Discusses a program that offers students a phenomenon-oriented environment expressed in the fundamental concepts and language of chemical engineering such as mass and energy balancing, phase equilibria, reaction stoichiometry and rate, modes of heat, and species transport. (CCM)

The student results are presented for the determination of vanillin in a vanilla extract as part of a problem-solving approach. The determination of the vanillin concentration in the Dutch product "Baukje vanilla extract" is described.

The cross-proportion method allows both the instructor and the student to easily determine where an error is made during problem solving. The C-P method supports a strong cognitive foundation upon which students can develop other diagnostic methods as they advance in chemistry and scientific careers.

This study examines the effects of representational movement on long-term retention and recollection of academic content. The researcher hypothesized that students who used representational movement to elaborate on their understanding of chemical equations would demonstrate improved long-term ability to solve chemical equations. The study…

While problem solving is a generally accepted goal of most science courses, it has previously been difficult to determine the extent to which students' problem-solving abilities are impacted by these courses. Interactive Multi-Media Exercises (IMMEX) is a web-based software package that can deliver multiple cases of case-based problems and keep…

Collaborative concept mapping engages two or more students in coordinated and sustained efforts in the creation of one or more concept maps in order to learn and construct knowledge. It is a potentially powerful instructional strategy in that it fosters meaningful learning and group knowledge construction and helps the building of common ground…

How do students bridge everyday life views into physics understanding? We report from in-depth analysis of one group of four students, video-recorded over 135 min solving a context rich problem (CRP). Through transcripts of the group's conversations and from flow-charts made of the group talk we have categorised how students' experiences develop…

Physics is perceived by many students to be a difficult subject, and misconceptions about it are quite common not only among school students but also among undergraduates and pre-service postgraduate science teachers. In teaching the topic of gas pressure to primary student teachers studying in the Bachelor of Education programme at my institute,…

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…

Reviews the book "Medical Problem Solving: An Analysis of Clinical Reasoning," a seminal book whose conclusions on problem solving in medical fields are still valid today. Discusses major problem-solving findings of this book, the application of the findings to education, and relating knowledge to problem-solving skills. (JRH)

Describes a curriculum for teaching evolution in an introductory biology class. The historically based instruction improved the students' understanding of evolution as contrasted with traditional instruction. An increased use of Darwinian ideas, and a decreased use of non-Darwinian ideas were also noted. (AIM)

Presents a hurricane evacuation project in which students use reading, math, and problem solving skills while engaging in a hands-on multitask problem. (YDS)

Presents a study to determine the methods inquiry geneticists use to solve dynamic complex computer-generated transmission genetics problems; specifically, their strategies and conceptual knowledge. Develops a hierarchical framework and pathway for solving problems through geneticist solution protocols and interviews. (Contains 32 references.)…

Presents a problem involving the double-slit interference pattern that relates to the real-world situation of guiding an aircraft to a safe landing. (JRH)

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)