This review aims to respond various questions regarding the role of Critical Thinking in Science Education from aspects concerning the importance or relevance of critical thinking in science education, the situation in the classroom and curriculum, and the conception of critical thinking and fostering in science education. This review is specially…

Psychological science has identified positive classroom management and climate building strategies as a key element in developing and maintaining effective learning environments. In this article, we review the literature that has identified effective strategies that build classroom climates to maximize student learning and minimize disruption. In…

Transferring the skills learned in mathematics to other contexts is a problem for many students. A new heuristic model of mathematics instruction is proposed. The model would guard against the adoption of mistaken assumptions about mathematics and foster the learning of problem-solving strategies. (VM)

A review of research and theory on cognitive processes and their relationship to instructional technique since the early 1970s looks at the contributions of schema theory and artificial intelligence and their instructional implications, including cognitive load theory, worked examples for learning problem solving, and physical vs. mental…

Discusses the 15-session Structure/Themes/Open Communication/Reflection/ Individuality/Experiential Learning/ Social-Problem-Solving (STORIES) program, which uses the peer group and story form as vehicles to improve social problem solving for aggressors, victims, and bystanders. Postintervention reports show decreases in externalizing and…

Summarizes research on disjunctive versus conjunctive, and multistage versus single-stage problem solving in a classroom setting. Concludes that students working in groups are less likely to drop out of class, give higher subjective motivation to learn ratings, perform better on tests, know more classmates, and score higher on Raven's Progressive…

To deal with behavior problems and create safe environments, schools increasingly have adopted social control practices. These include discipline and classroom management practices that analysts see as blaming the victim and modeling behavior that fosters, rather than counters, the development of negative values. To move beyond overreliance on…

Critical or creative thinking is simply thinking of a higher order by persons informed by fact and logic, insight and empathy. It is necessary for problem solving, invention, and achievement. Every child has the ability to be a thinker. Thinking is an act and, as such, improves with practice. The curriculum and the teacher can help student…

Presenting students with nonroutine problems is likely to produce affective responses by students unaccustomed to such problems. Discusses the theoretical background for evaluating students' emotional responses to problems, the relationship between problem solving and affect, emotions and beliefs, and techniques for dealing with affect in the…

Numerous classroom-based research projects have examined the important role social skills play in an elementary classroom (Browning, Davis, and Resta 2000; Burns 2003; Palmer and Wehmeyer 2003; Stone 2001). As Stone (2001, 18) suggested, "Teachers have an enormous influence on children's behavior by speaking directly and honestly to them,…

Review of experimental evidence concerning the effectiveness of problem-based learning suggests that the approach may not improve content-free problem solving; may initially reduce learning levels but fosters long-term retention; may enhance transfer of concepts and integration of concepts into clinical problems; enhances intrinsic interest of…

Discusses the disparity between social problems and problem solving as practiced in sociology theory and in the classroom. Problem definition is lacking due to fuzziness in this area historically. Recommends emphasis on student problem identification, integration of knowledge, and decision-making skills. (CK)

Current knowledge about cognitive development in mathematics is reviewed, specific effective strategies for presenting materials in class are described, and effective strategies for mathematics program content and organization are outlined. Substantial information on recent research and on instructional materials is included. (MSE)

This report on a Systematic Teacher Training Model deals with the operation of a teacher education program in providing practice for preservice and inservice trainees. Chapter I describes major program components: (1) selection, diagnosis (of trainee's needs), and placement; (2) programmed or nonprogrammed training and practice; (3) evaluation;…

The purposes of this paper were to review the literature and examine the available research in the area of the effectiveness of substitute teachers in secondary education; and to identify problems and suggested remedies associated with substitute teaching from the perspectives of school administrators, substitute teachers, and students. The…