A multilevel variance component analysis from the pilot year of pretesting an instrument--the GENED--designed to present information about general education outcomes is presented, using data from about 11,000 college students. The analysis addresses the discriminant validity of the subtests and statistical issues in test construction. (SLD)

Developed creative approach to conduct needs assessment in rural schools that involved sending questionnaires to 49 key informants and 145 high school students. Key informants and students agreed that the 2 most serious issues were alcohol-related problems and family dysfunction (violence, divorce). Both groups indicated need for a teen center;…

A five-stage model is presented which proposes that majority and minority group members go through parallel, but somewhat different, stages in developing cross-cultural awareness. The five stages described for each group, with transitions between them, are as follows: unawareness, beginning awareness, conscious awareness, consolidated awareness,…

An exploration of trends in Chinese language instruction discusses textbook-oriented programs, language pedagogy research, overemphasis on reading, curriculum design, and ways to improve and make proficiency-oriented programs more effective. (25 references) (CB)

Provided is a model to depict how the development of process skills can be systematically achieved and in turn determine the students' achievement in science practicals. Modified laboratory instruction is compared with conventional laboratory instruction. The results of field testing on 164 ninth grade subjects are described. (MVL)

This review of 20 studies examines 3 predictions concerning the effects of conceptual models on students' understanding of scientific prose: (1) that models improve recall of conceptual information; (2) that they decrease verbatim retention; and (3) that they increase creative solutions on transfer problems. (SLD)

Describes a computer simulation based on quarterly models of the U.S. economy during World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. Recommends using these simulations to teach facts and knowledge, and as heuristic devices to develop an understanding of complex economic and historical relationships. (LS)

Using student interviews, teacher ratings, and achievement test outcomes, a strategy model of student self-regulated learning was validated as a theoretical construct. Results with 44 male and 36 female 10th graders indicate both convergent and discriminative validity for a self-regulated learning construct. (TJH)

Describes the deterministic simulation (a given input always leads to the same output) and probabilistic simulation (new states are subject to predefined laws of chance). Provides examples of the application of the two simulations with mathematical expressions and PASCAL program. Lists seven references. (YP)

Discusses the use of computers in the classroom, suggests visions of an educational future, and describes a project developed at the University of Maryland to examine the effects of computers on the college-level physics curriculum. Topics discussed include microcomputer-based laboratories, increased modeling power, and access to large databases.…

Models which demonstrate the concept of moment of force in two- and three-dimensional cases and have been well received by students are described. Photographs and instructions for each model are provided. (MVL)

The reliability of derived measures from 4 cognitive paradigms was studied using 19 Navy enlisted men (aged between 18 and 24 years). The paradigms were: graphemic and phonemic analysis; semantic memory retrieval; lexical decision making; and letter classification. Results indicate that derived scores may have low reliability. (SLD)

Reports a protocol study of a freshman composition student to examine how significant a problem it actually is to learn to operate a computer, how influential students' expectations about computers are, whether the use of a computer promoted the importance of invention strategies, and whether computers encourage revision. (MS)

This historical examination of the educational placement of visually impaired students focuses on the dual curriculum of instruction in academic areas and in disability-specific skills. Program placement involves assessment, identification of instructional needs, and consideration of placement alternatives. Models of service delivery and…

This article describes efforts to help prospective teachers take a reflective approach to the translation of theory into practice through a practicum experience in a social studies methods course. Also described are the knowledge base and procedures for the course. An assessment of the outcomes is related. (IAH)