Five- to six-year-old children estimated the size of Euclidian objects using an addition rule of Height plus Width, rather than a multiplying rule. Within the framework of information integration theory, tested whether intensive handling of objects would facilitate shift from addition rule to multiplication rule. Found that following handling,…

Asserts the function of narrative as a method of thinking is important in the lives of children as well as adults. Maintains that, by examining a story or narrative in children's art, it is possible to account for its importance in their lives. Describes three aspects of narrative: (1) invention; (2) description; and (3) negotiation. (CFR)

Cognitive tools, computer-based applications normally used as productivity software, can also function as knowledge representation formalisms that require learners to think critically. Databases, spreadsheets, semantic networks, expert systems, and multimedia/hypermedia construction can function as computer-based cognitive tools to expand student…

Introduces a theme issue focusing on teaching critical thinking through college psychology courses. Defines critical thinking and asserts that "learning to think" has been called the central purpose of education. Refers to the Goals 2000 program and its emphasis on thinking skills. (CFR)

Presents an interview with Kieran Egan, an award-winning professor of education. Egan's research has focused on the role of imagination in learning, providing new understanding on how children's minds work. After presenting an academic portrait of Egan, discusses his opinion on the role of educational theory today and his teaching-as-storytelling…

Reports on a study of differences in assumptions about a just world among 140 college students. Finds that nonminority students saw their personal worlds as less random, more just, and more benevolent than they saw the general world. Finds that minority students saw both the personal and the general world as less benevolent and less lucky. (CFR)

In an attempt to bridge the perceived distinction between internalized conceptions of mathematics and their external representations, this discussion treats mathematics both as an individual, constructive activity and as a communal, social practice. It is argued that this approach might transcend the tripartite scheme of teacher, student, and…

Presents the hierarchical structure of quadrilaterals as an illustration of learning a geometric concept by moving from the levels of visualization and analysis to the level of formal deduction. The development discusses the classification of quadrilaterals, the inheritance of properties within the hierarchy, connections between algebra and…

Discusses ways to teach learning systems design. Elements in the design process are considered, including learning in context, modeling of expert thought processes, and reflection; the use of roleplays, simulations, and case studies is explored; and development and testing of a prototype application consisting of videotaped interviews with an…

Discusses the first session and events from other sessions of a mathematics circle consisting of the author and four preschool children. Presents discussions that ensued with the children when asked to solve problems related to Piaget's stages of cognitive development. (MDH)

Learning environment that facilitated the acquisition and expression of procedural skills in LOGO was set up for children in the 10- to 12-year range. Ten participants were placed in a series of situations that required them to manipulate programing procedures in LOGO. Analysis of children's behavior revealed their competence in manipulating…

Proposes a theory of cognitive processes in doing and learning place value arithmetic. Discusses a computer model that simulates the learning of multicolumn subtraction under one-on-one tutoring to measure the relative difficulty of two methods of subtraction. The model predicts that regrouping is more difficult to learn than an alternative…

A test with 1,446 high school students in Israel of a multidimensional model of adolescent drug use that incorporates sociodemographic variables, personality variables, cognitive variables, interpersonal factors, and the availability of drugs validated the model longitudinally. Results suggest that different legal and illegal substances share a…

The effects of teaching with analogies on students' conceptual understanding and explanations of educational computing were examined with three groups of preservice teachers in a computer literacy course. Students who were taught using complete analogies were found to have a better grasp of computing concepts than those taught using undeveloped…

The ability of 59 college students to access prior knowledge spontaneously in the form of a general procedure and a specific strategy was demonstrated using a training for transfer paradigm. Results are discussed in the context of transfer-appropriate processing and transfer-appropriate procedures models of learning and memory. (SLD)