Considers the gap between theory and practice in social studies education. Postulates this gap results from teachers utilizing critical thinking as a classroom strategy rather than committing to it as an ethic. Examines seven principles to illustrate critical thinking as a teaching ethic. Urges professors to embody this ethic in their teaching to…

Assesses critical thinking teaching models, including skill development, problem-solving, logical thinking, multiaspect, and information processing approaches. Stresses creating open classroom environments where critical thinking that fosters effective, thoughtful decision making can flourish. Argues that teaching can and should be less…

This publication is intended to serve as a resource for K-12 social studies teachers charged with the major responsibility of making peace and law-relaed concepts meaningful to students. The purpose of this resource book is to empower teachers and students in Hawaii with the concepts of peace and law. It seeks to foster dialogue between and among…

This document examines how a unit on model rockets, designed to be a "hands-on" activity within the "Mission to Mars" curriculum that was implemented in the Nashville (Tennessee) area middle schools, has been used to investigate children's understanding of experimentation. A literature review explores some of the traditional…

This paper describes research into the use of cognitive tools in the classroom using "Exploring the Nardoo", an information landscape designed to support student investigation. Simulations and support tools which allow multimedia reporting are embedded in the package and are supported by several metacognitive tools for the writing…

This collection of papers, the fourth in an annual series, presents views of members of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education on faculty, instructional, and institutional development. Papers and authors are as follows: "The Kahuna as Professional and Organizational Development Specialists" (Susanne Whitcomb…

This basic skills learning module includes instruction in performing basic computations, using general numerical concepts such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, averages, ratios, proportions, percentages, and equivalents in practical situations. The problems are relevant to all aspects of the printing and manufacturing industry, with emphasis…

This text, designed for both preservice and inservice educators, promotes critical thinking and problem solving across the curriculum. Chapter 1 presents information from personal observations and national studies to support the conclusion that educators need to spend more time creating environments that foster thoughtfulness. Chapter 2 defines…

In the 1992 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), approximately one-third of the questions and about half of the student response time were devoted to questions asking students to construct their own responses. Regular constructed response items required a short answer with a problem solution, while…

This paper discussed the use of structured observations as a research strategy in two recently completed studies that investigated students thought processes and behaviors in a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) environment and in other instrument-based laboratory environments. In the first study, students' behaviors and thought processes were…

This paper discusses the competencies that are required to work effectively with information. It examines the nature of the information resources and how students interact with them. The discussion moves to the types of questions students have asked and suggests that the predominant types may not be assisting students in developing information…

Staff development workshops for teachers, tutors, and supervisors were conducted at the Lutheran Settlement House Women's Program. Staff and teachers were surveyed to ascertain staff development needs. Workshops were unique in that they were presented by peer teachers and supervisory staff of the program and invited all participants to share ideas…

This paper presents a rationale for teaching higher level thinking skills to students with special needs, including those with mild mental handicaps and learning disabilities. It briefly reviews the literature on teaching such skills, stressing that thinking skills can be taught through specific teaching methods such as a four-step method…

In the spring of 1989, over 2,000 pairs of fourth- and eighth-grade students were assessed on their ability to apply mathematical and scientific concepts. The tests (administered in alternate years during the written assessments of the Massachusetts Educational Assessment Program) required students to apply what they knew about mathematics and…

A process model for the restructuring of educational administration preparation programs is described, with a focus on program content, delivery, and context. Recommendations are made for utilization of a problem-solving, andragogical approach and for structured administrator preparation programs based on the integration of theory and practice.…