Describes a study of the estimation skills of mathematicians (N=44), accountants (N=44), psychology students (N=44), and English students (N=44). Explores their methods of estimating the products and quotients of 20 problems. Contains 49 references. (DDR)

Discusses how important it is for teachers to be open to alternative procedures and strategies that students may use. Suggests that a method that is meaningful rather than one learned by rote will help students develop more confidence and understanding. (KHR)

Undergraduates (n=195) were asked to work on three creative problem-solving tasks. Beliefs consistent with the nature of the task were found to be those most likely to be related to performance. Belief measures were found to be reasonably powerful predictors of the production of original, high-quality solutions. (Contains references.) (CR)

Characterizes students' understanding of the rock cycle system. Examines effects of a knowledge integration activity on their system thinking. Interprets answers to an open-ended test using a systems thinking continuum ranging from a completely static view of the system to an understanding of the system's cyclic nature. Reports meaningful…

Considers educational aspects of the development of ratio and proportion focusing on the arithmetization undergone by these concepts in light of the relationship between mathematics and music. Investigates the instructional aspects of compounding ratios. Points out features of the differences between identity and proportion which can be…

Explores teaching methods to improve students' understanding of quantitative chemistry and their ability to solve related problems using the Multidimensional Analysis System (MAS). Investigates the relationships between MAS-classified chemistry problems and student achievement in solving these problems. Shows that improvement in student…

Investigates the depth and accuracy of 6th grade students' content understandings as well as the use of search-and-assess strategies when using on-line resources. Uses scaffolded curriculum materials while completing on-line inquiry units. Concludes that students develop accurate and in-depth understandings if they use search-and-assess strategies…

Explains the place of science process skills in a quality science program. Introduces activities for the basic and integrated science skills that will lead to an understanding of the basic element of scientific literacy. Describes definitions, activities, and assessment techniques for developing interpreting data, controlling variables,…

Reports research that examines children's models of seed. Explores the conceptions held by children (N=75) of germination and seed formation. Concludes that children hold a restricted meaning for the term 'seed'. (DDR)

Identifies certain conceptions regarding the science content studied by students aged 9-11 years and develops a strategy for altering these conceptions. Reviews research on misconceptions and defines action research. (DDR)

Describes a school's successful experiences with testing and evaluating the collaborative effort of a parental involvement program. (Author/KHR)

Presents part of a project that introduces a sufficient, simple, and relevant teaching approach to quantum mechanics into in-/pre-service teacher education and provides teachers with the indispensable scientific knowledge and epistemological base needed for reform in science education. (Contains 54 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents an anthropological approach used in French research and the theory of instrumentation developed in cognitive ergonomics. Shows how these frameworks allow an approach to the educational use of CAS technology, focusing on the unexpected complexity of instrumental genesis, mathematical needs of instrumentation, status of instrumented…

Two experiments involving 44 Hong Kong undergraduates revealed that solving novel conceptual combination problems could enhance performance in a subsequent test of creativity. The evidence also showed that the beneficial effects of solving novel conceptual combination problems were mediated in part by the use of novel conceptual combination…

A study involving 31 adults with Down syndrome investigated their ability to reason. Results found they did not differ from typically developing children, matched on expressive and verbal ability, in transitivity and non-verbal analogical thinking; however, they did differ in categorical reasoning, classical verbal analogies, and short-term…