Metaphorical reasoning explains how people can interpret abstract representations through a complex activity and then apply them to new problems. In particular, metaphors can facilitate both conceptual understanding and problem solving by: (1) intuitively justifying mathematical operations, (2) integrating mathematical knowledge, (3) enhancing the…

The majority of research investigating gender-related differences in problem-solving ability has focused on the product of word problem solving--the problem solution. This paper reports an investigation of potential gender-related effects on sixth-graders of an explicitly stated problem-solving plan. Two versions of the test were given: the…

This paper reviews literature documenting gender differences in beliefs related to mathematics achievement. The areas included in the discussion are: (1) gender differences in mathematics achievement and self-referenced cognitions, (2) the effect of confidence and anxiety on mathematics performance and expenditure of effort, and (3) confidence and…

The School Effectiveness Training Program (SET) and the Secondary School Development Program (SSDP) were school-improvement programs developed by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a state teachers' organization, and Research for Better Schools (RBS), a regional educational laboratory. Coordinating councils played pivotal roles in both…

This curriculum guide is a resource for teachers and students who wish to understand watersheds: what they are, what natural elements comprise them, and how social and political activities can influence the environmental quality within a watershed. The process of watershed study is explored, including the theories, goals and objectives of…

The elements of statistical formulae that cause people to perceive them as difficult were studied, working from theoretical bases that involve cognitive load, motivational perception, and impasse driven learning. In a pilot study conducted to identify difficulties that novices perceive while learning statistical formulae, 22 students in an…

This book shows how to use evaluation to find effective solutions. The first two chapters introduce evaluation as an administrative function at the school level. Chapter 1 draws on two kinds of literature--educational-administration literature (to survey administrative practices) and educational-evaluation literature (evaluation practiced by…

This newsletter focuses on what works in inclusive education. A major article is "Inclusive Education: Needs of Minnesota Families--Major Findings from a 'Together We're Better' Study." This article presents findings of a statewide survey of families of children with disabilities. Findings are categorized within four areas: (1)…

The literature on how educators use information to solve problems and perform their routine duties is located within a much larger, well-established literature that spans topics in organizational decision-making, communication theory, cognitive science, information theory, and evaluation utilization. This bibliography presents summaries of…

This teaching guide contains a collection of energy education activities written and organized so that they might be used either as a unit on energy, or as individual activities to complement existing curricula in grades 4-6. The focus in on conservation and renewables. Most of 23 activities are designed as cooperative learning experiences and are…

This manual is intended to assist individuals with disabilities or their families to protect their rights and solve their problems through developing appropriate advocacy skills. Chapter 1 defines advocacy, discusses different types of advocacy, and examines attitudes towards advocacy that may help or hinder its practice. Chapter 2 describes basic…

This booklet offers guidelines on how to set up school-employer partnerships based on how others have planned, organized, operated, promoted, and funded their programs. This document describes the following strategies that work in school-to-work transition: (1) developing and maintaining partnerships; (2) planning; (3) learning; (4) anticipating…

The Empowering Learners Project, a collaborative effort of five United Way agencies in the St. Paul (Minnesota) area, produced this manual to outline some strategies for assisting English-as-a-Second-Language learners in becoming effective learners and critical thinkers. Ideas in the manual came from project agencies and research in critical…

This study investigated the effects of interactive video (IVD) instruction with embedded rules (production system rules) and practice with feedback on learners' academic achievement and perceived self efficacy in the domain of procedural knowledge for watching professional football. Subjects were 71 female volunteers from undergraduate education…

This study is an investigation of how modeling aids learners in developing problem solving skills within a computer learning environment. The task given to the 45 undergraduate and continuing education students serving as subjects, was to solve a crime in the computer game, "Where in Time is Carmen San Diego." Three subject groups…