Investigated differences in achievement of 221 kindergartners with different cognitive tempos. Results suggest that kindergartners who exhibit an impulsive cognitive tempo may be judged by teachers as being less academically and socially competent than other kindergartners. (RJC)

Prescriptions for improving student understanding and problem-solving performance related to transmission genetics are discussed. Research on novice/expert problem-solving in transmission genetics is reviewed. (Author/CW)

The purpose of this study was to develop a procedure for the evaluation of M-demand of chemistry problems. It was shown that dimensional analysis upon the Neo-Piagetian theory of Pascual-Leone could help science teachers to understand the epistemological basis of their discipline. (CW)

The development and use of educational software for children with severe learning problems are described. The software deals with common conceptual, communicative, and problem-solving problems in this population. It is argued that appropriately structured computer-mediated interaction can result in development and expression of cognitive skills…

The influence of cultural practices on the cognitive development of largely unschooled children was investigated among 23 candy sellers and matched non-vendors between 10- and 12-years-old who resided in northeast Brazil. Findings are interpreted as supporting a model of cognitive development in which children construct novel understandings while…

Investigates the effect that manipulation of the extent of formal reasoning required for solving chemistry problems has upon student performance, and presents a cognitive model for the qualitative analysis of that effect. Concludes that the developmental level of students is the most important predictor of problem-solving success given significant…

Presents a method to enhance the teaching of computer programing to secondary students that establishes a connection between logic, truth tables, switching circuits, gating symbols, flow charts, and pseudocode. The author asserts that the method prepares students for thinking processes related to programing. (MDH)

This paper describes a method of understanding student problem-solving behavior during computer-assisted instruction using trigonometry as the example domain. Instead of attempting to model the student's process for solving problems, techniques which infer the equivalence between two adjacent steps in the student's process are used to determine…

Compared the collaborative patterns of seven- and five-year-old expert planners working with five-year-old novice planners on tasks requiring reverse sequencing strategies. Results suggest that cognitive gains are achieved when children collaborate with peers more expert than themselves in problem-solving activities. (MM)

The study examined methods of mathematical problem solving with 34 gifted and 34 average Dutch 10 year olds. Typical questioning protocols are diagrammed and results tabulated. Preliminary findings suggest the potential value of explicit teaching of advanced mathematical problem-solving skills to pupils of average ability. (DB)

Reviews research focusing on problem-solving deficits and their relationship to suicidal behavior and considers some of the methodological problems that arise. Discusses findings in terms of active versus passive problem solving, state or trait factors, and the psychological processes underlying problem solving. (Author/JDM)

Examined whether toddlers would use information presented through video to solve a retrieval problem. Found that 2.5-year-olds were very successful at finding a hidden toy based on viewing a televised hiding event, but 2-year-olds were not. Substantially better performance was achieved by other 2-year-olds who either watched or believed they were…

Explores the idea that play is one of the fundamental processes by which children develop their understanding of the world by looking at play as an intrinsically motivated activity. (WRM)

Investigated the cognitive gains of interacting pairs of Grade 10 students who show low levels of competence and fail to solve a task individually but who improve when working in peer interaction. Found that this phenomenon may occur when the two students disagree, have different strategies, and active hypothesis testing is made possible. (JPB)

Children's natural propensity for wonder is important to learning. Educators play a vital role in keeping that sense of wonder alive; educators must not merely supply explanations, but must move young children toward solving their own problems through active exploration, discovery, and reflection--processes that are pertinent to our responses in…