This report introduces the concept of a "metacourse"--i.e., the provision of mental models, problem solving strategies, key concepts, and other structures--to assist students in learning programming, and examines the effect of the use of such a metacourse on high school programming students. The experimental group consisted of 6 teachers…

Describes the guess-and-check method and discusses the advantages of using computers to apply the methods to solve mathematics problems. Provides two examples that use BASIC programs to illustrate the method. (MDH)

The development of a two week summer institute for seventh and eighth grade students who are gifted in math and science and are interested in computers is summarized, and various project materials are appended. Objectives of the 1982 microcomputer summer institute, which was sponsored by the State University of New York at Albany, included:…

The standards developed for reform in mathematics education by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) de-emphasize the algorithmic manipulation of mathematical symbols. The NCTM takes the position that the rapidly changing workplace is an environment that requires problem-solving skills with computers being used to perform routine…

This study was conducted to determine whether young children, given the experience of Logo programming, would acquire problem-solving skills and be able to transfer those skills to other areas. The study also investigated Logo's effectiveness in teaching certain fundamental geometric concepts to children who were supposedly not developmentally…

Describes a study of high school students that investigated the use of microcomputers to teach principles relating to the design and interpretation of graphs. Results related to student achievement, higher order thinking skills, and behavioral protocols are discussed. A sample assignment sheet and test questions are appended. (66 references) (LRW)

This report was part of the total scope of The Microcomputers and Middle School Problem Solving project. It employed representational models during problem solving in order to study: (1) observable patterns in self-directed use of representational models; (2) correlations between use of models and problem-solving ability; and (3) the motives of…

This study addressed the assessment and development of problem-solving skills of college students. A mathematics-oriented computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program with an embedded general problem-solving strategy was developed. A related computer-managed instruction (CMI) module maintained student progress and phased out the problem-solving…

Two Computers Unlimited elementary magnet schools have completed their first year of operation as part of the Long-Range Magnet School Plan in the Kansas City School District. The curriculum for the Computers Unlimited theme emphasizes basic skills, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. This formative evaluation report addresses the…