A study identified performance differences between expert and novice technicians who troubleshoot faulty technical equipment and recommended improvements in the instruction of troubleshooting techniques. Results indicate that the primary differences between experts and novices were quality of information acquired and quality of hypotheses…

Children who are taught a skill often fail to recognize that the new skills can be used to solve a similar problem in a different setting. Teachers need to help students develop conditionalized knowledge that includes information about the conditions and the restraints of its use. (JOW)

Debates surround whether high-tech or low-tech jobs are fastest growing and whether technology increases or decreases skill requirements. Technology education can aid productivity improvement by reinforcing academic content, enhancing higher-order skills, and promoting active involvement with technology. (SK)

An alternative vision of assessment for technology teacher education views assessment as an essential activity conducted by teacher educators to improve teaching and learning rather than to support accreditation and teacher licensure decision making. (Author)

Finds that secondary school principals across the United States rated communication-related skills, factors, and courses highest in importance as they assessed candidates for teaching positions and as they considered candidates' preparatory coursework. Finds that these criteria were considered at least as important as other criteria in assessment…

Discusses problems that educators face in attempting to emphasize high-level cognitive skills in their curriculum. Identifies four elements of informal learning that guide the creation of these skills, through a comparison of the characteristics of formal and informal learning environments. Notes benefits for development of students' conceptual…

Suggests that educational researchers could learn much from the instructional practices of technology educators. Indicates that there are four critical principles for enhancing learning through instruction: (1) learning in context; (2) learning from peers; (3) activity-based practice; and (4) reflective practice. (Author/JOW)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a constructivist approach to context-based video instruction for enhancing learning. To achieve this purpose, the authors examined whether video-based instruction that was developed using constructivist theory can affect student learning (i.e., comprehension and retention) and…

An effective training program for preparing troubleshooters provides knowledge needed to understand the technology, teaches the process of troubleshooting, and provides the opportunity to practice using their knowledge and skill to diagnose faulty equipment. Recent research and common sense indicate many troubleshooting programs overemphasize…

This essay presents the findings of a study employing a developmental approach to student acquisition of social responsibility. Professors at seven collegiate institutions of differing types who teach service-learning courses were asked if they would be willing to include their students in a study of social responsibility development through…

A study found that the troubleshooting abilities of a treatment group of college students trained conventionally in a course called Aircraft Systems II and on a computer-based "Technical Troubleshooting Tutor" were better in some ways than those of a control group who trained conventionally without using the computer-based tutor. Aviation students…

Describes a profile of professional development needs that was developed through a survey of 150 industrial arts/technology teachers in Minnesota. The greatest need was in the area of job environment: salary, job security, facilities and equipment, and discipline. (SK)

Case studies of the linking of four small business centers in technical institutes in Kenya by electronic bulletin boards identified barriers and problems to the implementation of electronic mail: interpersonal and organizational conflicts, technical difficulties, financial and regulatory constraints, and skill and motivation deficits.…

Identifies concepts relevant to technology transfer as a subject of study, including technological developments or modifications, and social, political, economic, personal, and cultural barriers to transfer. Describes issues such as appropriate technology and timing of innovations. (SK)

A study investigated influence of gender on undergraduate students (n=119) involved in international business games. Females tended to view the simulation as less complex, have less cohesive group structures, and show less self-confidence than males. However, game performance measures showed no significant gender differences. Implications for…