"Gedankensimulation" is a term adapted from Einstein's "thought experiments" to indicate mentally created simulations that can help conceptualize ideas. Presents seven examples of simulations that can be utilized to solve problems or illustrate concepts in probability and statistics. Problem contexts include games of chance,…

Highlights combinatorial problems appropriate for students aged 4 to 12 years that utilize manipulatives in a hands-on approach. Examines and identifies students' strategies and self-monitoring techniques that produce effective problem solving. (MDH)

Reports on a study of 128 first-year teachers. The data suggest that beginning teachers are selective in whom they ask for help. Most sought help from experienced teachers they perceived as friendly or caring, whether they were mentors or not. (SM)

During the 1980s, a difficult period for many colleges and universities, the University of Michigan was able to respond successfully to changing circumstances. The university has conducted three analyses (costs, staffing, revenue) that have led to recommendations in the areas of organizational cultural change, a quality approach to strategic…

Divided into two parts, this article analyzes why some pupils feel reserve about instantaneous velocities and instantaneous flows. The second part relates reactions of pupils facing a problem that implicates the instantaneous rate of change. Describes some characteristics of this problem that enables the authors to explain its instructional…

The article provides a context for understanding the development of student teachers' critical thinking skills and presents ways that cooperating teachers and university supervisors can promote and supervise critical thinking during practice teaching. It discusses patterns of communication, and inquiry-related informational conversations. (SM)

Presents an alternative to traditional story-problem instruction in which students write their own mathematics stories about familiar situations involving problems that can be resolved with the aid of mathematics. Provides excerpts from a typical class discussion to resolve the problem. (16 references) (MDH)

A software package which can aid descriptive geometry instruction is described. Included are the features of the software and the software configuration. This software has been honored as the best and most advanced software of its kind in the People's Republic of China. (KR)

Students' reactions and performances were examined when taught engineering geometry concepts using a standard microcomputer-aided drafting software package. Two sample groups were compared based on their computer experience. Included are the methodology, data analysis, and conclusions. (KR)

Proposed is a hierarchy of visual learning giving three primary stages of visual learning as well as seven hierarchical stages. A clarification of terms associated with visual learning is presented. (KR)

An explanation of 3-D Computer Aided Design (CAD) usage to teach spatial geometry concepts using nontraditional techniques is presented. The software packages CADKEY and AutoCAD are described as well as their usefulness in solving space geometry problems. (KR)

Discussed is the importance of students being able to read and understand mathematics. The need for students to practice reading mathematics is emphasized. Discussions and homework are presented as examples of this needed practice. (KR)

Presents six learning exercises that introduce students to the mathematics used to control and track spacecraft attitude. Describes the geocentric system used for Earthbound location and navigation, the celestial sphere, the spacecraft-based celestial system, time-dependent angles, observer-fixed coordinate axes, and spacecraft rotational axes.…

Demonstrates a laboratory to teach the concept of moment of inertia in which students are asked to identify four objects of equal mass sealed in unopenable containers by identifying the mass distribution of each object. Gives instructions to build an instrument to determine relative distribution of mass. (MDH)

Discusses the role of teacher questioning in the development of a child's concepts of and about mathematics. Proposes the development of mathematical concepts and procedures in problem-solving situations through questioning that engages student thinking and decision making. (MDH)