Describes a project in which middle grades students are asked to write in mathematics class with the goal of determining whether it changes their opinions of writing as an integral part of mathematics. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Describes an engineering design course that is taught at the postsecondary level but can be adapted for secondary education. It presents the steps in the design process and illustrates, using a matrix, the tradeoffs necessary in design. (JOW)

The integration of problem solving into the technology education laboratory means there will be changes in the ways in which teachers structure activities for learners and the manner in which teachers behave. (JOW)

Despite a 1986 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommendation calling for the inclusion of calculators in all aspects of math instruction, most math departments have an unwritten rule restricting classroom use of calculators. Teachers must accommodate the new essential skills, even if it means eliminating traditional practices.…

A metacognition model that can help understand general problem-solving deficits in learning disabled students is presented. Two components of metacognition are highlighted: executive processes and attributional beliefs. An educational package combining these components with specific strategy training is illustrated as an approach to improving…

Presents a problem-solving framework for diagnosis and correction of reading difficulties. Describes this process, examines the parallels between problem solving and diagnosis and correction of reading problems, and applies the process to a case. (SR)

The effects of two instructional methods on the questioning strategies of 40 10- to 12-year-old learning disabled children were investigated. Results indicated that both the question formulation instruction and the cognitive modeling/self-verbalization instruction were effective in improving their questioning concerning novel problems. (Author/DB)

Recent research suggests that knowledge is stored in the learner's head as a network of concepts or constructs. Children's mathematical problem-solving strategies become increasingly abstract as they are able to engage in more abstract thinking. An experimental study using an alternative Cognitively Guided Instruction approach is described.…

Examines cognitivist approaches to writing instruction by focusing on the pedagogy of problem-solving, specifically as presented in Linda Flower's "Problem-Solving Strategies for Writing." Emphasizes the need for a language of discourse which connects rather than excludes students' discourse from academic discourse. (MM)

Interpersonal problem solving (IPS) is often difficult for learning disabled students. Two model IPS interventions, an elementary and a secondary, are described. Key components in both models include alternative and consequential thinking, skills implementation, and a "stop and think" approach to problem resolution. (Author/DB)

This article describes an early childhood self-regulated metacognition program for underachieving gifted students. Teacher and peer modeling of such strategies as think-aloud, behavioral demonstration, and cuing of steps to efficient task accomplishment are outlined, with examples. Benefits of self-regulated learning strategies are reported from…

A study to describe the extent to which cooperating and student teachers (n=15) in agriculture used the problem- solving approach to teaching found that they spent less than 20% of their instructional time using it. Cooperating teachers use most of their time maintaining students' interest in the subject matter; student teachers spent time seeking…

It is argued that efficient use of cognitive strategies also involves domain-specific knowledge, metacognition, and motivation. Issues concerning cognitive strategy instruction are explored, and it is concluded that a hybrid model representing a compromise between the notion of cognitive strategies and current connectionism may best portray human…

Outlines and illustrates the Dartmouth approach to developing a science project. This problem-solving approach, promoted by the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, helps teachers in guiding students in all phases of project work. (JRH)

A discussion of what E=mc2 means and other issues associated with the equation are presented. The differences between matter, mass, and energy, a derivation of the equation, the history of the word mass and examples of how it is used, misconceptions surrounding the equation, and a discussion of uranium fission are included. (KR)