Describes the "Two-Eight" instructional model for students who have arithmetic computational skills but lack the ability to select appropriate strategies to solve problems. Offers examples showing the replacement of the actual values used in a word problem with the simple numeric values of 2 and 8 to create a parallel, solvable problem. (DMM)

Proposes that teaching methods be changed to move away from a positivist model toward an ecological model. Discusses three assumptions for future practice involving holism in environmental studies; the role of values in environmental studies; and the process of learning. (Contains 26 references.) (MDH)

Presents a case study in which students investigate the environmental issue of open cast coal mining. Students examine the issue from different perspectives; interpret the available evidence; draw appropriate conclusions; and evaluate such conclusions. (MDH)

Discusses suggestions for the learning and teaching of mathematics based on a study examining the mathematics practices of carpet layers. Suggestions are made from the areas of (1) the school mathematics curriculum; (2) the methods used to teach school mathematics; and (3) research in mathematics education. (MDH)

Presents a lesson that introduces students to polarized light using a problem-solving approach. After illustrating the concept using a slinky and poster board with a vertical slot, students solve the problem of creating a polarized light show using Polya's problem-solving methods. (MDH)

Suggests some questions and prompts that teachers can adapt and use to promote mathematical power in their students. Argues that asking children to share their strategies for solving problems is a simple but powerful learning tool for promoting understanding. Presents four classroom vignettes as an example. (ASK)

An evaluation of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' summer-school program to help raise low-performing students' mathematics achievement showed that students received little benefit. Disappointing results arose from use of teacher-centered instructional techniques. Students had little opportunity for informal thinking, exploration,…

Presents a study that investigates ways to promote the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills in a secondary mathematics classroom and summarizes the key concepts from sociocultural theory. Examines three cases in which students appeared to resist interaction and communication with their peers. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

The common teaching practice habit of connecting mathematics classroom activities with reality is still substantially delegated to wor(l)d problems. A growing body of empirical research suggests that the practice of word problem solving in school mathematics does not match this idea of mathematical modeling. Presents some classroom activities that…

A study examined the combined effects of class wide instruction on performance assessment tasks and problem solving instruction in ad hoc tutoring in mathematics on six students with learning disabilities. The two interventions led to demonstrable differences over time when compared to students who did not receive this kind of instruction.…

Discusses linking problem-solving to student achievement in courses like mathematics. Presents three different types of problem-solving in the classroom: (1) teaching for problem-solving; (2) teaching about problem-solving; and (3) teaching via problem-solving. Explores research findings on teaching decision-making skills. Contains 26 references.…

Presents an alternative way to teach chemistry by using transmuted laboratory activities in which students must predict outcomes within a certain error factor. Includes nine sample labs. (MKR)

Investigates the effect of collaboration on problem-solving performance and learning in the context of a complex, video-based mathematics problem. High-achieving 6th-grade students (N=96) were assigned to collaborative or individual problem-solving conditions. Results reveal that students in the collaborative condition outperformed students in the…

This article discusses using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum to engage gifted learners. The benefits of PBL are described and a list of seven useful Web sites that explain PBL and provide examples of problems that can be used to excite gifted children about learning is provided. (CR)

Investigated the effects of problem-solving instruction on high school students' knowledge acquisition, retention, and structuring in contrast to expository instruction in social studies. Students in both groups completed knowledge acquisition instruments. Results indicated that knowledge structure measures did not differ significantly between the…