The system of student assessment in Russian universities is described and contrasted with that of universities in Britain. Focus is on entrance examinations, use of problem solving and case studies for continuous assessment, individual research projects, and graduate employment patterns as they relate to student performance. (MSE)

Describes teaching methods employed in German elementary school classrooms that develop discovery, creativity, and a spirit of cooperation in students learning mathematics. Methods included free choice of learning activities by students and small group cooperative activities. Students' motivation, self-confidence, social and communications skills,…

This paper considers ways in which interactive video (IV) is used in mathematics classrooms in England. Teachers (n=14) chose modules from a package of 17. The three modules most used by teachers are discussed. Researchers found that IV use puts greater emphasis on process skills. (14 references) (Author/(MLB)

"The Systemic Initiative for Montana Mathematics and Science," based on a successful Dutch nontraditional curriculum, was used by a mathematics teacher to help ninth graders apply previously learned skills. Creative learning modules provided hands-on experience and helped students carry concrete knowledge to more abstract levels,…

Described are the conceptions held by United States and Israeli students about multiplication and division that may impede their work with decimals. Included are the introduction, method, division and multiplication task results, and the implications for education and textbook development. (KR)

Three modules on chemical equilibrium, developed as resource materials for a content-methodology course in chemistry for intending teachers and also for general chemistry courses at the senior secondary and tertiary levels, are described. The use of these modules in a methodology course showed a significant development of competence in the…

Three groups of sixth, eighth, and tenth graders took pre- and posttests on a Piagetian problem and a problem that evoked a misconception. Two intervention groups engaged in group transactions intended to create inter- and intrapersonal conflicts or took a multiple-choice test. Results indicated that treatment groups progressed on the Piagetian…

Australian study analyzed how feminists in high administrative positions conceptualized and practiced administrative leadership in education, focusing on the way they reconciled their feminist stance to formal authority and power in a dominant masculine culture. Interviews indicated they prioritized educational practices and people values over…

This study examines the effect of formal representation of blue and yellow color mixtures as rational numbers on students' ability to solve ratio problems comparing the mixtures. Sixty subjects participated, 20 from each of grades 7, 8, and 9 from a Haifa (Israel) junior high school. Introducing the formal representation improved performance for…

The ability of 378 elementary school students (aged 9-12 years) in Israel to extract "lawfulnesses" (invariants) from experience and to react to error by reexamining the problem and finding the error was studied on a self-paced inference task. Results are discussed in terms of postfailure reflectivity and postfailure impulsivity. (SLD)

A mathematics achievement test was taken by 132 U.S. and 110 Japanese fifth graders. Scores were higher for the Japanese, and relatively better for computation than problem solving. The reverse was true for the U.S. students. Results are discussed in terms of amount and kind of exposure to mathematics. (SLD)

Presents a study of metacognitive responses of English school children examining four common metacognitive function measures. Discusses the content of each measure, the search for developmental commonality, and statistical relationships. Concludes that no evidence supported a common metacognitive factor or unified construct, although a common…

A study investigated the ability of University of Newcastle upon Tyne (England) teacher trainees to use their problem-solving skills in experiential programs in local businesses and public services. Students were grouped in teams and placed as "intelligent outsiders" with employers. Results for hosts and students are reported, and…

Provided is a perspective on the teaching of a unit on the Earth in space. The themes to be found within the unit, approaches and resources that can be used for teaching and learning the subject, and some of the typical ideas that children hold about astronomical subjects are provided. (KR)

Examines problem-solving techniques used by students in French schools by testing 370 children in grades 6-9. Finds a high degree of variability in procedure selection among those tested. Results show the ability to use a standard procedure is sufficient for solving test problems. Recommends stressing cognitive flexibility. (NL)