In vocational education students are to be prepared to participate in communities of practice. Hence they need technical skills as well as content knowledge e.g. science and mathematics. Research has shown that the instructional strategy of guided co-construction may lead to deeper understandings within a practice. The research questions in this…

We conducted a literature review of using educational technology in biology learning from 2001 to 2010. A total of 36 empirical articles were included for review. Based upon the content analyses of these studies, such as technologies utilized, student sample, biological topics involved, the research purpose, and methodology, the following…

In this case study a novel educational programme for students in preparatory vocational education was studied. The research questions were: (1) Which teaching/learning processes occur in a simulated workplace using the concept of a "knowledge-rich" workplace? (2) What is the role of models and modelling in the teaching/learning…

Introduction: Video games have proven to be a valuable resource to work different school subjects and topics. Beyond specific content, they could help to develop different abilities, like problem solving. However, not much has been studied on this topic, or many of the studies followed a perspective not entirely compatible with an educational…

This document presents the proceedings of the 20th Annual Research Forum held June 25, 2015, at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Included are the following 21 action research papers: (1) History Lives! The Use of Simulations in a High School Social Studies Classroom (Lydia Adkins); (2) Using Francophone Music in the High…

Simulations for teaching environmental issues are described

A diffusion simulation is described in which the dispersion of potato beetles in a given problem is traced on hexagonal grids. (MNS)

Suitable for secondary school students, the workbook provides flowcharting activities to help students understand the logical steps used in problem solving. Before applying the flowcharting procedures to mathematical problems, students are first introduced to familiar non-mathematical problems such as sharpening a pencil or eating peanuts. Section…

In developing an environmental education program, the author suggests a problem-solving process that encourages student involvement. He lists several learning activities that illustrate the four instructional guidelines that he advocates. These guidelines include student involvement and initiation in community change as well as the development of…

Five ways the computer can be used in psychology courses to teach thinking are described: using the computer to replace things that already work (e.g., a tachistoscope); programing the computer; simulating specialized procedures and situations; providing behavior to be observed and described; and posing problems for analysis and solution. (RM)

Computer-enhanced simulation of models permits students to become subjectively involved in interaction with the computer. A method for developing a computer simulation is described, and three examples of computer simulations are given. (JN)

A programing language called DYNAMO, developed especially for writing simulation models, is promoted. Details of six, self-teaching curriculum packages recently developed for simulation-oriented instruction are provided. (MP)

Arguing that operations research is not as difficult and forbidding as its reputation implies, and that many problems lend themselves to analysis using common sense, the author provides examples which might be used in a secondary school classroom. (SD)

The game of roulette is analyzed. (SD)

Describes a project that uses a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in analyzing a crime scene and suspect evidence. Requires each student to work effectively in a team, communicate in both written and oral forms, perform hands-on laboratory manipulations, and realize that the entire class was depending on their individual contributions…