Preservice teachers often need help applying classroom management theories to real-world situations due to their abstract nature. Using a case-based instruction strategy for teaching classroom management topics is a common practice to introduce preservice teachers to the contextual complexity of classrooms. This study investigates and compares the…

Young students starting school for the first time (e.g., kindergarteners) often benefit from more than typical intensity of behavioral support. Learning new social expectations, routines, and interaction patterns can be daunting. This is an important concern for schools implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). Learning a…

A critical incident is an unexpected event that occurs in the classroom. Teachers can uncover a new understanding of the teaching and learning process through reflecting on these critical incidents. This study explored the writing and discussion of critical incidents among six student teachers with their cooperating teachers in a practicum under…

Recent studies have shown that strengths in spatial skills are a key to success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. However, these skills are undervalued in our educational system and thus seldom incorporated in classroom teaching. As a first step towards changing the current practices, we worked with a group of…

This article examines the bicycle as not simply a means of transportation or as an exercise device, but rather as a vehicle for teambuilding and problem solving activities within a physical education curriculum. The activities described in this article focus on bike-centered initiatives that foster creative problem solving. They have universal…

This design-based research study is aimed at two goals: (1) developing a feasible case-based instructional model that could enhance college students' ill-structured problem solving abilities, while (2) implementing the model to improve teacher education students' real-world problem solving abilities to deal with dilemmas faced by practicing…

Discusses the 15-session Structure/Themes/Open Communication/Reflection/ Individuality/Experiential Learning/ Social-Problem-Solving (STORIES) program, which uses the peer group and story form as vehicles to improve social problem solving for aggressors, victims, and bystanders. Postintervention reports show decreases in externalizing and…

Research findings on problem solving and ideas for improving problem-solving instruction are presented. What a problem is and the fact that few problems appear in textbooks are noted. What successful problem solvers do is discussed, with the stages of problem solving described, including the point that checking their work may be the most important…

Describes five types of activities that elementary school teachers can use to help students understand decimals. These activities use money calculations, base-10 blocks, meter sticks, calculators, and problem solving. Specific examples are provided. (MDM)

This article suggests ways in which special educators of students with emotional and behavioral disorders can introduce puppets into their classrooms as educational and therapeutic instruments. Puppets are able to help students identify problems and find rational solutions in a nonthreatening situation. Two sample applications are included. (DB)

Creating classroom rules together can be a very meaningful experience for children and teachers and can help establish a positive sense of classroom community. Student participation in rule-making encourages active involvement, reflection, meaningful connections, respect for rules, a sense of community, problem solving through negotiation,…

Describes three approaches teachers can use to help students understand the computation of numbers: calculator explorations, problem solving, and discussion topics. Specific examples are provided for primary and upper grades. (MDM)

The paper discusses the results of a research project based on the field testing of a course aimed at developing arithmetic problem solving skills in primary school pupils. The course was designed to incorporate e-learning techniques, including the use of ARI@ITALES authoring tools. These tools allowed the integration in the course of…

Presents (1) several activities on problem solving; (2) tips on creating a classroom climate favorable for problem-solving performance; and (3) a source of background materials for teachers. (JN)

Utilizing three exemplary problem-solving tasks within an arithmetic framework, this article discusses the four focal components deemed necessary for the improvement of mathematics teaching, namely task appropriateness, avenues of classroom discourse, the intellectual climate within the classroom, and proper and effective methods of analysis. (JJK)