Poses and solves several related extensions involving enumerating squares and rectangles. Describes how problem extensions can be developed and used in the classroom to motivate and challenge teachers and students to exert themselves mathematically. (ASK)

Provides educators with a problem-solving process that can be used in K-12 classrooms. Defines, in particular, a solution-focused problem-solving strategy that emphasizes goal identification and implementation. States that this technique helps make positive behavioral changes in students' lives by focusing on future solutions instead of past…

Explains 20 strategies that address the diverse gifts and needs students bring to the classroom and the ways teachers can help children to cultivate and celebrate their talents. These strategies emphasize creative thinking, communication, understanding, problem solving, community awareness, laughter, and joy. (MOK)

Contends that the context of children's literature affords opportunities for solving varied and authentic mathematics problems. Suggests that the problem-solving process in mathematics is often linked with that involved in comprehending children's literature. Consequently the teacher is provided meaningful information about students' thinking that…

This article discusses application of Paul's (1992) elements of thought model in language arts curricula to provide students with the skills they need in order to analyze the world around them and manage the various types of issues and problems they encounter. Strategies for applying the model are described. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study examined the effectiveness of enhanced anchor instruction and traditional problem instruction in improving the problem-solving performance of 42 seventh-graders with and without disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Students without disabilities profited from contextualized instruction, but benefits for the students with disabilities were…

Examines the relationship between problem-solving performance and the quality of the organization of students' knowledge. Reports on findings on the extent to which content and connectedness indicators differentiated between groups of high-achieving and low-achieving Year 10 students undertaking geometry tasks. (Contains 29 references.)…

A study investigated the effects of an instructional strategy within a graduated teaching sequence on the representation and solution of problem-solving skills encompassing integer numbers for six secondary students with learning disabilities. Results indicate problem-solving skills dramatically improved following instruction at the concrete,…

Presents the discussion of three teachers who were searching for understanding of problem-centered instruction in mathematics education. Aims to help readers reflect on how they see problem solving in their own classrooms and to reconsider ways in which they use problems in instruction. (ASK)

Introduces a chemical Sherlock Holmes mystery story based on properties of biological substances and qualitative analysis. (YDS)

Presents evaluative work based on the computer algebra system (CAS) TREEFROG which enables drill-and-practice examples to be attempted with immediate, and ultimately intelligent, feedback. Contends that by using a suitable repertoire of black and white box CAS, a full range of algebraic skills can be developed. Presents preliminary evidence based…

Presents strategies to prepare students in step two of the Independent Investigation Method, goal setting, for the research in step three: ask essential questions; ask questions using Bloom's taxonomy; create playful ways to focus questioning; create a hypothesis or preliminary thesis statement; identify a variety of likely resources before…

The author taught two sections of Principles of Finance in two different years. The courses were identical, except that in the second section, in 2004, students had access to the solutions manual for the answers to the many assigned practice problems which constituted a large proportion of the exam material. The author found that student…

Traditionally, novice programmers have had difficulties in three distinct areas: breaking down a given problem, designing a workable solution, and debugging the resulting program. Many programming environments, software applications, and teaching tools have been developed to address the difficulties faced by these novices. Along with advancements…

This article presents two classroom episodes in which students were exposed to the value of asking questions and to the different roles played by proof in mathematics. The conversation in the two episodes is outlined in the article. The setting was a classroom of fifteen good high-school students, who were studying calculus. These episodes…