Learning to see reality at multiple levels provides instructional leaders with several advantages (e.g., being adaptive and solving problems before they occur, being creative by choosing a different future, and being generative by bringing forth something new). Four distinct levels of reality in systems thinking are: events encountered on a daily…

This resource shows how a portfolio can help administrators and principals engage in the reflection and continued growth necessary to create improved schools and learning. It contains hands-on, practical information on how to develop and use the portfolio to document growth, demonstrate the accomplishment of goals, and enhance performance and…

This book features a collection of 54 decimal number puzzles designed to provide experiences in problem solving and mathematical reasoning for middle and high school students. Each puzzle consists of a sequence of 10 clues about an unknown decimal number. The clues, when revealed one at a time, lead students through deductive reasoning to the…

This curriculum focuses on using creative thinking and conflict resolution skills in controversial discussions, highlighting the use of nonadversarial dialogue through the story of a fictional town caught in a controversy over whether or not to mandate school uniforms. The story that unfolds provides a case study in how to resolve public, as well…

One of the more interesting areas of problem solving in chemistry attempts to answer the question, "What do students understand about the molecular level of chemistry?" This question is also implicit in the more traditional area of mathematical problem solving but in this paper, more focus is placed on devising ways to help students develop a…

Like the earlier editions, the current text is directed at educators who are interested in understanding the principles of cognitive psychology and applying them to instruction and curriculum design. The following chapters are included: (1) "Introduction to Cognitive Psychology"; (2) "Sensory, Short-Term, and Working Memory"; (3) "Long-Term…

The purpose of this self-teaching guide is to assist educators in assessing their capability of thinking outside the box in solving problems. The content is based on training sessions and research papers presented at various conferences during the 1999-2000 academic year. "Thinking outside the box" (TOB) is defined as a problem-solving power that…

This book details the findings from a research team that used cognitive principles and a large range of experiments to devise a variety of instructional designs. Their recommendations are based on 20 years of objective, published research. Although the program focused on technical subjects, the findings can easily be applied to a range of…

This performance guide is designed for teachers to use with students before and after a performance of "The Nightingale," a dance-theater performance conceived and choreographed by Dana Tai Soon Burgess, written and directed by Mary Hall Surface, and adapted from the story by Hans Christian Andersen. The guide, called a…

This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) document presents activities on the properties of galaxies for additional curriculum support. The activities presented in this document include: (1) "How Big Is the Universe"; (2) "Identifying Galaxies"; (3) "Classifying Galaxies Using Hubble's Fork Diagram"; (4) "Identifying Unusual…

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

An investigation concerning the sum of square digits is described to show college mathematics students how mathematicians really work. A computer program is included. (MNS)

Some activities with geoboards done by pupils aged 10 and 11 are first reported, followed by an analysis and development of extended mathematical ideas. (MNS)

Using a man/habitat model, secondary teachers can help students view relationships between habitat problems and local government agencies whose decisions affect their habitat. The unit also involves students in learning about concepts germane to global education, like interdependence, conflict, and change. (RM)

School superintendents asked to relate the most difficult personnel problems of their careers and how they dealt with those crises agreed that sensational cases are easier to handle than those requiring delicacy and patience. Anecdotes illustrate the superintendents' problems and their solutions. (MLF)