Compares seven positions on media influences on learning that were presented in a previous journal issue; discusses the conflict between advocates of a given approach versus integrated approaches to the solving of complex problems; and presents a model that links cognitive processes to computer-based prescriptions for improvements in learning. (35…

Presented is a proof where special attention is accorded to rigor and detail in proving the lemma that relates ruler-and-compass constructions to arithmetical operations. The idea that some angles cannot be trisected by a ruler and compass is proved using three different cases. (KR)

Discusses situated learning and instruction. Topics discussed include situated cognition theories; prescriptions for instructional design; adapting instructional design to situated learning; evaluating situated learning; situated cognition and the role of the teacher; different types of problem-solving activities; and the work of the Cognition and…

Ritzville Pyramids are cone-shaped piles of wheat found near the community of Ritzville, Washington. Presents the practical problem of determining the volume and surface area of a Ritzville pyramid to help farmers solve cost-effectiveness questions related to selling the wheat. (MDH)

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

Explores what creative drama is, why it should be included in the teaching of both expository and creative writing, and how language arts teachers can implement creative drama activities to increase student success in writing and to improve learning. Describes how using creative drama to enhance creative writing restores authority to students for…

Deals with the importance of problem solving and how cooperative learning can play a role in helping students solve problems. Emphasizes the importance of communicating mathematical concepts through reading, writing, and discussing. Gives specific suggestions for implementing cooperative learning in the classroom. Presents a classroom example of…

Tests the hypothesis that personalized messages in a multimedia science lesson can promote deep learning by actively engaging students in the elaboration of the materials and reducing processing load. Instructional messages were presented in either a personalized style or a neutral style. Results reveal that personalized messages produced better…

The goal of this study was to gain insights into the interactions that occur in online communications in a project-based learning activity implemented in an undergraduate course. A multi-case study was conducted of six collaborative groups, focusing on the types and frequencies of interactions that occurred within each group and the perceptions…

Problem solving as a skill is emphasized within the revised Japanese Course of Study for schools. This experimental study, conducted among Japanese high school students, evaluates an effort to develop student ability to identify reasons for "different" points of view, not just personally favored views. First, the ability of all students…

This is the second of two papers that propose an expanded and enriched view of arithmetic problem solving by stressing the need to provide learning activities that include problems of varying structures. The first paper included a framework for the enhancement of text-based problems. This second paper proposes a scheme for the development of…

This paper describes insights on how to promote mathematical reasoning in problem solving based on the mathematical experiences of participants in a long-term study in which the students engaged in strands of well-defined, open-ended mathematical investigations, as a context for research on the development of particular concepts and ways of…

This article describes my efforts to improve student skills in solving unstructured problems in a junior-level undergraduate business course by employing a problem-based learning (PBL) design. A rationale for adopting a PBL approach for this course is articulated. A 7-step problem-solving model is then presented. The course's design is described,…

This article describes an integrated activity that can teach students important lessons in recycling, manufacturing, measurement, art, and ecology, while at the same time putting old crayons to good use. The activity involved organizing fourth-grade students into a manufacturing company that would melt old crayons into molds to form a new product…

A problem sometimes called Moser's circle problem where a circular region has to be partitioned with chords without any three chords intersecting at one point, is discussed. It is shown that Moser's circle problem makes the students to use a variety of mathematical tools to find correct solutions to problems and gives an opportunity to think about…