Various similarity measures for source code have been proposed, many rely on edit- or tree-distance. To support a lecturer in quickly assessing live or online exercises with respect to "approaches taken by the students," we compare source code on a more abstract, semantic level. Even if novice student's solutions follow the same idea,…

During collaborative learning, computer-supported or otherwise, students balance task-oriented goals with the interpersonal goals of relationship-building; these goals may conflict, negatively impacting learning. In peer tutoring, for instance, tutors may avoid providing feedback to their partners to avoid the face-threat to their tutee. In this…

This study dealt with the construction of an observation instrument for instructional cues. Cues are defined as a complex of instructions, methods, and conditions by which students both learn the material and learn to apply the material. As part of the "Classroom Environment Study: Teaching for Learning," the pilot study began a review of the…

Two questions are dealt with: (1) Can those strategies or behaviors which enable experts to solve problems well be characterized, and (2) Can students be trained to use such strategies? A problem-solving course for college students is described and the model on which the course is based is outlined in an attempt to answer these questions. The…

The purpose of this study was to find out what difficulties Nicaraguan children encounter in doing addition and subtraction exercises. The results were used in the design of radio lessons in mathematics for elementary school. The performance on addition exercises is analyzed with a view toward identifying the distinct skills that are required by…

Presented is a description of the development and use of a technical system designed to provide students (in this case, engineering students) situated at remote sites a means for better interaction with their instructors. For example, students at such sites cannot get their immediate questions answered because of the physical location of their…

This paper considers the future of communication research and instruction in an age when the communication environment is under stress from such factors as communication overload, language "pollution," and a widespread and growing disregard for truth. Items related to the general thesis are considered from three perspectives: the role of…

Three preliminary studies and one exploratory main study investigated the effect of calculator use on elementary, middle, and secondary school students' solution methods on routine mathematical problems. Items were identified for which a longer and a shorter solution method existed. Half of the sample worked these using a calculator and half used…

Five papers from the Workshop on Mathematical Problem Solving sponsored by the Georgia Center for the Study of Learning and Teaching Mathematics are included along with an overview of the interests and history of the Center and its organization of the problem-solving workshop. One paper contains an overview of mathematical problem solving. The…

The author argues that the input-output model of learning is inadequate for those who believe education is to produce persons who can solve problems in a particular area. He suggests that the act of learning be examined rather than the products of an educational experience. Piaget's mental-structures model of learning is then discussed along with…

This study is one of several conducted by the authors in their investigation of the use of "higher order rules" in the solution of problems. The focus of the current experiment was determination of the compatibility of identified rules with the knowledge of average teenagers, and of the extent to which instruction in higher order rules…

Engineering mechanics is recognized as one of the core subject matter areas of most engineering and technology educational programs. The study of mechanics and particularly the applications of problem solving to rigid bodies at rest (statics) has proven to be troublesome to students. Systematic problem solving includes analysis, synthesis, and…

Today, product liability cases seem to be increasing rapidly in both number and extent of liability of the manufacturer. Where analysis of defects and failures was once of interest to the enlightened company, it could well become a necessity for survival of all in the future. The materials engineer is likely to find many opportunities for…

Included are 11 papers presented at the 1976 annual meeting of the National Association for Environmental Education. Papers include classroom activities, teaching value clarification, community education programs, curriculum considerations, and quality of life discussions. (RH)

The extent to which kindergarten children are able to solve simple quantitative problems merely through the application of counting procedures, before they receive formal instruction in any basic arithmetic operations, is investigated. The study indicates that most kindergarten children can comprehend simple story problems of the type used in…