Provides suggestions for decreasing gender-related differences in mathematics and questions for teachers to ask themselves regarding gender equity in mathematics. Teachers are urged to highlight the contributions of female and male mathematicians, to create a classroom climate that values problem solving, and to hold high expectations for all…

Discusses curriculum reforms and appropriate teaching methods for adult learners. Explains a curricular material called "LifeLines Online" which was developed for two-year college faculty to test problem-based curricular materials. Presents a scenario on an alternative way of teaching ecology with Investigative Cased-Based Learning…

Examines the influence of traditional classroom features on learning in a mathematics classroom in the United Kingdom. Analyzes student interviews, lesson observations, and results of questionnaires to show how traditional forms of education can inhibit understanding, reify the divide between school and "real world," and suppress the…

A study investigated the impact of training and reflective frameworks (concerning effective instruction and problem solving) on reflective patterns of seven preservice special education teachers. Results indicated that the effective teaching frameworks had minimal impact on problem solving. However, direct training and use of a problem-solving…

Examines the importance of the instructional systems design (ISD) model in designing the presentation and content of technology-based learning (TBL) environments, especially for adult learners. Describes TBLs and their use in university and adult learning and discusses the most common presentation methods: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation,…

Lists questions and answers for mathematical investigations that teachers should ask when they consider using alternative approaches to teach new content. Presents an example of a mathematical investigation on concepts of area, symmetry, pattern, function, algebraic rules, and Pythagorean theorem. Argues that investigations offer opportunities for…

Information processing models do not account for much of human competence in everyday scientific and lay contexts. Situated cognition models account better for competence in widely differing situations. In situated cognition models, the purpose of science education must be reconceived as preparing citizens to participate in public enactments of…

Explores the potential of the RAY learning environment in improving learning about optics. Results indicate that this environment, which includes a flexible ray-tracing simulation, had a significant effect on the spontaneous and correct use of the model by students in solving problems and a limited effect on conceptual understanding, but promoted…

Compares two experimental programs for teaching mental addition and subtraction in the Dutch second grade (N=275). Discusses realistic program design (RPD) and gradual program design (GPD). Concludes that RPD pupils show a more varied use of solution procedures than GPD pupils. Contains 46 references. (Author/ASK)

Describes attempts to adapt collaborative-learning techniques and a problem-solving approach to large introductory organic chemistry course sections at the University of Alberta. (WRM)

Problem based learning (PBL) is offered as an example of a problem-focused and student-centered pedagogical approach that foregrounds the curricular imperatives outlined in the KALPIER Report and provides an innovative educational experience for students. A successful implementation of PBL in a graduate level course in e-commerce illustrates…

This article describes a teacher's techniques and strategies for promoting productive discourse and supporting active learning in the mathematics classroom. The lesson excerpts included are from two days of a workshop with primarily middle-grades teachers. These excerpts demonstrate the teacher's typical progression through defining a problem,…

Practical arts is a subject that not only promotes learners' better understanding of work in their daily lives, but also enables them to find ways to solve work-related problems by fostering basic skills and attitudes necessary for performing the work. The teaching of practical arts as a subject should be focused on developing creativity and…

When students are working with hand held technology, such as graphics calculators, we usually only see the outcomes of their activities in the form of a contribution to a written solution of a mathematical problem. It is more difficult to capture their process of thinking or actions as they use the technology to solve a problem. In this paper we…

This article describes a case study dealing with teacher?student reaction and cooperation during problem-solving activities within a class setting. The aim is to familiarize student mathematics teachers with the process of mathematics teaching with computers and to help them re-examine their traditional views of mathematics learning and teaching.…