Examines the way bureaucratic practices and background or schematized knowledge can influence physician-patient and physician-physician interaction and language in medical diagnostic reasoning. Provides a case study that illustrates the bureaucratic processes presupposed in the production and reproduction of knowledge in practical scientific…

Examines some of the assumptions associated with attempts to define the "engineering method." Critiques a previously stated definition of this method, and offers an alternative definition that attempts to include the ideas put forth in the previous definition. Discusses the use of engineering heuristics in both definitions. (TW)

Described are differences in the mathematical problem-solving performance of third-grade gifted and fifth-grade average students observed during an eight-week period. Results indicate that attitudes, motivation, and belief systems were important to performance. There were major differences in problem-solving behavior between boys and girls.…

Reports on a study in which two spatial tests were given to science and engineering majors and to students in nursing and agriculture at Purdue University (Indiana). Scores from the tests consistently contributed a small but significant amount of success on measures of performance in chemistry. (TW)

Abstracts of seven selected papers from the 7th Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference are presented. Papers are included on microcomputer-based labs, teaching science with robots, microcomputer software, problem solving, computer integrated math activities, and computer assisted mathematics. (RH)

Reports on the status of environmental studies programs, as determined at a workshop held in conjunction with the 1986 annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education. Focuses on environmental studies program development since 1976. (TW)

Suggests a series of ratio activities that make use of a computer to produce graphical collections of objects in a grid with variable dimensions. Extends content to the areas of proportions, statistics, probability, programming, and problem solving. (PK)

Consists of three articles discussing the relevance of course work in foreign languages, English, and social studies to specific occupational areas. Describes jobs that make primary and secondary use of these skill areas. (CH)

Suggests that the mathematics curriculum for young children can grow from children's literature. Examples given encourage children to use a variety of thinking skills including classifying, forming hypotheses, selecting strategies, and creating problems. (PK)

Presents a variety of examples through which kindergarten and primary grade children can engage in significant problem solving. The suggested activities use materials in a problem solving context to permit children to experiment, to create, and to make measurements. (PK)

Presents three traditional problems from discrete mathematics with alternative solutions and discussion of those solutions. (PK)

Describes various ways of using children's questions as windows on their understandings and approaches to reading and writing tasks. Suggests that children need to know that questions are not signs of failure. (MM)

Compares the expert, spiral, and reading approaches to instructional strategies for introductory computer programming courses. Based on ACT (Adaptive Control of Thought) theory and relevant research, the differences between declarative and procedural instruction are identified, and six tactics used to design courses and evaluate strategies are…

Reviews the research concerning young children's use of computers in terms of their social/emotional development (peer interaction and cooperation, peer teaching and helping, social and cognitive interaction, and attitudes), language skills (language development, prereading reading, and writing skills), and mathematical and problem-solving skills.…

Suggests that first-time young collaborators are likely to struggle for control of their writing group and for control of the common text. They are ultimately likely to accept the leadership of the group member who makes best use of other member's skills. Focuses on problem-solving skills. (Author/RWB)