Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) physics lesson on magnetism was supplemented with slides and film loops to provide a simulated encounter with simple magnetism experiments. Two groups of students took the CAI lesson, but one group viewed the simulated experiments, while the other group performed the actual laboratory experiments. Since neither of the instructional modes led to posttest performance indicating lesson mastery, the data was further examined in an attempt to identify program weakness. Possible sequence-related difficulties were considered in the light of evidence pertaining to positive transfer. A hierarchy of "conceptual levels" was predicted for the lesson and used as a basis for an analysis of transfer effects. Although inconclusive, the evidence seemed to indicate positive transfer in the predicted manner and suggested resequencing the lesson as an initial step toward making learning optimal. Student opinion favored the use of the simulated experiments as a welcome change of pace from usual classroom activities. (JY)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert