Presents a system in which students in an introductory sociology class use computers to analyze data from the National Opinion Research Center's (NORC) General Social Surveys. Reviews obstacles to the use of computers by both students and instructors and shows how these obstacles can be reduced. (DB)

Suggest that teaching introductory level students about social class may be done using a technique involving family names and nicknames. Presents findings from a study of students asked to rank family names, male nicknames, and female nicknames from highest to lowest social class. Results suggest that students have social class biases. (DB)

Reviews the development of the Louisville, Kentucky, public school music program from its establishment in 1844 to its suspension in 1879. Examines rationales for introducing music into the curriculum; debates over teaching methods; and choices of music curricula. Uses primary sources, including minutes and annual reports of the Louisville school…

Contends that prospective teachers' knowledge of what writing is and how it is taught is formed by their experiences as students. Describes a course that allows teachers transform their student experiences into appropriate teaching methods. Assesses how this curriculum was experienced by the teacher candidates. (DB)

Suggests that the most effective way to motivate student enthusiasm and interest in the social studies classroom is through the use of educational simulations. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of simulations, and presents three of the most effective commercial simulations available today. (DB)

Presents a teaching module for upper elementary students that devotes eight class periods of study to Canadian resources. Includes study of the Canadian fur trade, fishing industry, forestry, and the problems caused by acid rain. Includes the unit evaluation. (DB)

The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) was parameterized using the 2-parameter logistic item response (IRT) model. Two samples of 1,000 adults were used. Results suggest that the 2-parameter model fits the MPQ data, and researchers assessing normal-range personality processes have much to gain from exploiting IRT models. (TJH)

The Research and Evaluation Support Services Unit of the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education conducts program evaluations to provide information to senior management for decision making. The 10-step system used is described, which provides for planning, evaluation, and staff development. (TJH)

This study investigated measurement integrity of the Inventory of Parent Experiences, using parents of 66 intact families, half including children with handicaps. Results were unsupportive of the hypothesis that subscale and subsubscale scores have requisite measurement characteristics. Results with IPE total scores were more favorable and…

Red Light-Green Light is a levels system providing immediate behavior modification feedback and varying privilege levels throughout the school day for primary students with behavior disorders. This article presents guidelines for implementation, covering development of classroom rules, classroom expectations, and system maintenance. Tips for…

The Evaluation and Programming System: Assessment Level I (EPS-I) was evaluated for effectiveness in developing individual education goals among handicapped or at-risk infants and young children. Early interventionists (N=48) used EPS-I and other instruments to develop goals which were compared. Findings indicate EPS-I goals were functional,…

Discusses the need to examine critically the methods, programs, and materials used with American Indian students. It is suggested that individual differences among students in the classroom can provide an incentive for teachers to provide a rich variety of lessons, teaching strategies, learning activities, and testing challenges. (Author/VWL)

Discussion of computer-based testing (CBT) focuses on the development of the database format question (DFQ) which allows the user to build up a more complex answer than multiple choice by selecting items from a database presented on the computer screen. Programing is explained and an evaluation of DFQ is included. (Seven references) (LRW)

Discussion of courseware development focuses on a transaction shell approach that stresses flexibility and reusability of the courseware. Topics discussed include high-level programing languages, authoring languages, authoring systems, knowledge structures, and knowledge acquisition; and an example for applying the transaction shell approach to…

Describes various types of writing across the curriculum (WAC) programs and issues in program implementation, examines the implications of WAC programs for teaching basic writers, and outlines some instructional strategies that can be used by teachers to prepare basic writing students for participation in WAC programs. (PAA)