The forces and torques experienced by the spine are examined to understand, and possibly avoid, low back pain. The structure, degrees of freedom, forces and torques when lifting objects, an experimental study, and other factors affecting the back are discussed. (KR)

Argues that the dichotomy between domain-specific and general theories of cognitive development addressed in the "Merrill-Palmer Quarterly" special issue is unproductive. Suggests that polarities of generality and specificity exist in creative tension as seen through developmental processes. (Author/BB)

Presents a class activity designed to foster an understanding of rules, develop analytical skills, and introduce students to early colonial history. Divides the class into groups who are sailing to the New World, and presents them with ethical and practical problems to be solved on board the ship. (RW)

To reduce student depression and its academic consequences, a preventive training program for freshmen provided one group (n=85) with a semester-long course in personal competencies (affect management, self-control, social skills, and problem solving), and one group (n=86) with an academic skills course. Both groups were equally effective.…

Discussed is a constructivist model of science learning and its possible use in the treatment of science misconceptions. Science learning as conceptual and methodological change is described. (KR)

Described is a cost-effectiveness analysis applied to the question of the probable impact of 69 actions advocated for improving science education. The major objectives and the 11 categories of interventions are discussed in regard to effective schools and implementing educational change. (KR)

Determined was the effect that cooperative groups heterogeneously based on proportional reasoning ability have on problem solving in regular and honors high school chemistry. Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers individually and in groups are discussed. (KR)

Teaching methods which can be used to teach statistics at the primary, intermediate, and middle grades are described. Teaching data analysis and problem solving in this context are discussed. (CW)

Thirteen 8- to 10-year-old students participated in a Lego-LOGO learning environment, coupling Lego building-block activities with Logo computer programming, to evaluate whether this learning environment was conducive to metacognitive awareness and cooperation. Results suggested positive cognitive and affective outcomes, especially for the younger…

Reports research findings regarding the learning and teaching of proportional reasoning. Presents four tasks devised to assess students' proportional reasoning and describes four solution strategies for solving these tasks based on the analysis of seventh and eighth graders' correct responses. (MDH)

Examines aspects of language connections in the learning of mathematics in three sections that discuss the interaction between language, symbolism, and manipulatives; emphasis on context in language development; and language connections in problem solving. Presents implications for nonnative English speakers. (MDH)

Emphasizes a real-world-problem situation using sine law and cosine law. Angles of elevation from two tracking stations located in the plane of the equator determine height of a satellite. Calculators or computers can be used. (LDR)

This is a reprint of an address given at the Christmas National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) meeting in 1958. It provides a critique of elementary instruction and discusses the changes necessary. It calls for fundamental change in the concept of mathematics teaching. (PDD)

Describes problems in teaching problem solving and summarizes research in this area. Presents Guided Design or Guided Decision Making as a problem-solving approach in which groups of students work their way through a model of the problem-solving process as they wrestle with a discipline-specific situation. (PR)

Events that brought independent evaluators together to address common problems and issues in the area of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education are described, focusing on development and accomplishments of the collaboration. The foundation stemmed from the funding agency's insistence that each program identify an evaluator. (SLD)