Defines approaches to inquiry-based science teaching and describes many ways in which to conduct this kind of science instruction. Argues that with science reform underway, opportunities exist to transform classrooms into environments with active learners engaged in inquiry. (DDR)

Presents a forum in which students can voice their concerns about the future to community decision makers. A plan is suggested for organizing a Children's Hearing through one school or a collaborative effort of several schools. Steps include data gathering and organization, analysis and synthesis, preparation for the hearing, and the hearing…

Describes two model water education programs. The River Ecology Program teaches students basic ecological concepts related to rivers, explores the impact of human activities on rivers, and helps students develop an attitude of stewardship for rivers. The Wetlands Watch Program has students conduct studies related to local wetlands and respond…

Learn, Explore, and Practice (LEAP) is an intelligent tutoring system for training new customer contact employees in customer interaction skills (problem solving and sales) as well as domain knowledge, such as telecommunications products and services. This article describes the design and evaluation (formative and summative) of the first version…

Proposes a model that displays the five components of the statistical problem-solving process. Focuses on the collection of coins in sets by mint location and fully describes the procedures. Includes ideas for data collection and analysis. (DDR)

Discusses a wilderness camp program for children with behavioral problems and provides recommendations for applying the program ideas in a public school setting, including group huddles for problem solving, goal-oriented living and learning, quiet time for rest and reflection, allowing transition time, and partnering adversaries. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the curriculum's influence on 341 medical students' perceptions of learning environment, as measured by the Medical School Learning Environment Survey, in two public medical schools with similar problem-based learning (PBL) and conventional lecture-based learning (LBL) tracks, over three years. Results indicate PBL students'…

Reports on changes in the perceptions of science classes and science study of elementary, middle, and high school students in Iowa following Science-Technology-Society (STS) instruction for one semester. Results indicate that students develop positive perceptions about science classes and science in general following STS instruction. Contains 27…

Describes a consultancy exercise in which a small industrial company consults with a chemistry class to solve real-world problems related to chemistry and the environment. The exercise was designed to improve students' skills in design calculations, project management, information assimilation, team working, and problem solving. (DKM)

Describes an educational program that asks students to attempt to prove that the earth is spherical and that it rotates. Presents tips to pique student interest and charts related to sensing the spin, nonrotation notions, flat earth fallacies, evidence that the earth is spherical and rotates, and the role of watersheds in proving that the earth…

Real-world problems often do not mesh well with mandated curricula and texts. Designing challenges to develop the understandings, skills, and beliefs necessary for tackling real-life problems involves a commitment to authentic learning experiences of increasing sophistication. The experiential learning cycle, by combining academic, scenario, and…

Surveys syllabi of MBA (Masters of Business Administration) communication courses around the United States. Finds that the "typical" MBA course focuses on skill development; integrates both speaking and writing, often with emphasis on speech; and builds problem solving and strategic communication skills through experiential learning.…

Describes an exercise for a business writing class which provides teams of students with a simulated encounter involving extended conflict with an adversarial business person, extending over several weeks, and requiring extensive problem solving and a range of business writing. (SR)

Describes a prewriting problem-solving plan intended to help students achieve effective organization and persuasion in writing business documents. Finds that business communication students felt the plan was beneficial, particularly for persuasive messages, individual writing, and small-group writing, and that many felt the plan was worth…

Presents a problem suggested for students in grades one through six concerning the concepts of grouping, reasoning, and pattern finding. Discusses the student problem-solving process. (ASK)