This paper proposes a theory that can account for differences between everyday and formal mathematics knowledge and a set of processes by which informal knowledge is transformed into formal mathematics. After an introduction, the paper is developed in five sections. The first section lays out the nature of informal, everyday mathematics knowledge.…

This paper explores why and how cases might be used by teacher educators in the professional education of teachers; directs teachers to case materials and relevant articles on case use; suggests guidelines for evaluating cases; and provides a starter set of cases (involving special needs students) that can be photocopied for use in general and…

Computer assisted instructional environments offer unique opportunities for the analysis of learning and problem solving processes. In this paper, partially automated techniques for process analysis are applied in a study of the problem solving strategies of a group of gifted students learning the Logo programming language. The objectives of the…

This paper identifies the bases and rationale for the concept of cooperative learning; describes the dynamics of the cooperative learning approach; and proposes methods that college faculty can use to enhance student motivation and learning. Cooperative learning is defined and is reported to have positive effects on student achievement, human…

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;…

A new concept, relativistic operations, seems to provide a link between Piagetian theory, information processing theory, logical thought in the new physics, and the nature of adults' problem solving in everyday social situations. Relativistic operations are logical, cognitive operations which can be used as a system to relate, order, and select as…

A problem solving process has been created for analyzing descriptive data obtained from the language transactions between parents and children during a shared reading event. Use of other instruments and observations of videotaped interactions led to a classification of reading event components and to a coding system containing items in the…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the private speech of 40 kindergarten children involved in a problem-solving task differed according to gender, socioeconomic status, sociability, and academic ability. The introductory chapter provides a brief summary of the theoretical views of Piaget and Vygotsky concerning private speech.…

The purpose of this paper is to review the relevant evidence concerning the relationship between knowledge and its effect on learning, with an end to answering the questions: (1) How important is knowledge to learning? and (2) How does the relative importance of knowledge change with development? The paper is divided into three main sections:…

This paper considers the possibilities of using computers not only to amplify, but to reorganize children's thinking and mental functioning. These two different conceptualizations of the transformational role of noncomputer cognitive technologies (such as written language) in human intelligence and cognitive change are sketched, and the different…

This literature review considers definitions of strategic planning as well as historical and operational aspects of its use at community colleges. First, a number of definitions of strategic planning are presented, indicating that, compared to long-range planning, strategic planning is more action-oriented and more concerned with issues, the…

Approaches to studying enrollment decline are compared and limitations and advantages associated with each method in predicting response to decline are assessed. The literature is reviewed to identify research perspectives on decline. Variables consistent with each perspective are identified and measured on a sample of 56 small- to medium-sized…

This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critiques of 11 research reports. They concern: a case study of one child's strategies for mental addition; children's understanding of fractions; computation routines prescribed by schools; models in verbal problem solving; predicting eighth-grade algebra achievement; the effectiveness of…

A discussion of the relationship between second language proficiency and mathematics performance argues that the learning of a second language and mathematics can be effectively integrated. The conditions conducive to second language acquisition in mathematics contexts, the communicative competence needed for mathematics, and the link between…

The question of whether performance measures may be more accurate than examination methods to assess an individual's abilities and knowledge is examined, based on a literature review. An information processing view that focuses on the internal activities of thinking and the relationship to external stimuli is considered. Information processing…