 medical students investigated gender and age differences in: undergraduate science and cumulative grade-point averages (GPAs), medical college admission test scores, admissions interview ratings, medical school GPAs, and standardized medical achievement test scores. Dramatic differences were found in pre-admission performance, with…

A study investigated the relationship of social interaction and learning among women college students in a supplemental instruction program for science featuring a collaborative classroom structure. It was found that this culture of community and cooperation promoted intellectual risk-taking and connected understanding of concepts. Some new ways…

Described is the evolution of a multimedia approach for teaching Computer Aided Design (CAD). The presentation includes video tapes, a computer, an overhead camera, and hard-copy handouts containing class notes and CAD assignments. Also described is a complete "on-demand" training system for future use. (KR)

Describes undergraduate projects at Harvey Mudd College (California) that use advanced laboratory equipment and procedures normally reserved for graduate students. Examples are given in experimental biology (e.g., digital imaging and DNA analysis), in physics (e.g., using satellites to study earthquake faults), and in mathematics (e.g., teaching…

A study of 141 first-year science students at York University (Ontario) shows that integration/involvement variables are important in explaining a number of desired outcomes, including satisfaction with grades and program, social values, educational attitudes, achievement gains, and intent to continue in the program and/or institution. (MSE)

Described is the V-scope which is a Micro-Based Laboratory system that provides direct and immediate displays of real motion as spatial images (stroboscopic snapshots), as time graphs of any combination of position, velocity, and acceleration, or as vector diagrams of velocity and acceleration. Illustrations of system components and of typical…

A program for introducing beginning college biology majors to library resources is described. The scientific writing course, ineffective and effective writing assignments, and the response by students are discussed. Seven steps in tracking down a research article are included. (KR)

Computerized simulation of physical phenomena is a growing area of high-performance computing, providing a new approach to scientific discovery and offering creative, efficient, and effective alternatives to laboratory experiments for teaching graduate and undergraduate science. The technique is a very important scientific and instructional tool.…