This viewpoint paper presents the writer's opinion that while the use of problem solving as the core method for learning mathematics is valid and reasonable in secondary schools (where students generally possess the necessary prior skills and strategies) there are many obstacles to applying the same method in primary schools, particularly in the…

The secondary-tertiary transition has been studied in a great amount of research in mathematics education, adopting different focuses and theoretical approaches. I present here how these focuses led the authors to identify and study different students' difficulties and to develop different means of didactical action. Individual, social, but also…

Around 1960, there were quite radical changes in emphasis in many countries in school chemistry education, with subsequent changes in many university courses. Considerable research was undertaken to explore the learning problems students were reporting and the common thread underlying became apparent: it related to the way humans process new…

A field study with 16-year-old students in senior general secondary education was undertaken with the following research question: "Do students working in pairs on investigation tasks with the computer attain more conceptual level raising in mathematics when they are supported by a teacher who stimulates their interaction (process help) than when…

Examines solutions to problems involved in the learning and teaching of biological inheritance and the evolution of living beings at the secondary school level. Shows that the program instilled knowledge close to what is adequate for this educational level. Proposes disciplinary criteria for selecting and sequencing the content to be taught and…

Presents findings from a research project in two high school mathematics classrooms. Focuses on the ways in which teachers' classroom interventions promote the growth of students' mathematical understanding. Describes 'blocking' as one of the major interventions of mathematics teachers. Discusses implications of the intervention strategy for…

Causes of cognitive underdevelopment in Zulu children and the cognitive functions necessary for efficient school learning are outlined. To assess potential for learning and to remediate cognitive underfunctioning, 20 secondary students analyzed, organized, and reproduced a complex geometric figure. Positive effects were evident following specific…

Important characteristics of literal symbols are considered. How letters are like numerals and words, but different, are discussed. Teaching suggestions are included. (MNS)

This article describes a course in listening comprehension methodology in a College of Education in Holland. The main concern of the article is to examine the teacher-trainer's organization of the students' learning process. The course is divided into three sections: (1) group discussion of the concept of listening comprehension; (2) discussion of…

Investigates students' abilities to draw inferences. Introduces cognitive conflict in the form of video clips of reasoning expressed by students. Documents change with regard to the levels of observed response for the protocol and the use of displayed variation in the graphs. Analyzes change associated with the presentation of cognitive conflict.…

Discusses examples from research of how students' misconceptions underlie their difficulties in interpreting kinematics graphs, possible underlying causes, and promising remedies. (KHR)

This study examined how reinforcer rate, quality, delay, and response effort combined to influence the choices of six adolescents with emotional disturbance and learning difficulties and the feasibility of an assessment methodology based on matching theory for determining differential responsiveness to reinforcer and response dimensions. Results…

Pennsylvania's Secondary Instructional Support program addresses such problems as failing grades, lack of classroom participation, lack of time on task, difficulties with basic skills, and poor attendance. It provides school districts with training and guided practice in six areas: collaboration, instructional assessment, instructional adaptation,…

Develops an instrument for measuring secondary students' cognitive conflict levels as they learn science. Indicates that cognitive conflict consists of four constructs: (1) recognition of an anomalous situation; (2) interest; (3) anxiety; and (4) cognitive reappraisal of the conflict situation. Discusses implications for instruction and…

Investigates how students develop an understanding of chemical representations with the aid of a computer-based visualizing too called eChem that allows them to build molecular models and view multiple representations simultaneously. Involves 11th grade students (n=71) at a small public high school and examines the changes in students'…