Affect and mathematical competence are each multifaceted constructs. Accordingly, the studies in this Special Issue address multiple pathways between the two in young children. This commentary highlights the variability of these pathways and asks how affective variables are specifically related to core mathematical activities such as problem…

Distinguishes between adaptive learning (reproducing routine actions) and developmental learning (using creativity or problem solving). States that the learning potential of a task is function of the following: (1) task complexity, variety, and control; (2) feedback, evaluation, and reflection; (3) type and degree of formalization; (4) employee…

Components of a problem-solving lab include eight activity zones: problem setting, information gathering, problem analysis, modeling, problem evaluation, prototype, observation, and television studio. (SK)

This article discusses the future of federally funded teacher centers and alternatives available to those responsible for shaping future policies. (JD)

Discussion of computer programming and knowledge-based instruction focuses on three studies of elementary and secondary school students which show that five particular problem-solving strategies can be developed in students explicitly taught the strategies and given practice applying them to solve LOGO programming problems. (Contains 53…

Creativity is valued increasingly in business and education. Humor, fun, and play take the brain from a cognitive, rule-bound state to a more fluid state where the whole body can work on a problem while the "thinking mind" is relaxed. Vignettes demonstrate how adventure education stimulates creativity through play, fun, humor, and…

In earlier times, practically everything was taught by apprenticeships. Schools are a recent invention that use many fewer teaching resources, but the computer enables us to go back to the resource-intensive mode of education, in a form called cognitive apprenticeship. This involves the use of modeling, coaching, reflecting on performance, and…

This paper critiques and comments on symposium presentations focused on issues related to parent involvement in educational activities and the schools. Although bureaucratic agencies have become important influences on education, recognition is growing that the family has a primary role in training and educating children. The involvement of…

Discussion of how to teach students to use different environments for learning focuses on visual awareness and visual problem solving skills in a visual literacy walk. Highlights include observation techniques, multiple perspectives, categorizing and analyzing visual information, and generating multiple solutions for problem solving tasks. (six…

This article briefly outlines the dominant critical thinking technique, explains why the reductionistic methodology and epistemic assumptions underlying its strategies are problematic, and suggests that ideological influences have led to critical thinking's uncritical endorsement as a learning technique. More imaginative creative approaches are…

One reason why curriculum planning has received so much attention but generated so little practical activity is the inadequate grasp of the arts of perception--the arts which enable curriculum developers to see and make use of the significant and particular features of problematic situations. The four kinds of practical arts are: perception (list…

Synectics is a creative problem-solving process developed by William J. J. Gordon and George Prince in the 1960s (Gordon, 1961). A result of Gordon and Prince observing brainstorming sessions that achieved varying levels of success, Synectics outlines the processes that people can use to help them overcome mental blocks while working on difficult…

New understandings about learning and a vision of vocational education as lifelong planning and learning to work with others and be productive converge to suggest that vocational education will be a central force in this century. Vocational programs will continue to stress personal and cognitive development, connections between practical and…

Presents the views of different members of "The Creativity Group" at Teachers College, Columbia University, on the importance of creative thinking and how teachers can provide conditions for continuous encouragement of the creative process. The importance of creative thinking, planning, and implementation for good teaching is emphasized.…

Discusses the similarities in learning outcomes from two very different environments: a research group and a problem-solving course. Provides examples that characterize the two environments and that point to similarities in outcomes. Speculates about why such similarities exist. (DDR)