Discussed is why students have the tendency to apply an "add the numerators and add the denominators" approach to adding fractions. Suggested is providing examples exemplifying this intuitive approach from ratio, concentration, and distance problems to demonstrate under what conditions it is applicable in contrast to the addition algorithm. (MDH)

When comparing performances across four versions of Computer as Lab Partner curriculum, increases in understanding were found when students predicted outcomes and reconciled results, and students used a heat-flow model of thermodynamics to integrate their experimental results. Argued is that curriculum must explicitly motivate students to…

A 1-year lag was found between the effect of an intervention intended to promote formal operational thinking in students initially 11 or 12 years of age and the appearance of substantial science achievement in the experimental groups. A one-year lag on cognitive development and an age/gender interaction were also reported. (Author/KR)

The value of incorporating the haptic mode into the science curriculum and expanding "hands-on experience" to "total-body experience" are discussed. The pedagogical implications of the role of movement in cognitive development are described. (KR)

Increased use of cooperative learning methods is a visible change in mathematics education in the last decade. Research questions on cooperative learning concerning different models employed, their effectiveness compared to traditional methods of instruction, their effects on student achievement, and cognitive and affective benefits gained during…

Analyzed are the different stages in the conceptual evolution of infinity as developed historically through the work of Bolzano and Cantor. Results of a study of 18 to 20 year old's concept of infinity prior to instruction produced aspects of the passage between conceptual levels of infinity. (MDH)

Examines self-assessment as a personality structure that changes in its development as individuals mature. Explains prognosticative, actual (or correcting), and retrospective self-assessment. Develops a structural-dynamic explanatory model, characterizing self-assessment as a systemic formation. Relates self-evaluation to achievement, volitional…

Young children with low vision tend to experience delays in cognitive development, motor development, and social skills because of insufficient motivation and opportunities to explore their environments actively. This literature review explores the resulting difficulties in acquiring practical knowledge and spatial/environmental concepts,…

Attempts to integrate recent models of social systems based on age and cognitive personality research with research on adolescence. Presents a conceptual model of how adolescents set personal goals, construct cognitive strategies, and evaluate their success in an age-graded sociocultural context. Discusses future directions for research based on…

Proposes helping students understand fractions by establishing connections between students' informal knowledge of fractions and the mathematical symbols used to represent fractions. Sample dialogues demonstrate how these connections can be made. (MDH)

Reports three studies which (1) investigated children's and adults' concepts of development (COD); (2) observed parents' tutoring their fifth-grade children; and (3) interviewed adults in three age groups about parenting dilemmas. In each study, COD scores were obtained. Results of all studies showed that subjects' stage of COD reasoning was…

Data from the 1983-84 Israeli IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement) science study were used to explore gender-related differences (and their determinants) in the learning of science. The study (n=1974) involved several measures of science learning, 10 attitudinal measures, and items and errors classification.…

Comments on Nicolopoulou's article in this issue on the idea that play is an inherently social and cultural cognitive childhood activity. Emphasizes the importance of cultural variation of play for research and education. (BB)

Reviews chapters of this book on probability in mathematics education. Topics discussed in the chapters include a historical perspective of probability, an epistemological perspective of probability, an overview of the psychological research on probability learning, computers in probability education, and an analysis of the probability curriculum.…

Evaluation of 17 children with autism at the ages of 6 to 15 and then again at ages 13 to 25, suggested that, for the majority of people with autism, there may be little development of a theory of mind. For a minority, development may extend to the equivalent of a 3- to 4-year-old level by the teenage years. (JDD)