Research

This research list is grouped into three categories:
• System Dynamics Papers and Presentations. Covering the past six years, most items in this section relate to SD-based instruction in economics and political science. A few relate to education topics, including both policy initiatives and pedagogical issues.
• Reports and Issue Papers for the Jefferson Institute for Public Policy. In a consulting career spanning twenty-five years, most written work for clients has been proprietary. An exception is this series of documents prepared for the Jefferson Institute, primarily on education policy issues.
• Other Publications. Except for the two centennial history books, this section lists items published two or more decades ago, mostly on energy topics and politics.

System Dynamics Papers and Presentations

Papers

"Adding Feedback Loops to the Macro Instructional Toolkit." Paper accepted for delivery to the research session of the National Economics Education Association at the Allied Social Sciences Association Conference. Chicago, January 2007.

“Simplifying Learning Environments for Introductory Students.” Paper delivered at the International System Dynamics Conference. Boston, July 2005. Published in proceedings.

“Using STELLA to Teach Macroeconomics.” The Connector, volume 2, issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2004) http://www.iseesystems.com/community/connector/zine/SepOct04/wheat.html

“Does a Model Facilitate Learning?” (primary author) with Larry Weathers and Robin Goldstein. Paper presented at Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Conference. Portland, June 2004. Published in The Creative Learning Exchange, vol. 13, no. 4, Fall 2004, pp. 5-11.

“Model-Facilitated Learning of Essential Macroeconomics.” Paper presented at the International System Dynamics Conference. New York, July 2003. Published in proceedings.

“A Systems Approach to Virginia’s Education Standards.” Paper presented at the International System Dynamics Conference. Bergen, July 2000. Published in proceedings.

“Teaching Government with System Dynamics.” Paper presented at the Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Conference. Portland, June 2000. Published in proceedings.

“A Systems Approach to Education Policy & Administration.” Paper presented at the Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Conference. Portland, June 2000.

Workshops demonstrating the MacroLab interactive learning environment

• International System Dynamics Conference, Oxford, England (2004)

• Midwest Conference on Student Learning in Economics, Akron, OH (2004)

• International System Dynamics Conference, New York, NY (2003)

Poster presentations of the MacroLab interactive learning environment

• International System Dynamics Conference, Oxford, England (2004)

• Economics Literacy Workshop, Wilmington, NC (2004)

• International System Dynamics Conference, New York, NY (2003)

Reports and Issue Papers for the Jefferson Institute for Public Policy

•Value-Added Accountability: A Systems Solution to the School Accreditation Problem (2000)

• Year 2000 Priorities for K-12 (1999)

• Car Tax Cuts: How Should Localities be Reimbursed? (1998)

• Deficient Diplomas: Is It Time for A Graduate Warranty Program? (1998)

• Raising Student Attendance: Some Low-Cost Strategies (1998)

• Local Perspective in a State Office: The Legislator’s Dilemma (1998)

• 2000 New Teachers: Where Are They Needed Most? (1998)

• Funding Virginia’s Schools: An Opportunity for Efficiency and Equity (1998)

• Understanding Virginia’s Report Card: Why Standardized Test Scores Vary from One Community to Another (1997)

Other Publications

Becoming Bank of Botetourt, Botetourt Bankshares (2000)

A Century of Service, R&B Communications (1999)

Election ’88: A Six-Part Series in the Fincastle Herald

"The George Bush I Know,” (November 23, 1988)

“Landslide or Erosion for Bush?” (November 2, 1988)

“The Real Race Begins” (August 31, 1988)

“Should You Trust the Political Polls?” (June 22, 1988)

“Will Winner Hinge on Running Mate?” (April 27, 1988)

“Primaries Change Nominating Process" (April 6, 1988)

“Wellhead Prices Predicted to Fall $3,” Jefferson Business, January 13, 1983.

“Energy: Security with Confidence,” in The Future Under President Reagan, edited by Wayne Valis (Westport: Arlington House, 1981)

“Crude Oil Controls,” Monday Morning Report (Charles Owens & Associates: January,1979)

“Winter Supply/Demand Outlook,” Monday Morning Report (Charles Owens & Associates: January, 1977)

"The Problem of Heroin” with James Q. Wilson (primary author) and Mark H. Moore. The Public Interest, Fall 1972, pp. 3-28.