Considers how elementary school classroom teachers can employ exploration methods (gathering, evaluation, and synthesis of data related to a specific topic) to help students develop readiness for intellectually complex problem solving. (Author/DB)

Most mathematical ideas can be taught with simplicity. It may be necessary to give up the phrase "mathematics education" and replace it with "basic quantitative literacy." (Author)

A comparison of the Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) program with eight major goals for social studies identified in 1971 by the National Council for the Social Studies. USMES is weak in knowledge of a wider world, but is strong in real problem solving, cooperative efforts, and community involvement. (Author/AV)

Educational Objectives and brief course descriptions for the social studies program, grades K-8, Montgomery County Public School, Rockville Maryland, are presented. The document is organized into two sections. Section one outlines the K-6 Social Studies Design approved by the Council on Instruction in April, 1977. The design should be implemented…

This report describes a practicum designed to plan and implement a training model that is intended to change inservice education and, subsequently, to prepare teachers to individualize instruction. The motivation necessary for planned change, an innovative problem solving design, the implementation of that design, and the results of the…

Explains how a new approach to mathematics education which emphasizes problem solving and interrelationships among various disciplines can help students use mathematics in problem solving in everyday and working lives. (DB)

Many mathematics educators and researchers agree that current mathematics instruction in elementary and secondary schools focuses too much on efficient computation and not enough on mathematical understanding, problem solving, and reasoning. But beyond this agreement exist diverse views about what it means to know, understand, and learn…

This paper explores research on problem solving and suggests a problem-solving approach to elementary school social studies, using a culture study of the ancient Egyptians and King Tut as a sample unit. The premise is that problem solving is particularly effective in dealing with problems which do not have one simple and correct answer but rather…

The first of three parts of a computer awareness program for grades K-9, this guide includes objectives, implementation suggestions, and varied student activity worksheets for a five-unit, primary computer literacy program. A program overview includes the program rationale, goals, description and development, time allotment, and objectives for K-3…

Using Hawaii as an example, this framework for studying a culture focuses on understanding how people solve the problems of living. Intended for elementary school students, the guide is presented in three chapters. Chapter I defines goals and methods of cultural studies. Five concepts that students should understand are that we are all born into…

Asserts that students need opportunities to solve problems by making concept connections from many disciplines. Integrating mathematics and social studies can help. Includes 20 class activities and a chart recommending which grade levels are most appropriate for each activity. (CFR)

Describes the social studies curriculum at Oceanside School District in Long Island (New York) that focuses on the concept of essential questions. Explains that the teachers wanted the questions to reflect an awareness of current world problems that students could identify, discuss, and debate in a creative and age appropriate manner. (CMK)

This handbook, and the VITAL Mathematics Series videotapes, contain 12 lessons that model effective use of active learning strategies in elementary mathematics instruction. The lessons are designed for preservice and inservice teacher development programs through courses or individual study. The videotapes that are available separately demonstrate…

This document notes that the traditional elementary school mathematics curriculum focused on computation. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and other tests in states where minimum competencies have been established are thought to indicate computation-oriented curriculum has not produced the desired results. Further, the…

Four goals of reading instruction are problem solving, securing ideas, achieving state mandated standards, and making decisions. These broad goals provide general direction for teachers in teaching reading. In order to apply reading to problem solving, a teacher may propose a life-like and important problem to students. The pupils then select…