A set of tests that might be reasonably used as provisional criterion measures in research on scientific thinking, particularly creative thinking, were developed and an assessment was made of the suitability of these tests as criterion variables from the standpoint of their psychometric properties. The Tests of Scientific Thinking are performance…

Preparing the individual for the future is the ultimate goal of education. However, this goal is increasingly unmet as education becomes fragmented into disciplines which divide learning into a collection of unrelated situations. One solution to this fragmented learning is an interdisciplinary approach which is characterized by a concern for…

This document presents the learning goals for children participating in Georgia's prekindergarten program. Twenty-three learning goals with accompanying subgoals are delineated in the following areas: (1) language development; (2) mathematical development; (3) scientific development; (4) creative development; (5) physical development; and (6)…

Two analogies illustrate differences in educational philosophy: the child as clay to be molded by teachers to conform to predetermined standards, and the child as a flower, tended by the teacher so that it may blossom in its own way. Case studies of delinquent children have shown that some children are able draw upon inner resources and…

This essay presents a list of 11 qualities that outstanding teachers possess, including: (1) flexibility (being able to change plans at a moment's notice and make adjustments accordingly); (2) enthusiasm and energy (showing a drive to excite students and model positive behavior); (3) empathy (acting understanding and compassionate of parents as…

Noting that a creative approach to early childhood education allows teachers to reinforce the foundation of achievement by encouraging and expanding upon children's play activities, this book provides teacher-developed ideas and strategies for creating learning communities in the early childhood classroom. The beginning chapter introduces creative…

Summarizes findings of seven studies dealing with how teacher behavior affects student performance in activity-centered science classrooms at the elementary and junior high school levels. Concludes that activity-centered classrooms encourage student creativity in problem solving, student independence, and help low ability students overcome initial…

Presents guidelines for media specialists to help faculty and students in designing and producing multimedia presentation programs. Notes the importance of simplicity coupled with creativity. Discusses design principles for color, text, graphics, and special effects. (AEF)

Describes how a version of the Tuckman Teacher Feedback Form (TTFF) was used to measure teachers'"personality" factors as perceived by students. The instrument included 28 sets of bipolar adjectives to use in describing the teacher. Findings revealed that the application of technology to instruction improved students' perceptions of…

Describes a partnership between business, public schools, and a university to empower high school math and science teachers to use multimedia workstations and other technology to improve their curricula. Improvements included more student-centered classrooms, as well as better feedback, problem solving, creativity, and motivation. Teachers were…

Contends that an obsession for competition has permeated all aspects of society, including the artistic environment. Maintains that competition works against creativity and individual development. Recommends eliminating music contests and other competitive practices at the school and college levels. (CFR)

Maintains that, to improvise successfully in music, students must have an understanding of the creative process. Presents teaching suggestions for encouraging creativity in music classes. Maintains that improvisation is an excellent method for students to explore and practice creativity. (CFR)

Presents the reactions of a mathematics educator and a mathematician to a seven-year-old student's response for finding square numbers. Reflects on the mathematician's focus on the mathematics of the problem and the mathematics educator's focus on the student's systematic way of working, and discusses the common focus of student creativity. (MDH)

Returns to the etymological root of technology to advocate broad interpretations of design technology features of the United Kingdom's, National Curriculum. Urges avoiding narrow applications of technical education. Favors nourishing right hemisphere talents to encourage student inventiveness. Stresses the importance of language and learning…

A Soviet journalist interviews Dmitrii Kabalevskii, a renowned Soviet composer and educator concerning Kabalevskii's efforts to introduce a new music curriculum during the 1970s. Kabalevskii stresses building on students' experiences with music and encouraging creativity rather than formalistic training. Recounts the struggle against governmental…