Factor-Q is a problem-solving computer assisted instruction system for teaching polynomials in grades 9-12 that addresses the limitations of most problem-solving programs, among others, the user interface. The system is designed to help students master the skills of factorizing polynomials. It demonstrates the ease with which inadequately trained…

In April 2000, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will release "Principles and Standards in School Mathematics," a revised document stressing conceptual understanding and reasoning. NCTM standards specify that curricula should emphasize five mathematical processes: problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication,…

Business managers are faced with complex decisions involving a wide range of issues--technical, social, environmental, and financial--and their interaction. Our education system focuses heavily on presenting structured problems and teaching students to apply a set of tools or methods to solve these problems. Yet the most difficult thing to teach…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is apprenticeship for real-life problem solving, helping students acquire the knowledge and skills required in the workplace. Although the acquisition of knowledge and skills makes it possible for performance to occur, without self-efficacy the performance may not even be attempted. I examined how student…

This paper presents the application of the problem-based learning (PBL) method as an innovative approach to teaching engineering. This paper supports the idea that the PBL method is aptly suited to teaching the engineering disciplines, as its methodology nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are central to a graduate's…

When one instructor teaches a course called "Communication and Critical Thinking," he uses Josina Makau's book "Reasoning and Communication: Thinking Critically about Arguments" (1990), which maintains that critical thinking requires training. Case methodology can be used for training, not exclusively but as an alternative to…

Students encounter numerous volatile situations throughout their school days. These videotapes and the accompanying teacher's manual and student handouts provide ways in which students can creatively assess and resolve these conflicts. The videotapes are designed for the whole school community: students and parents, teaching and non-teaching…

Designed to help high school students, this curriculum guides youngsters to develop a better understanding of difficult issues raised by questions of justice. It is hoped that the ideas, observations, questions, and procedures students learn in the curriculum will help them to make informed decisions about how to promote justice and combat…

Presented are 10 activity-oriented units designed to provide an introduction to study skills in mathematics for pre-algebra students. Topic areas of the units include: listening as a study skill; problem solving; understanding the language of mathematics; learning from homework; using formulas; estimation; preparing for a test; and taking a…

This research synthesis identifies a number of important concepts regarding the teaching of problem solving skills to students in grades K-12. Studies investigated what problem solving skills are and whether they can be taught, as well as how problem solving can be organized in the curriculum and how it should be taught. Major findings from the…

The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

This is an effective drill and practice activity that does not use consumable materials. It does not teach math facts, algorithms or concepts. It provides immediate feedback to the learner and can be easily modified for use in many curriculum areas. It is self correcting because the student can identify errors without assistance and provides…

This pre-school through grade 12 environmental education learning continuum was designed to help educators with a systematic method which develops an environmental ethic among students. It consists of: (1) preschool through third-grade activities (which stress environmental awareness and sensitivity); (2) intermediate level activities (which give…

The content of textbooks teaching the use of a computer was studied. An important component of skill learning, choosing the right procedure at the right time, is difficult in computer education because the connection between real-world goals and the generic procedures described in a manual is often obscure. Furthermore, it is difficult to tell…

This publication contains two miniunits to help students in grades 7-12 build skills for the future. The exercises can also be adapted for use in grades 4-6. Each of the miniunits contains several exercises to build specific skills. Miniunit One, "The Arithmetic of Growth," deals with two concepts--exponential growth and doubling time. These two…