The need to provide understandable problems and ways to help children understand problems are explored. An interview with a sixth grader depicts his incorrect strategies and leads to suggestions for teaching problem solving using a range of mathematical models for each operation. (MNS)

Describes the utilization of database management as a inquiry tool to aid higher-level thinking in a fourth-grade American Indian studies course. (MBR)

Computer-based information systems have evolved from emphasizing data processing to providing full and flexible support for management. They have moved from providing mere data to providing a medium for representing knowledge wherein managers can analyze data, formulate ideas, structure arguments, and building models. (Author/MLW)

Fourth-grade students' understanding of the order and equivalence of rational numbers was investigated in 132 interviews during an 18-week teaching experiment. Six children were instructed individually and as a group at two sites, with instruction relying heavily on manipulative aids. Strategies used to compare fractions were identified. (MNS)

An information-processing model was tested for a laboratory visualization task that represents one adaptation of a standardized spatial ability test. The pattern of results suggests that individual differences are a function of differences in the accuracy and/or quality of the mental representation, not just speed of processing. (Author/BW)

Finds a significant positive relationship between fourth-grade students' reading ability and their ability to make appropriate decisions about English spelling. Suggests how classroom practice might be modified to facilitate children's understanding of orthographic structure. (FL)

Tracks bargaining interaction and the development of arguments between school administrators and teachers (on the issue of teachers' files and evaluations) through sequential sessions and caucus meetings. Examines similarities and differences in the reasoning process on subissues that are dropped, modified, or retained in the final argument. (PD)

Notes that neurolinguistic programing, recently introduced in education, helps teachers analyze and overcome barriers to student achievement in reading. Presents applications and implications of the concept. (FL)

Reports on a study that investigated the nature of the relationship between reading ability and performance on intelligence tests. Reveals a number of findings. (FL)

Concludes that in virtually all tests involving phonemic processing, poor readers performed significantly worse than did chronological age controls. (FL)

Investigates the hypothesis that, in the case of individual similes, bits of lexical information, or word knowledge, are predictably and absolutely essential to the resolution of similes. (HOD)

Investigates the relative effectiveness of two adjunct questioning techniques employed to increase writers' elaboration. (HOD)

The problem of using learning styles to enhance the design of learning environments is discussed. Some questions to be addressed are examined: learning style characteristics that are most likely to prove useful for designing instructional processes, the best way to measure learning style, etc. (MLW)

Solutions to addition and subtraction word problems were studied in a three-year longitudinal study that followed 88 children from grades one to three. They solved problems using a variety of strategies before formal instruction and used invented strategies several years after formal instruction. Four levels of problem-solving ability were found.…