Critiques current models of problem solving for children, maintaining that there is a chasm between the experiences of real-life problem solving and the idealized frameworks that are presented to children. Suggests the use of children's literature as a means to teaching problem solving. Includes suggested readings, and a list of questions for…

Fifty-two second-grade students were taught a generalizable problem-solving strategy for mathematics word problems. Results were mixed but were generally supportive of the notion that classwide student tutoring teams and direct instruction are useful adjuncts to teacher-led instruction in word problem solving in mathematics. (JDD)

Defines literacy to include literacies and examines literacies through the arts with a view of cognition and learning that explicates the differing forms of representation in aesthetic education. An expanded view of literacy learning is presented under the umbrella of problem solving. The article discusses classroom practice. (SM)

This article describes and offers examples of acronym mnemonics in mathematics and gives suggestions for their use with students who have learning disabilities. The approach addresses learning the basic facts and solving word problems. Instructional procedures for teaching mnemonics are noted. (DB)

Examines the role of cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational skills in problem solving. Cognitive skills include instructional objectives, components in a learning hierarchy, and information-processing components. Metacognitive skills include strategies for reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. Motivational skills include motivation…

Presents the ninth story in a series of chemical mysteries with emphasis on forensic chemistry, physical properties, and qualitative organic analysis. The mystery centers around the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. (DDR)

Examines the attitudes of physics instructors on how and when students should be allowed access to textbook problem solutions. Presents a detailed analysis of 249 survey responses from U.S. and Canadian universities which conveyed a wide range of opinions and comments. Discusses the need to rethink strategies regarding access to solutions. (AIM)

Explores possible reasons for the gender differences in mathematics problem-solving strategies found in primary-grade students in the study by E. Fennema and others and considers implications of the findings for mathematics instruction. (SLD)

Considers implications of the findings of the study by E. Fennema and others that boys in the primary grades use different mathematics problem-solving strategies than girls and suggests that equitable mathematics instruction may require specific attention to gender differences and underachieving groups. (SLD)

Details a project in which students explore and study the poisons in their environment by asking and finding answers to their own research questions. Includes some suggestions for involving students successfully in inquiry-based learning. (DDR)

Two studies involving a total of 66 Australian high school students investigated the effects of training in the use of general strategies on the performance of high- and low-achieving students in trigonometry. The positive effects of management training were identified for both high- and low-achieving students. (SLD)

Used a penny arcade game concept constructed by preschoolers as a learning tool. Found that the interests of children were clearly visible through their use of peer teaching, collaboration, problem solving, divergent thinking, and use of multiple strategies. Found children were tuned in to learning due to a sense of ownership and empowerment. (SD)

Documents a case of model-building in biology through microanalysis of one student's interaction with "Science for Living: The Circulatory System (SFL)", an interactive multimedia resource prototype for research. Describes the student's learning goals, gains, and activities with particular attention to interactions with representations,…

Analyzed 1.5- and 2.5-year-olds' problem solving and learning. Found that changes in toddlers' strategies could be assessed reliably on a trial-by-trial basis, that changes followed the basic form predicted by the overlapping waves model, and that analyses could reveal information about the qualitative and quantitative aspects of their learning.…

Two experiments investigated the effect of achievement goals on the transfer of a problem-solving strategy in 7- and 11-year-old children. In the first experiment, motivational priming took place before the learning of the strategy, affecting the learning as well as the transfer of the strategy. In the second experiment, motivational priming took…