Describes a collaborative approach to action research involving 41 practitioners in two elementary schools. The practitioners designed, implemented, and evaluated solutions to classroom and building-level issues affecting the inclusion of students with moderate to profound disabilities. Two case studies are shared to illustrate the process.…

Discusses the use of spreadsheets for mathematical problem solving to help develop higher-level-thinking skills and foster an experimental attitude toward learning mathematics. An example is given of middle-school and high-school students investigating a number-structures problem. (LRW)

Highlights the differences between classical teaching methods and problem-based learning. Describes the curriculum and problem-based approach of the Faculty of Medicine at the Maastricht University and gives an overview of the implementation of biochemistry in the medical curriculum. Discusses the procedure for student assessment and presents…

Discusses difficulties students with hearing impairments have in math computation and in solving problems with verbal cues. Programs and texts are described that teach math visually and kinesthetically and encourage students to find different approaches to the same problem. An illustration of a mathematical concept is included. (CR)

Discusses the rationale for using teaching cases in special education teacher programs to provide narrative accounts of authentic teaching situations. Describes how teaching cases are being used by a collaborative research team at the University of South Florida, along with the cases developed by the group. (Author/CR)

Describes a mathematics trail created on the campus of Exeter Academy and in the town of Exeter, New Hampshire. A series of problems and puzzles enabled teachers to teach mathematics outdoors. Novel questions were created to permit students to look at things from a different perspective. Participants were often inspired to create questions of…

Proposes a foundation for the design of an online learning environment being developed at the University of New England (Australia) for the acquisition of metacognitive problem solving skills in science. Discusses instructional design guidelines for developing learning environments that supply cognitive support to strengthen metacognitive and…

To increase student achievement, a Massachusetts school district used Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to problem solving for strategic planning. The process asks: What does this organization do well, and what is our vision for the future. Cites activities that helped schools reach goals set in the process. (MLF)

Describes a collaborative effort between a professor and a group of high school teachers pursuing an M.A. in education as they model practices for problem solving in the school climate. Addresses the theory that teachers who feel supported in their own ongoing learning and classroom practices are more committed to teaching. (Contains six…

Discusses improving student test scores based on an interview with Bob Berkowitz, co-developer of the Big6 approach to problem solving. Highlights include experiences at Wayne Central High School (Ontario Center, NY); cooperation between library media specialists and classroom teachers; viewing instruction as a series of information problems; and…

Describes two group projects in sixth grade classrooms in Appalachia. The purpose of the projects was to encourage the students to become interested in community problems and actively work on solutions. Both projects were multifaceted learning experiences that helped to develop responsible attitudes and leadership abilities. (JD)

This article addresses the use of behavioral interviews in school consultation programs to identify problems that may require student referral to special education. It examines elements that make up the interview, presents ways to bolster the technical adequacy of the behavioral interview, and calls for interview skills training. (JDD)

This paper discusses the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards" (produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) that are of particular relevance to mildly handicapped children. Concepts discussed include curriculum and instruction, need for a broad spectrum of mathematics, problem solving, vocabulary, emphasis on understanding, and…

Describes the use of teacher researcher teams in problem solving and evaluation in the David A. Ellis School's Schools Reaching Out project. Provides guidelines for such teams in other schools. (DM)

Discusses the use of self-directed learning in a large group class. Describes a workshop for developing group communication skills. (YP)