Suggestions for helping teachers teach the problem-solving strategy "draw a picture" are given. Following a problem, questions and other ideas are presented. (MNS)

Involving students in generating and solving their own problems is proposed. A method for generating problems by using a number puzzle is presented. Ideas for using the "what if not" technique are also given. (MNS)

When is a gifted child ready for the discovery of a new idea? When is this child ready for independent searching and inquiry? Sometimes in many traditional educational settings, it seems as if a student must wait until graduate school before he is allowed to carry out independent inquiry. At the turn of this century, there is more to learn and…

This study investigated the effect of presentation of a good solution method on poor students' solving generalization problems and the difference between good and poor students' evaluation of a good method. Subjects were fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Three hints were presented: the suggestion of using a "solve a simpler problem" strategy,…

This paper examines to show how an investigative approach to mathematics teaching can honor its two important dimensions--a thinking and reasoning side to go with the skill development. The paper addresses the question of why a problem solving approach has failed, makes the case for investigations as an overarching organizer, and discusses the…

A collection of humorous plays with real-life settings and contemporary characters, Just Deal with It!, includes readers theatre scripts that poke gentle fun at annoying traits, school-based dilemmas, or the embarrassing moments that are part of growing up. With resolutions that emphasize creative solutions, good humor, or cleverness, these…

This report describes a project for improving problem solving skills in students at the secondary level. The targeted population consisted of high school students in growing communities located in the suburbs of a large Midwestern city. Various studies have indicated that students lack problem-solving skills. Analysis of student and teacher…

This book describes an approach to mathematics instruction that attempts to honor children's thinking and sense-making ability. The book aims to weave strands of mathematics (addition, subtraction, place value, and problem solving) together and offer a wide variety of contexts for genuine mathematical exploration. The book is intended as a…

Due to the increasing achievement gap between schools of urban settings and their suburban counterparts, and in an environment where statewide testing that may begin to hinder the graduation of many urban students, there is a need to close the gap especially in the areas of Math and Science. Teachers in such environments face the daunting task of…

This book is one of four books in the Science-by-Design Series created by TERC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It offers high school students a challenging, hands-on opportunity to compare the function and design of many types of handwear from a hockey mitt to a surgical glove, and design and test a glove to their own…

This report investigated to what extent a curriculum designed to actively teach critical thinking skills resulted in students utilizing higher-order thinking skills (e.g., analysis, synthesis and evaluation). An intervention strategy was designed for a sixth grade class located in a diverse suburban community in northern Illinois. The intervention…

The social science finding that two-thirds of a population of successful males are first-born sons provided the motivation for a problem solved by a 12th grade honors class. The class proved that the probability of choosing a first-born son from a male population is about two-thirds. (JP)

Geographic skills are defined, developed, and categorized in the setting of an introductory physical geography college course and examples are given of the activities used in the laboratory to foster decision making and problem solving. Some comment is also made on the teaching styles which appear appropriate to foster such skill development.…

Describes the methods used in a general-biology course at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and Manhattan College (Riverdale, New York) in which a problem solving approach is used in conjunction with the audiotutorial method of instruction. (JR)

A summary is given of student responses to use of a process model in exploring the concept of overpopulation. (Author/KM)