Describes the outcomes of the consultation phase of a curriculum development project in science education in Great Britain. Raises issues which remain to be addressed in the future, including how science contributes to preparation for the world of work, and definitions of content. (DDR)

Proposes using instructional games as a means of reaching students with varying learning styles. Describes several games involving problem solving, role playing, and simulations. The games incorporate aspects of Sternberg's theory that intelligence can be conceptualized as analytic, creative, or practical. (MJP)

Identified are some of the problems experienced by students when learning about organic chemistry reaction mechanisms. Strategies are suggested which may be used by students to facilitate understanding of these mechanisms. (KR)

Children in a model preschool designed to develop planning and problem-solving abilities scored higher than children in comparison preschools on measures constructed to assess planning and problem-solving skills. (BB)

Discusses the use of spreadsheets for problem solving in middle and elementary school math classes. Lists six ideas for their use in the classroom. Includes two templates. (MVL)

Describes a new system for teaching architectural education known as Architectural Design Education. States that this system, developed by Anne Taylor and George Vlastos, introduces students to the problem solving process, integrates creative activities with traditional disciplines, and enhances students' and teachers' ability to relate to their…

Reports a study that investigated the effects of metacognitive instruction in mathematics on low achieving, predominantly Hispanic, elementary school students (grades 3-8). Students were randomly assigned to either experimental (metacognitive) or traditional instruction. Results on learning outcomes showed significant effects favoring students who…

Presents four primary objectives for written assignments. Describes the use of writing assignments in a college probability and statistics course. Maintains that this approach requires students to show statistical and writing skills rarely elicited elsewhere in their coursework. (CFR)

Describes a study that examined preschoolers' abilities to learn problem solving with LOGO, learn new strategies to use during problem solving, and transfer computer learning to other settings. Differences in the effectiveness of LOGO learning for field-dependent versus field-independent learning styles are discussed. (65 references) (LRW)

Offers LOGO as an environment that facilitates the development of cognitive strategies useful in problem solving. Presents LOGO activities requiring students to combine preprogramed procedures to produce worksheet patterns. Using this approach promotes using LOGO as a vehicle for problem solving and results in a more positive attitude toward LOGO.…

Describes three activities that the teacher can employ to help students develop thinking skills through mathematics instruction: (1) memorization using the technique of chunking; (2) higher order thinking with magic squares; and (3) predicting games. Identifies eight facets of the teacher's role in promoting thinking skills. (MDH)

Compares performances of students on gas-law problems that require two distinct approaches, either the algorithmic technique or the conceptual gestalt. Indicates that student effectiveness is considerably different utilizing each approach and that training or experience with the algorithm process should not be expected to facilitate the…

Reports unique solutions given to five problems from individual students in mathematics courses for prospective elementary school teachers oriented toward problem solving. Concludes that such courses are feasible, promote problem-solving abilities and strategies, and develop appreciation and confidence in preservice teachers. (MDH)

Presents an experiment to examine the relative effects of cooperative groups versus independent practice in helping students encode problem-solving strategies into their long-term memory. Four classes of 126 prealgebra students were randomly assigned to employ the 2 methodologies. Students who practiced in cooperative groups demonstrated greater…

Utilizes a quasiexperimental design to examine the impact of microcomputer simulations on environmental problem solving by community college students. The experimental group of students (n=34) showed a highly significant improvement in problem-solving skills after being exposed to three simulation models that focused on lake pollution analysis,…