In this paper, I comment on the set of papers in this special issue on mathematical problem posing. I offer some observations about the papers in relation to several key issues, and I suggest some productive directions for continued research inquiry on mathematical problem posing.

Psychological assessment traditionally entails assessment processes and measures to address questions about children. In school settings, these questions usually center on why children experience difficulty learning, engage in inappropriate classroom deportment, and fail to develop adaptive peer relationships. The mini-series in this issue…

Examines reasons why some elementary and secondary students learn programming in BASIC and LOGO much better than others suggesting this happens because students bring different learning patterns to the programming context. Pitfalls novices face in learning programming are discussed, and instructional design suggestions to foster better learning…

Discusses issues of Logo learning, including mode and content of learning in Logo and possible results; use of study guide to increase children's learning of powerful ideas in Logo; subprocedures, modularity, and structured programing use and related learning problems; debugging difficulties; and Logo research needs. (MBR)

The advantages and elements of a therapeutic daycare program for preschool children with emotional and behavioral problems are described in this paper. The goal of the therapeutic preschool is to meet the needs of behaviorally disordered and emotionally disturbed children in a special education setting, and then to mainstream the children into…

Author responds to critique by Daniel Griffiths (Educational Administration Quarterly v. 19, p. 201-21) by defending his work in three areas: derivation of hypotheses, testing of hypotheses, and erroneous attribution of assumptions. (JW)

Introduces the Mystery Festival at the Shrewsbury Middle School in Massachusetts. Claims that this program will enable the children to collect and analyze data, carry out necessary tests, and develop a scientific approach to solving crimes. Describes the process of setting up this festival and recommendations for adapting the program to suit…

This paper discusses different approaches used by researchers to acquire a comprehensive picture of what family life is like when one of the family members is handicapped. Researchers must determine the best time to get a "true" picture of what family life is like and must determine whether parents describe the true family situation or react to…

Describes observation research conducted by the author in a state institution for the mentally retarded. Discusses the moral and ethical dilemmas that occurred when the author witnessed routine abuse to patients by the institution's attendants. (BSR)

Describes one teacher's experiences using "kid-watching" with four challenging middle school students, noting how such observation provides valuable insights into how some individuals learn. (SR)

Research within a constructivist approach often relies on interview data, which are used to reveal beliefs held by the interviewee or to expose conceptions or conceptual structures that are supposed to reside within the interviewee. From a sociocultural perspective, severe criticism has been leveled against the neglect of the problems of inferring…

This paper critically reviews administrator work activity studies which follow the research of Henry Mintzberg. It discusses directions for future research using qualitative and quantitative methods and discourages research that relies solely on Mintzberg's structure. (Author/JAZ)

Specific Chinese program approaches yielding low recidivism were identified. The rehabilitation or reform approach is based upon three major interventions: education, labor, and ideological instruction. The juvenile system comprises three phases, each dependent upon the seriousness of the crime committed. Inmates are motivated and strive to become…

In the conduct of field studies, there are three different points at which data may be collected unobtrusively. The first is when there is a "search" for an area of study. The second point in which data may be gathered unobtrusively is when the researcher is attempting to further the analysis. The third point in which data are collected…

Although college faculty may hesitate to evaluate each others' teaching, it is a sensible alternative to evaluation by students or by administrators. Peer evaluations are not only useful for improving teaching, but also affect promotion and tenure decisions. When faculty are rated by observation, repeated visits and rater training are required in…