Described is a situation where students are allowed to enlist the aid of a computer graphing program to produce graphs for their lab reports. (KR)

Suggests math activities for elementary students that are designed to strengthen problem-solving, computation, and calculator skills by revolving around the real-life situation of a picnic. The article suggests designing a class project to plan and carry out a class picnic, stressing the use of mathematics and calculators. (SM)

Summarizes studies postulating that advanced materials taught in multiple, nonlinear, and situationally dependent ways result in learning that encourages transfer and more agile use of data. Illustrates how microcomputer technology can be used to provide learning opportunities that are consistent with these goals. (JOW)

Teaching/learning trends include (1) incremental (information explosion); (2) stationary (biology of cognitive processes); and (3) iterative (recurring debates over teaching methods). Effects are externalization of knowledge structures, the importance of "importance," and instructional "enabling," failure of teachers and students to confront real…

This article discusses the use of mnemonic techniques in helping students acquire new information and apply that information in problem-solving situations. It outlines common academic learning problems and the dynamics of mnemonic strategies and applies the strategies to remembering definitions, factual information, processes, functions, and…

Presented are five scenarios of how division might be introduced to a class of third graders using experiences with the concept, process, and symbolism of division rather than algorithms. Instruction that makes problem solving the emphasis of students' learning is described. (KR)

Discusses reasons for the lack of mathematical problem-solving skills among students at all levels. Examines the complex cognitive processes required for problem solving. Reviews theories about the problem-solving process and lists the cognitive skills and steps necessary for successful mathematical problem solving. (PAA)

This article offers suggestions for incorporating cognitive principles into mathematics instruction for students with disabilities, such as identifying underlying concepts and relationships and teaching them explicitly, and presenting instruction from a problem-solving perspective. A checklist is provided for determining whether or not…

Examines academic performance as a function of the variables labeled type of presentation (traditional vs. Africentric) of the Wason task of logical reasoning and type of rule (positive vs. negative). Findings collected from 195 black college students are discussed as being supportive of the Africentric cultural models concerning black learning…

Describes the use of a weekly blackboard session as a way to improve instruction in an organic chemistry lecture. The instructor writes problems on the board and either alone or in groups, students write the answers on the board. Later, they explain their solutions to the class. (PR)

Recommends utilizing biochemistry problems to develop students' abilities to clearly identify the relevant questions hidden in problematic situations and to select the information required to solve them. This procedure is highly motivating and offers students a tool for evaluating their achievements. (Author/CCM)

Marbles were successfully used to help primary students develop concepts of motion. Marble-unit activities began with shaking and rattling inference bags and predicting by listening just how many marbles were in each bag. Students made qualitative and quantitative observations of the marbles, manipulated marbles with a partner, and observed…

Investigates the effects of an instructional intervention derived from the Garofalo and Lester cognitive-metacognitive framework on the problem-solving performance of year six students with different ability levels. Concludes that there was significant improvement in problem-solving performance for the experimental class compared to the control…

Describes a typical fifth-grade mathematics lesson as taught in a Japanese elementary school, followed by a reflective commentary focused on problem solving, using manipulative aids, and multiple solutions. (ASK)

Describes a scientific mystery with an emphasis on chemical magic presented in the context of the characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The story contains a break where students and teachers pause to ponder and solve the mystery. Sherlock Holmes provides his solution in the paragraphs following this break. (WRM)