Describes a research project in which the students examine data showing the income disparity between men and women. The students decide on which sociological theories might explain this discrepancy and devise a study to test this hypothesis. Includes instructions for the assignment and guidelines for cooperative learning. (MJP)

At the University of Newcastle (Australia), architecture students' design projects, a central feature of the professional program, are based on design problems requiring integration of information from varied disciplines and therefore, rigorous planning and scheduling. The problem-based learning approach has helped improve student outcomes and has…

Describes the process of problem-based learning (PBL), discusses the history of the movement, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of PBL. Explains the advantages of PBL in developing desirable attributes in biochemistry graduates which include being able to generalize, being able to interpret data, and possessing knowledge of relevant…

Uses the case study of a new private school to investigate the implementation of a curriculum designed to incorporate project-oriented, problem-based learning, and a constructivist approach to challenge gifted learners. Discusses the origins of the school, influencing factors, and implications for initiating similar efforts. (MJP)

Discusses the virtual library as a model for library service in developing countries and describes the potential for these countries to solve many problems through access to needed information and through increased cooperation. Outlines obstacles to achieving this goal, which include lack of economic resources, technological dependence on…

A study investigated how the social process and context of multidisciplinary teams in two rural, southern elementary schools inhibited the unbiased discussion of African American students' psychoeducational functioning. Although ethnic bias was not documented, four themes related to the teams social context and bias in the problem-solving process…

Described are pentonimoe activities which nurture a nonanxious attitude toward math and science, promote an atmosphere of cooperation, support development of problem-solving skills, and provide spatial-ability skill exercises. These activities can be used by students at all educational levels. (KR)

Summarized are uses of microcomputers. Included is a review of word processing, problem solving, microcomputer based laboratory, and database programs. Microcomputer networks and telecommunications are also discussed. (KR)

Argues the archaeologist/anthropologist approach motivates and engages students, and teaches interpretive and problem-solving skills. Outlines a role play for intermediate grades in which students observe, describe, and make inferences about the contents of a suitcase packed by someone known to the students. Lists objectives, materials,…

Describes study that was designed to explore the verbal interaction and problem solving behaviors occurring within small learning groups of fourth graders working cooperatively on a computer-assisted problem solving task. Ability groupings are described and factors relating to the successful completion of the task are discussed. (28 references)…

Reviews two programs: (1) "The Weather Machine" on understanding weather and weather forecasting and (2) "The Mystery of the Hotel Victoria" on problem solving in mathematics. Presents the descriptions, advantages, and weaknesses of the software. (YP)

Presents 18 secondary level student activities that focus on women in twentieth-century Canadian history. Designed to challenge students to question their assumptions and sharpen critical thinking skills, these strategies use role playing, simulation, and research skills to explore the enfranchisement, socialization and historical role of women.…

Discussion of achievement motivation and children's ideas about themselves as learners focuses on a study of third graders that examined the effects of LOGO programing on performance. Incremental and entity theories of intelligence are explained, and treatment of the experimental group and the control group are described. (26 references) (LRW)

Reviews three software programs: (1) "Cartooners"--develops creative arts and animation, grades 1-6, Apple IIGS; (2) "PC Globe+"--social studies, geography, grades 4-12, IBM(384K); (3) "Wood Car Rally"--physical science, scientific method, grades 3-9, Apple II. (MVL)

Describes one unit on analyzing and writing mystery stories in a problem-solving seminar for seventh graders that incorporates the use of television, cooperative learning, and reading and writing in the mathematics class. Provides a sample activity sheet and examples of seventh-grade mystery stories. (Contains 14 references.) (MDH)