This study explored the use of case-based pedagogy to promote preservice teachers' problem-solving proficiency. Students in a web-supported course called CaseNEX learned to use a problem-solving approach when analyzing multimedia case studies. Their performance was compared with students in two groups who had no exposure to case methods--other…

This study investigated novel pedagogies for helping teachers infuse inquiry into a standards-based science curriculum. Using a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) as a pedagogical vehicle, teams of middle-school students collaboratively solved problems around disease in a virtual town called River City. The students interacted with "avatars" of…

To expertly solve engineering and science problems one needs to know science and engineering as well as have a tool kit of problem-solving methods. This book is about problem-solving methods: it presents the methods professional problem solvers use, explains why these methods have evolved, and shows how a student can make these methods his/her…

A technique for investigating and quantifying problem solving mediating processes was developed; the question of whether this technique could be used to detect different approaches to problem solving among groups of subjects when measured over a time interval was studied. Results showed that processing modes differed as to professional interest…

Presents a derivation of the minimum possible bandwidth of a laser oscillator. (SL)

Investigated use of analog tasks for determining difficulties that high school chemistry students (N=619) might encounter in solving molarity problems. One finding is that analog task used is a predictor of success on a molarity test. (Author/JN)

This book looks at how teachers implement national math and science standards in their classrooms. Teacher-authored chapters provide insights into how children think and reason as they pose questions, collect data, and build data models to answer their questions. While the spotlight is primarily on student understanding and its development over…

Presents an experimental design to investigate the role of the cognitive information processing component and various levels of information density or information processing output. Both the information treatment and analytic ability had significant effects on the information-processing output. (DF)

Discusses the proposition that rarely does an investigation follow the orderly and systematic course suggested by the scientific method. The most vital elements are not the experimental and theoretical tools of science, but human ingenuity and intuition. (BT)

Presents a problem solving approach which follows a pathway allowing students to visualize patterns, have an overview of the problem, and clarify the connections. Investigates the quality of student constructed pathways and reports greater success with the approach on difficult problems rather than easy ones. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Describes the structure of science education in Bhutan, a kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas. (YDS)

Presents data from 10 years of teaching using Peer Instruction (PI) in calculus- and algebra-based introductory physics courses for non-majors. Results indicate increased mastery of both conceptual reasoning and quantitative problem solving upon implementing PI. Discusses ways to improve the implementation of PI. (Contains 34 references.)…

Analyzes difficulties of students experiencing their first contact with heuristic hypotheses. Attempts to interpret these difficulties and suggest remediations. Uses an example from the chemistry of aqueous solutions. (MKR)

Provides a schematic to build a black box experiment that uses light bulbs of various intensities. The students are to determine the complex circuit by unscrewing the bulbs and noting what happens. (MVL)