Sixteen concept words related to "matter" were described as simple textbook definitions and 16 multiple-choice items were constructed for each concept definition. These materials were used to compare the ability of 1,635 Tasmanian and 826 Indian students to recognize the concept definitions and their attendant verbal labels. (JN)

Controversial issues should be taught in school. Charles Bailey's and R.F. Dearden's opinions of what makes an issue controversial are critiqued. Bailey accounts for controversial issues in behavioral terms; Dearden advances an epistemic account. (RM)

Review of general anxiety and its measurement provides a framework for considering computer anxiety. Test and math anxiety are discussed as specific anxieties with potential similarities. Five studies are identified and discussed for their contributions to an understanding of the definition, measurement practices, and correlates of computer…

The debate over expanding the legal definition of behavior disorders to include social maladjustment is presented; both sides of the issue are addressed including such aspects as confusion in terms, unclear incidence figures difficulty in identification, and legal and ethical ramifications. (CL)

Describes how Delphi Technique was utilized to define distance education, identify practitioners and organizations to which they belong, and ways in which practitioners could benefit from Association for Educational Communications and Technology's Educational Media Management Division (DEMM) activities. An attached survey for DEMM members to…

Intended for potential business users, this paper describes the main characteristics of expert systems; discusses practical use considerations; presents a taxonomy of the systems; and reviews several expert system development projects in business and industry. (MBR)

The meaning of critical thinking is discussed. Teachers should be able to separate what they mean by critical thinking, creative thinking, and practical thinking. By separating these meanings, teachers can better identify the components of critical thinking and improve their teaching. (RM)

What distinguishes inquiry from other instructional modes is what can be called its critical manner of teaching. One way in which this critical manner can be practiced is in the form of a conversation. Conditions necessary for conversations in the social studies classroom are discussed. (RM)

Defines the ideal classroom environment and compares it with the effective clinical supervision situation (one-to-one encounter) and determines that the two are more similar than contrasting. Urges educators and their supervisors to create ideal teaching/learning environments based on the premise that people learn what they live and experience.…

Ideational pluralism refers to "disagreements which occur between teacher and students as to which facts and positions are acceptable when dealing with issues in science classrooms." Discusses why ideational pluralism exists; related theory (logical and philosophical aspects); rationale for addressing the topic; positive and negative…

A study of the status of underidentification of behaviorally disordered children in special education in British Columbia reviews provincial funding categories, identification guidelines for autism and behavior disorders, and data on total school enrollment, estimated and actual enrollment in programs for behavior disorders, district criteria, and…

Examines the differences between remedial and developmental reading programs and their places in higher education. Finds a consistency among definitions of remedial reading but no clear consensus for developmental reading. Sees a clear delineation between remedial and developmental students. Offers guidelines for programs and instruction…

Critiques a recent article by Hynd and Hynd ("Reading Research Quarterly," 19, 1984) and questions the usefulness of invoking neurological concepts in either the definition or diagnosis of dyslexia. (HOD)

Discusses current definitions of burnout and need for a common definition. Reviews factors responsible for burnout. Presents several solutions. Concludes that much research was based on untested assumptions. Indicates need for objective measurement of teachers' identification with the concept of burnout and dysfunctional personal and professional…

Psychology can be considered a humanity as well as a science. Distinctions between the humanities and the sciences are examined, and five characteristics of a humanity are suggested. Three examples of psychology as a humanity are provided. The impact that this view might have on teaching and research is discussed. (Author/RM)