The willingness of continuing educators to meet the challenge of studying the computer and using it to enhance the learning process will influence whether this generation of educators takes a step forward toward a respectable profession or a step backward toward a poorly paid skill. (Author)

Some of the most provocative problems in mathematics concern logical paradoxes. Provides a series of paradoxes for students to consider. (CCM)

Many important human activities involve accomplishing goals without a script. There is no formula for true problem-solving. Heuristic, cognitive "rules of thumb" are the problem-solver's best guide. Learners should understand heuristic tools such as means-end analysis, working backwards, successive approximation, and external representation. Since…

Instructional gaming, as distinguished from simulation, is defined as any overt instructional or learning format that involves competition and is rule-guided. The literature review identifies five categories of articles on instructional gaming: (1) research, (2) theory, (3) reviews, (4) discussion, and (5) development. Games have been found to…

A short exercise is presented designed to show in 45-90 minutes some of the aspects of simulation gaming as an educational tool. The simulation involves participants acting as members of a Community Advisory Council to the Board of Trustees and the President of a community college, meeting to discuss budget problems. The council represents diverse…

Describes three games that one can play with or without a computer involving arithmetic, strategy, and problem solving techniques. Lists an abbreviated program for BASIC. Provides information on availability of the variable number game and the ARITHMETICULATOR which does calculations of large numbers and runs on IBM PCs. (RT)

Too often, looking at middle school math classrooms through the eyes of the students reveals a monotonous routine with no clear application to life outside of school. In this article, the author suggests a few strategies for putting the life back into middle school mathematics: (1) mix it up by changing the physical environment and classwork…

Operational gaming techniques that are permeating the architectural profession are used to: elicit user needs, represent architectural realities in the classroom, understand the rationale behind complex design decisions, and model decision environments at many levels with coarse or refined data. (MLW)

Two studies to determine how students interact with two microworlds that reflect a constructivist view of learning investigated students' goals during interaction, strategies utilized to achieve their goals, changes in goals during interaction, and common patterns of interaction and learning. Concludes that well-designed games enable students to…

This article discusses how developmental and behaviorist learning theories can be used to create educational games. The Piagetian rationale for the use of games is examined and three benefits of gaming are identified: (1) games are related to intellectual, socio-emotional, and motor learning in young children, (2) gaming requires aspects of…

Presents mathematical games that involve a problem-solving matrix, multicolored cubes, and three-dimensional dominoes. The work of Alexander MacMahon is highlighted. (MA)

Reviews the problems of classifying gaming techniques and suggests a heuristic approach as one solution. Definitions of simulation, models, role, and game and play are discussed to help develop a classification based on a technique called gaming simulation. (Author/LRW)

The primary goal of coaching should be to encourage players to think for themselves in a game, and the most effective coaching should be done during practice. (JD)

Two games and one activity designed to be used with a hand-held calculator are presented. (MK)