Information useful for the initiation and operation of an individualized learning center (ILC) is provided in this manual which also includes an evaluation of the ILC for the American Indian students of the Cook School in Arizona. The recommendations in the manual are based on the experience gained in operating the ILC at the Cook School. The…

The effects of behavioral and performance contingencies on classroom behavior and on academic performance were investigated. The subjects, third grade students from an inner city elementary school, were exposed to a series of conditions including baseline, behavior contingencies, performance contingencies, and a mix of behavior and performance…

Describes the reasoning patterns characteristic of the abstract thinking required for higher levels of school science. Discusses control and exclusion of variables, ratio and proportion, conservation involving models, compensation and equilibrium, correlation, probability, combinatorial thinking, coordination of frames of reference, and…

Describes a study which compared the performance of learning handicapped and nonhandicapped boys in grades four, five, and six working in like pairs, mixed pairs, and individually at the computer on a mathematics problem-solving task. It was found that the boys worked as effectively in pairs as they did individually. (LRW)

This review of the research on Logo use with pre-high school students highlights programing and learning stages, cognitive requirements, and effects of Logo programing on social-emotional development, achievement, and problem-solving abilities. (MBR)

Reports on a study in which children aged 7 to 9 years and 11 to 13 years were asked to judge which one out of three wooden blocks would float, given weight and volume information for each block relative to a block that was known to float. Indicates that judgments may have been based on the size-weight illusion. (HOD)

This text explores teaching techniques and adaptations that have proven effective in teaching mathematics concepts and skills to students with learning disabilities. This fourth edition, consistent with the standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000, continues to emphasize problem solving, number sense, student…

We examine aspects of flexible mathematical thinking in middle school students and its contribution to the growth of their mathematical understanding. We inductively analyzed data collected from video-episodes of an interactive, problem-solving based after-school mathematics class. Flexibility is essential in such classrooms since students must…

A study was conducted to determine whether chess instruction would change the measure of a student's field-dependence or field-independence as determined by the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) in the direction of stronger field independence. Field dependence/independence is a psychological construct referring to a global versus an analytical…

The longitudinal New Zealand project "Competent Children" has two objectives: to describe and analyze variations and changes in children's cognitive, social, communicative and problem-solving competencies from the time they begin school at the age of five; and to determine what impact children's early childhood education experiences,…

Discusses a performance assessment tool that entails open-ended tasks requiring students not only to provide answers but to show their solution processes. Discusses several areas to address in developing open-ended tasks. Areas include the need to assess important mathematical content and cognitive processes, use of effective prompts, and use of…

Results of a study involving 107 sixth graders, 107 secondary school students, and 99 college education majors support the basic hypothesis of the intuitive model of solving multiplicative problems proposed by E. Fischbein and others (1985) but show that the theory does not account for all the empirical data. (SLD)

Discusses the use of cognitive strategy instruction to improve students' performance in mathematics. The theoretical and research base for strategy instruction is reviewed, and developmental characteristics of students who have difficulties in mathematics are examined. A practical example of cognitive strategy instruction illustrates assessment…

A study focused on identifying the academic characteristics of 21 children and youth who have Asperger syndrome. Students had an extraordinary range of academic achievement scores, extending from significantly above average to far below grade level. Lowest achievement scores were shown for numerical operations, listening comprehension, and written…

Reviewed are 41 software packages. Many topic areas are covered. A brief synopsis, grade levels, hardware requirements, and approximate cost are included. A list of 23 software producers is included. (CW)