This paper describes the results of implementing a team-project approach to a methods course for preservice physical science teachers. The course is meant to give future teachers realistic experiences in the pursuit of solutions to problems where no answers are provided by the textbook or the instructor. Each lesson introduces a problem, offers…

Educators and learners have diverse thinking style preferences. Recognition of this difference in preferences is very important in the design of a curriculum and the way it is taught. Educators are often unaware of the way learners think and learn. Cataloging and classification can only be taught effectively if the diversity in thinking style is…

This paper proposes linkages between the first year and the senior year of college, looking at the results of a workplace readiness assessment. The study was based on the assumption that the campus environment does not prepare students to handle life beyond college. Students volunteers completed a lengthy paper survey prior to viewing a video…

This paper discusses classroom practices contributing to positive, peaceful interactions between adults and young children. The paper begins with reminders about the development of self-control as a crucial aspect of peacefulness, the role of the toddler's developing autonomy, and the development of a sense of fairness in prekindergarten children.…

Noting that assumptions about the teaching and learning of early childhood mathematics have changed substantially since the 1970s, this chapter examines recent research that may inform curriculum development in early childhood mathematics. The chapter begins with a consideration of the theoretical perspectives for defining an appropriate…

Discusses the evolution of a set of research programs (dealing with the removal of liquid contaminants from surfaces) used to introduce graduate students to methods of design, evaluation, and modification within the context of a larger research program. Stresses the simultaneity and interaction of theoretical and experimental studies. (JM)

The efficacy of training learning disabled (LD) adolescents in social and problem-solving skills was evaluated. While all three groups of adolescents showed increased skill levels following training, LD adolescents demonstrated only a slight gain when compared to non-LD and court adjudicated youths on the cognitive problem-solving skill.…

Environmental education is the study of human interaction with the environment and is linked with experiential education. Lists goals of environmental education, why experiential methods should be used, how to introduce these methods and some existing programs using experiential methods. (LC)

Presents 15 teachers' viewpoints on discipline; parent, teacher, and student thoughts on the causes of discipline problems; a federal discipline policy statement; a list of common discipline problems; eight questions to ask when exploring practical solutions; and approaches to discipline problems. (AH)

Suggesting, from the results of an information study, that a dichotomy exists between learning physics and passing physics courses, explores the consequences of the dichotomy for standard lecture format and Personalized System of Instruction courses. Includes discussions of student responses to problem-solving approaches, textbook study, and…

The predictive validity of several mathematics and language variables relative to criteria of grade point average and word problem-solving skills for 60 bilingual Hispanic technical students is investigated. Examination of standardized college admission criteria is urged. Revealed is a disparity in academic performance between bilingual and…

Discusses the role of Mexican immigration and Mexican-origin worker communities in the United States economic system; census data showing the unequal status and education of Mexican origin students; and methods to implement educational principles. Available from Centro de Publicaciones, Department of Chicano Studies, California State University,…

Reports long-term effects of intensive instruction in the cue attendance or hypothesis generation on open-exploration behavior of 120 ninth graders. Five dependent measures included: number of observed details; number and quality of hypotheses; and number and diversity of questions. Results suggest long-term benefits. (Author/JN)

Described is Xavier University of Louisiana Piagetian-based general chemistry program. Laboratory experiments are in the learning cycle format and place emphasis on learning by doing. Aspects of the curriculum described include synopses of content covered, laboratory-preceding lectures, list of laboratory experiments covered, and evaluation of the…

This study demonstrated an aptitude-strategy interaction in linear syllogistic reasoning; specifically, that the efficiency of each of four alternative strategies for solving linear syllogisms would depend on subjects' verbal and spatial abilities. The four strategies, as well as research methods in aptitude-treatment interaction, are discussed.…