This study investigated the effects of a series of mathematics lessons which were designed to encourage a spatial mode of thinking. Using fifth-grade students from four intact classrooms, a pretest and posttest battery composed of spatial tests, reasoning tests, and a problem-solving test, were administered to the experimental and two control…

THIS DOCUMENT WAS DEVELOPED TO HELP THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER KEEP PACE WITH THE CONTINUALLY ADVANCING FIELD OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH. IT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF PAMPHLETS ON "WHAT RESEARCH SAYS TO THE TEACHER," PRODUCED JOINTLY BY THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (NEA) DEPARTMENT OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND THE AMERICAN…

Transformational grammar offers the most adequate system by which to meet the goal of grammar instruction, which is to increase the student's understanding of the nature of language. This grammar attempts to explain the mental processes underlying the production and understanding of sentences, to describe linguistic competence, to construct…

Simulation games serve many functions, but the important one to educators is that they present the student player with a real-life situation allowing him to use his knowledge and abilities while discovering decision-making skills for himself. To provide a basic reference on simulation gaming, essays on various aspects of games were collected from…

This thesis discusses learning and teaching in geography at the college level and presents one model of learning which could serve as the basis of an introductory college grography course. The author interprets and alters two learning models previously presented to the geographic community: one model, developed by William D. Pattison, involves…

An interim report from the National Science Foundation describes the FUNCTIONS program--an ongoing effort to teach problem solving and mathematics by computer. Two problems are discussed: How can math content be taught in a manner which also develops problem solving skills? Also, how does a curriculum organized to develop problem solving skills…

The purpose of this two-year research project at Illinois State University was to develop a concise training program designed to enhance the ability of teachers to facilitate problem-solving behaviors on the part of elementary and secondary school pupils, with particular emphasis on creative hypothesizing. Specifically, the program was designed to…

This publication is a collection of six essays on the goals and objectives of the introductory college-level economics course written by economic professors from all parts of the country. The purpose is to examine the introductory course in light of the need for clearly defined educational goals which will provide systematic guidelines for the…

Deals with strategies for the fostering of the question-asking capabilities of chemistry students through the use of active, real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes. Suggests that appropriate teaching strategies do facilitate the students' question-asking abilities, and strengthen their confidence in applying them to…

Reviewed three computer software packages for Apple II series computers. Includes "The Right Job," a career counseling program; "Zoyon Patrol," a problem-solving program; and "Adventures with Charts and Graphs: Project Zoo," a graphing, mathematics, and science skills program. Each review includes strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for use.…

Reviewed are 11 software packages for the Apple II computer designed to help teach elementary and secondary school children how to solve mathword problems. Included in the review are hardware requirements, price, grade level, use of graphics, kinds of problems, tools provided, strengths, and weaknesses of each program. (CW)

Examines how teachers' conceptions about teaching mathematics influence the manner in which they plan instruction in mathematical problem solving. Results demonstrate that teachers had a limited knowledge of teaching techniques and that teachers' concerns focused more on collection of materials and resources than on how to teach problem solving.…

Describes a physical chemistry experiment which uses spectroscopy to measure the heat of formation of Na2SiF6. Discusses the opportunities for students to see the use of a familiar instrument in an unfamiliar application, emphasizing that there are often many ways to attack problems in science. (TW)

Describes a new biochemistry laboratory course offered at the University of Scranton (Pennsylvania) which is designed to promote scientific curiosity and creativity. Uses a problems-oriented approach which provides students with independent learning experiences. Provides a listing of some of the course's laboratory exercises. (TW)

Recent state reforms that embrace the effective schools movement may actually be counterproductive. These mandates encourage the persistence of outmoded, teacher centered, pedagogical practices and current school organizational structures, inhibiting the development of students' independent reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as the…