Reviewed are two computer software packages the "Scientific Routines Diskette: Laboratory Automation Using the IBM PC" and "SEQS 3.0 Student Version Simultaneous Equation Solver" for IBM and compatible personal computers. Discussed are hardware, components, level, cost, functions, strengths, and weaknesses. (CW)

Describes a problem-solving activity integrating a laboratory investigation with a database activity using Appleworks. Presents typical displays of the databases. The objective of the laboratory was to determine the identity of a pure substance by measuring physical properties and searching the database. (Author/YP)

Discusses recommendations on how social studies concepts should be presented to elementary and secondary school students so that broad understandings and problem-solving skills emerge. Intervention strategies that might be useful to library media specialists as they help teachers and students with resource-based units of instruction are described.…

Eight articles are included in this collection. Topics include: multicultural science, teaching science with metaphors, development of a graded assessment scheme in science, relative performance of boys and girls in chemistry, promoting science understanding, formative evaluations, science background of primary teachers, and promoting creativity…

Reviews five Apple II computer programs: (1) The Research Companion: Supreme Court Decisions, grades 9-12; (2) Rebus Writer--vocabulary, problem solving, wordplay, grades 3-12; (3) Playing with Science: Temperature--MBL for grades K-7; (4) Exploring Science: Temperature--MBL for grades 6-12; and (5) ShowOff--graphics, desktop presentations for…

Discussed are problems encountered when a gas absorption experiment with strong measurement error is used. Notes students either avoid the experiment or report it as defective. Provides ideas to make lab experiments more instructive. (MVL)

Reviews a monograph which addresses children's higher-order thinking skills. Suggests the following for teaching problem solving: identify and develop content-independent and content-dependent problem-solving skills, connect developed skills through workshop-style activities to subject discipline, and help students identify and reconstruct their…

Reviews three computer software programs: (1) "Discovery! Experiences with Scientific Reasoning"--problem solving for grades 4-12 (Apple II); (2) "Organic Stereochemistry"--a tutorial for organic chemistry for advanced secondary/college level (Apple II); and (3) "SHOW PARTNER (2.01)"--a graphics utility tool for…

Alverno College students receive no grades and do not compete with each other, but to graduate, they must demonstrate competence in eight "abilities": communication, analysis, problem solving, valuing, social interaction, taking responsibility for the global environment, effective citizenship, and aesthetic response. (MSE)

Describes five studies on educational computing: (1) word processing and writing processes in colleges; (2) simulations and problem solving for learning disabled high school students; (3) social interaction and problem solving in children using Logo and drill and practice programs; (4) computer access and flowcharting in programing instruction;…

Discusses the need for library science to examine users' search behaviors in the context of social cognition and creative problem solving. Topics covered include the psychology of search behavior, problem solving approaches to library instruction in online searching, and problem solving protocols. (29 references) (CLB)

A case-based, student-centered instructional model designed to mimic orthodontic problem solving and decision making in dental general practice is described. Small groups of students analyze case data, then record and discuss their diagnoses and treatments. Students and instructors rated the seminars positively, and students reported improved…

Types of strategies used by (n=36) fourth-, sixth-, and eighth-grade students solving comparison of area tasks were identified and classified. Most students used a direct comparison strategy to compare areas. Use of a part-whole strategy increased with the introduction of fractional terms and symbols. (23 references) (MKR)

A study compared the performances of Wake Forest University (North Carolina) medical students rotating through an internal medicine program, 88 in a problem-based curriculum and 364 in a lecture-based curriculum. Students in the problem-based curriculum received significantly higher ratings from house staff and faculty on four clinical rating…

The process of revising a University of Toronto (Canada) final-year undergraduate pharmacy therapeutics course to incorporate the principles of pharmaceutical care and problem-based learning is detailed. The final course outline and results of a course evaluation are also included. (MSE)