Asserts that a goal of social studies instruction is to help students make decisions about complicated social issues and that this goal is best accomplished through development of postformal cognitive processes. Defines postformal thought and examines two types: relativistic and dialectical. Shows how postformal thought can be promoted through two…

Suggested is a methodology for teaching and assessing group problem-solving with secondary school pupils. The results of a study conducted on this method are presented. The problem-solving approach used and operational definitions for assessment are listed. Scenarios for problem-solving activities are included. (CW)

The relationship between mathematics performance and fundamental linguistic variations in the cognitive representation of numbers was assessed, using 24 first graders each from the United States and Japan. Results indicate that the Japanese cognitive representation of number positively affects the understanding of place value. No gender…

Expresses the opinion that education has overemphasized the written word and needs to move back to the oral tradition. Warns that Americans are trained to use the left brain whereas much of engineering needs right brain processing. Gives perspectives to improve engineering education. (MVL)

Notes that almost all computer engineering textbooks present algorithms using only verbal methods. Poses that engineering students' ability to handle graphic representation is crucial yet information is presented verbally. Summarizes the results of 12 replications on learner preference for graphic or verbal algorithmic techniques. (MVL)

Outlines curriculum reforms being made in the master's level educational technology program at San Diego State University. Topics discussed include technological changes and the roles of educational product designers; human information processing; knowledge base design; student design of educational adventure games; interactive video design; and…

Examines reasons for incorporating field trips into the curriculum, ways to plan successful expeditions, and appropriate field trip experiences for young children. (BB)

Confirmatory factor analysis of data from a portion of a long-term study provided evidence for two components of math anxiety for 298 male and 266 female 6th through 12th graders. The components related to negative affective reactions and cognitive aspects. Age and gender differences were significant. (TJH)

Resource teachers' and regular teachers' ratings for 32 elementary-level learning-disabled (LD) students were compared to identify teachability characteristics and behaviors. Though the two groups of teachers did not note differences in problem behaviors of the same LD child in different settings, differences in cognitive/motivational and…

Discusses the application of spelling research findings to the design of computerized instructional spelling programs. The need for individualization is stressed; lesson size, content, and time devoted to instruction discussed; three cognitive models with appropriate instructional strategies for each are presented; and further research needs are…

Examines operations of generalization, identification, discrimination, and synthesis in mathematical concept development from early childhood to late adolescence according to Vygotsky's theory of development. (MDH)

An approach to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders is presented that considers the difficulties in relationships and communication secondary to sensory and motor processing deficits. These difficulties are conceptualized as Multisystem Developmental Disorder (MSDD), and case vignettes illustrate typical patterns of MSDD and…

Asserts that a paradoxical situation exists in the United States where the general public and policymakers support enhanced arts education, but it remains marginal to the curriculum. Proposes 10 strategies by which arts education can be improved and enhanced. (CFR)

Maintains that instruction in economics education is not yet fully established in schools. Presents three generalizations about teaching and learning economics and the implications for curriculum development and instruction. (CFR)

Asserts that it is important to avoid bandwagon superficialities related to the interdisciplinary approach to arts education in the K-12 curriculum. Concludes that the overarching issue related to the National Standards implementation is how to keep content and process in a productive relationship. (CFR)