Simulation activities provide opportunities to focus on the individual's contribution, encourage creativity, and build self-esteem. These activities can help develop social skills and understanding of other cultures by fostering attitudes of tolerance and sensitivity. (Examples of simulations are included.) (SED)

Seventy fifth-grade students in Australia were observed as each solved a jigsaw puzzle. Boys obtained higher scores on a measure of cognitive style and took less time to complete the jigsaw task; the two measures were significantly correlated. Uses of tangrams are also discussed. (MNS)

This metric puzzle is designed to give students practice in linear measurement through fitting sidewalk pieces together on the game board. A pattern for the gameboard is included. (DT)

Discusses the objectives, construction and use of crossword puzzles in classes in English as a foreign language. (RM)

The logical mysteries in this book are designed to develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills, motivate children to read carefully, and develop memory skills. The mystery solutions are explained at the end of the book. The first nine mysteries are intended for third grade students to work on with their teacher or parents. The second…

Describes a teaching technique, using jigsaw puzzles, that is designed to give beginning science students a better idea of the nature of scientific research. (JR)

Brief articles on a linguistic approach to learning mathematics vocabulary, designing cross-figure puzzles, an activity with probability, and a problem with an erroneous solution are included in this section. (MNS)

Suggestions are given for using a "Mobius Strip" poster. The experiences of one teacher using such a poster are related. (MK)

Mathematical activities suitable for reproduction as worksheets are suggested. These activities are adaptations of the classic tower puzzle and are intended to help students discover patterns, make generalizations, and use the strategy of solving simpler problems in order to solve a more difficult one. (MK)

A theory is proposed of the processes which enable a subject to learn while solving a problem. One subject's protocol--including 224 steps and taking 90 minutes--is described. Adequacy of the mechanisms is guaranteed by a computer simulation of the processes in an adaptive production system. (Author/GDC)

Provides several suggestions for introducing a note of humor into the French classroom while at the same time providing writing practice. Suggestions are based on primary source materials, such as newspaper ads, advice columns, graffiti, popular literature, crossword puzzles, etc. (AM)

Using task choice to measure information-seeking behavior, two studies examined situational determinants of choice among anagram tests varying both in difficulty and diagnosticity (information about one's ability). Subjects took a preliminary test before choosing. Study 1 manipulated pretest performance level. Study 2 varied payment for pretest…

This article discusses the use of word puzzles in the teaching of English as a second language. Example puzzles involve exercises in verb inflection, word meaning, and idiomatic expressions. (CLK)