Proposes novel methods of solving mechanics and dynamics problems by changing frames of reference. Uses these ideas to pursue Einstein's notions of inertial and uniformly rotating reference frames, gravitational and inertial mass, and the gravitational bending of light in relation to the simple original problem. (JM)

In a one-week symposium, college students learned about the social psychology of international conflict through a role-play of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The symposium also included lectures and required readings. (RM)

"Diagraming Analysis of a Fuzzy Technique" (DAFT) is a model rectifying two problems associated with Future Problem Solving Bowl activities, namely problem definition by teams and evaluation of team responses. (MC)

Discusses the issue of scapegoating in the classroom and describes a problem-solving method for use with the whole class as well as the problem child, illustrated with a case study. The model is designed so that cognitive and affective concerns can be expressed and transformed into positive actions. (JAC)

A sociologist and a writing instructor developed a college level human ecology course that stresses problem solving and written communication. The emphasis on thinking and writing skills increased student ability to identify, resolve, and communicate issues in sociology. (Author/RM)

Suggests that problems designed for classroom use should include such factors as ways to introduce the problem, the skills to be developed, the mathematical prerequisites for the problem, key questions, extensions, and solutions. An example is provided which illustrates these and other points. (JN)

In this work we show some activities designed with a First Year group of the Mathematics Degree to give the graphic register back its mathematical status and promote its use on the part of the students. In particular, we have chosen the topic related to improper integration to reinforce the use of this register by the students. [For complete…

This paper uses data from two mathematics lessons to explore the nature of progressive discourse and examine critical features of teacher actions that contribute to mathematics classrooms functioning as communities of inquiry. Features found to promote progressive discourse include a focus on the conceptual elements of the curriculum and the use…

This paper presents preliminary hypotheses about a common core of faculty beliefs about how their students learn to solve problems in their introductory courses. Using a process of structured interviews and a concept map based analysis, we find that faculty appear to believe that students learn problem solving primarily through a process of…

We explore how fourth grade (9 to 10 year olds) students can come to understand and use the syntactic rules of algebra on the basis of their understanding about how quantities are interrelated. Our classroom data comes from a longitudinal study with students who participated in weekly Early Algebra activities from grades 2 through 4. We describe…

During several years of experimentation, we accumulated a large collection of data on the analysis of problems generally encountered in algebra and on the reasoning developed by students at different levels when confronted with these problems. Analysis of this data led us to a new way of looking at differences among word problems, and to the…

In this paper we analyze the meanings of the "equal" sign as generated by sense production of the methods of substitution and comparison for solving problems and systems of equations of two unknowns. These methods are usually introduced through an extension process of the syntax and meanings recently learned by students in order to solve…

This paper describes a course for education majors, Educational Inquiry, in which students completed action research investigations in their public school classrooms. The primary responsibility of designing, implementing, and sharing study results belonged to the college students rather than their cooperating teachers. Action research based on new…

This document presents the Year 8 Annual Report of the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED). Contents include: (1) Executive Summary; (2) Response to Recommendations of Prior Review Teams; (3) Major Accomplishments; (4) Faculty Development; (5) Outcomes Assessment; (6) Student Transitions; (7)…

This document presents the Year 9 Annual Report of the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED). Contents include: (1) Executive Summary; (2) Response to Recommendations of Prior Review Teams; (3) Major Accomplishments; (4) Faculty Development; (5) Outcomes Assessment; (6) Student Transitions; (7)…