Uses poems incorporating mathematical terms to help students apply their knowledge of mathematics to another field and give evidence that what they had learned had become a useful and easily accessible part of their general experience. Includes assignment sheets. (KHR)

Presents four methods for solving a quadratic equation using graphing calculator technology: (1) graphing with the CALC feature; (2) quadratic formula program; (3) table; and (4) solver. Includes a worksheet for a lab activity on factoring quadratic equations. (KHR)

Explores why it is impossible to make a square from six tangram pieces and, in the process, develops insight into the nature of learning mathematics as well as strategies for teaching. (YDS)

Describes an educational game in which students get the opportunity to review Lewis structures and molecular geometries through problem solving activities as a team. (YDS)

Describes a beginning algebra course that places stronger emphasis on learning to solve problems and introduces topics using real world applications. Students learn estimating, graphing, and algebraic algorithms for the purpose of solving problems. Indicates that applications motivate students by appearing to be a more relevant topic as well as…

Conventional instruction in critical thinking may ignore the creative and intuitive functions of rationality, thereby encouraging a mechanically rote approach to textual analysis, problem solving, and problem construction. Such an overemphasis upon logical "calculus of justification" functions has epistemological weaknesses and pedagogical…

Discusses five strategies to use in creating an environment that will foster the development of critical thinking. To make thinking the subject of instruction; focusing on the key aspects of higher-order thinking; providing opportunities for continual, explicit practice; questioning and developing an investigative nature; and reinforcing the…

Discusses a teaching method for transforming timid, dependent students into self-propelling, independent problem solvers. Describes four guidelines: expose students to problems; pose good questions and pause; put chalk into students' hands; and emphasize teamwork. Eleven references are listed. (YP)

Summarizes research on disjunctive versus conjunctive, and multistage versus single-stage problem solving in a classroom setting. Concludes that students working in groups are less likely to drop out of class, give higher subjective motivation to learn ratings, perform better on tests, know more classmates, and score higher on Raven's Progressive…

This bibliography lists and annotates 10 references on gifted education, including journal articles and book sections. The references deal with curriculum content, creativity, moral reasoning, mathematical problem solving, cooperative learning, minority students' standardized test scores, and minority students' under-representation in gifted…

Research relevant to improving instruction for learning disabled students with mathematical problem solving deficits is reviewed. Using a cognitive-metacognitive framework, techniques for teaching both specific and comprehensive mathematical problem solving strategies as well as techniques to enhance strategy generalization are presented.…

Investigation of (n=41) eighth-grade mathematics classrooms in which three teaching approaches (algorithmic practice, teaching with meaning, and problem-process approach) found that the problem-process groups showed increased achievement and improved student attitudes. (38 references) (Author/MKR)

Examined how task design influences the effectiveness of peer collaboration in facilitating students' conceptual change in physics. Subjects were 8- to 12-year olds studying heating and cooling. Results showed the general superiority of collaborative tasks that both facilitate critical testing and require rules; task designs deploying one feature…

This article examines ways in which intuitive understandings may help teachers in developing the thinking of pupils with autism. The article suggests that, by working toward students' development of an autobiographical memory, it may be possible for them to establish an awareness of their own role as a problem solver. (JDD)

This article describes the use of problem-based learning (PBL) with gifted students, in which the focus of the curriculum is "ill-structured" problems. Particular advantages of PBL with these students include effectiveness in teaching the art of problem finding and solving, active learning, higher order thinking skills, and using interdisciplinary…