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…

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

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)

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'…

Exponential, and logarithmic functions are pivotal mathematical concepts that play central roles in advanced mathematics. Unfortunately, these are also concepts that give students serious difficulty. This report describe a theory of how students acquire an understanding of these functions by prescribing a set of mental constructions that a student…

Illustrated are how explorative assignments can help to expose and identify learning problems. Some assignments that address these problems and some techniques and benefits of using writing assignments are provided. (MNS)

Addresses the dearth of materials in science for the learning disabled student. Suggests some teaching strategies such as a student assignment journal, the usefulness of mnemonics, and incorporating technology such as computers as much as possible. Also discusses classroom organization, assessment strategies, and how to build confidence. (AIM)

French tenth grade physics classes were observed as they studied electric circuits over a one-year period. An analysis is presented of tests taken during the year. The main point separating "average" students from "good" ones is their performances in "implicitly difficult exercises," that is, in what appears…

This study examined effects of guided notes on the academic performance of seven adolescent males with learning and behavior problems, who were in a medium-security juvenile detention center. The students' academic performance improved and six of the seven students reported they preferred using guided notes. (Contains references.) (DB)