Instructional tips help educators carry out recommendations contained in IES Educator's Practice Guides. The tips translate these recommendations into actionable approaches that educators can try in their classrooms. These tips are based on a practice guide authored by Sybilla Beckmann, Mark Driscoll, Megan Franke, Patricia Herzig, Asha Jitendra,…

Instructional tips help educators carry out recommendations contained in IES Educator's Practice Guides. This summary describes the research evidence that supports the use of the instructional tips in classrooms and is based on a practice guide authored by Sybilla Beckmann, Mark Driscoll, Megan Franke, Patricia Herzig, Asha Jitendra, Kenneth R.…

The steps involved in creative problem solving (CPS) are described, and suggestions are made for incorporating CPS into instruction for gifted and talented students. (CL)

The third in a series of six articles on the use of different models for developing creativity and instructional materials focuses on the sociodrama model. (SBH)

Children's first experiences with numbers affect the ways in which they view mathematics the rest of their lives. In order to make sense of math, children need to explore and investigate using real objects instead of just symbols; practice skills in an atmosphere of fun; see mistakes as just another way of learning new ideas; make use of a variety…

Increased interest in mathematical problem solving and in the development of problem-solving ability have demanded that mathematics educators give greater attention to problem-solving instruction. A four-step model for solving problems is followed by sets of suggestions for instructional use. (MP)

The title of this book is an acronym that serves to describe the mental activity the games of the book are intended to bring about. Each of the seven letters in "scamper" is the initial letter for the word phrases making up the checklist used to create the Scamper games. Sections of the book include: (1) "Scampering with the Experts--Thinking and…

The use of a group process approach to social problem solving with 32 12- and 13-year-old hearing impaired adolescents is described. It is explained that the classroom meetings lasted about 15 minutes and that the initial sessions focused on student's reactions to the class bully. The roles of the teacher in the group are discussed. (PHR)

This book accompanies a poster series and allows the teacher to pre-plan a lesson or activity for students with the objectives shown for each element or principle of design to be presented. Along with a black-and-white reproduction of each poster, major concepts are discussed. Suggested student activities relating to a particular element or…

This guide contains classroom-tested problems designed to introduce and reinforce mathematical concepts in a quick, "fun" way. Activities emphasize the logic and reasoning skills needed to build a strong foundation in mathematics. The problems are thinking activities and require only elementary level mathematics skills. Activities are…

The article suggests ways parents and teachers can help gifted, talented, and creative children to learn about the future and plan careers. (DLS)

Discusses five strategies to use in creating an environment that will foster the development of critical thinking. To make thinking the subject of instruction; focusing on the key aspects of higher-order thinking; providing opportunities for continual, explicit practice; questioning and developing an investigative nature; and reinforcing the…

Storytelling with persona dolls (dolls that are given names, family histories, and other traits by teachers) is a powerful tool for teaching classroom and social skills, giving children words for and tools to manage their feelings, developing problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, expanding children's comfort with difference, undoing…

This book is a sequel to the book "Scamper" by the same author and builds upon the ideas of imagination development introduced in the first book. SCAMPER is an acronym with each of the seven letters serving as the initial letter or word phrases that form an idea-spurring checklist. The checklist provokes children's minds and spurs the production…

Describes a six-step process to guide day care staff who work with parents to solve problems related to child care. Engaging parents in each step can increase parents' understanding of child development, enhance their self-confidence, and build mutual trust and respect between parents and staff. (NH)