This third edition of the best-selling "Mathematics in Nursery Education" provides an accessible introduction to the teaching of mathematics in the early years. Covering all areas of mathematics learning--number and counting, calculation, pattern, shape, measures and data handling--it summarises the research findings and underlying key concepts…

Discusses the many complexities involved in the translation of scientific information in the social sciences into forms usable for solving problems of practice in education. Prescribes a series of stages to be followed from the advent of a practitioner's situational problem to the design of a response to it. (Author/JN)

Two important factors that influence problem solving are the nature of the task and the kind of knowledge brought to the problem by the solver. After a consideration of the definition of a problem, puzzle problems are discussed, as are problem representation and general processes of solution. Also discussed is the question of solving problems that…

Appreciating the power and beauty of mathematical thought should be an integral component of a student's mathematical education. The meaning of aesthetics in the realm of mathematical reasoning, the relationship of aesthetics to problem solving, the results of two studies, and recommendations for developing aesthetics are included. (MNS)

Algebra word problems were analyzed in terms of the information integration tasks that are required to solve the problems. These tasks were classified into three levels: value assignment, value derivation, and equation construction. Novices (35 first year algebra students) and experts (13 analytic geometry students) were compared on the proportion…

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)

Describes a study of concept mapping as a means of learning problem-solving skills. Concludes that the concept mapping subjects were significantly more successful at solving biological test questions than were the controls. Reports no significant differences between cooperative and individual mapping and mixed results for gender. (DK)

Prior research on problem solving is discussed, followed by a review of research on mental processes, intellectual development, information processing, mental images, and conceptual imagery. Then four intact fourth grade classes of 23 pupils each were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial design. One factor was the type of instruction (Method A and Method…

A 15-item story problem test was written at three readability levels (below grade 4, grades 4-6, above grade 6) by two methods (vocabulary control and sentence control). Six test forms were administered to 1158 children in grades 3-6. Readability level had no effect on problem difficulty. (Author/MNS)

Reports on a study that examined which of four major components of word problem solving ability was currently keeping a student from solving word problems. Reviews two recent series of supplementary materials that show promise for helping teachers improve their students' problem interpretation. (FL)

Research appears to support one major conclusion: problem-solving strategies should be taught. Sections presented are: Why doesn't research tell us what to do? What do we know about problem solving? What can teachers do to help children learn to solve problems? What has recent research affirmed? (MP)

This article identifies some behaviorial approaches for teaching economics at the pre-college level, including contiguity, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning. The cognitive school of thought is also considered. Implications of research on problem-solving are drawn. (CB)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Adults can help students become more responsible by teaching them new ways of thinking about self-control. The research summarized here suggests that: If students do not feel a sense of control over the outcomes of their actions, they will not exert much effort or assume much responsibility for what…

Research findings on problem solving and ideas for improving problem-solving instruction are presented. What a problem is and the fact that few problems appear in textbooks are noted. What successful problem solvers do is discussed, with the stages of problem solving described, including the point that checking their work may be the most important…

The first and founding conference of the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction was held in Belgium from June 10-13, 1985. This article concentrates on highlights that suggest intersections between three of the six conference themes: problem-solving; cognition-motivation interaction; and individual differences. Conference…