Examined is the predictive value of the cognitive variables of developmental level, mental capacity, cognitive style, short-term storage space, and numerical inductive reasoning for student achievement in college science. Included is a strategy for the development of materials which would allow students to develop problem-solving skills. (KR)

The use of calculators in helping students to construct their own learning is discussed. Two games which illustrate this concept are presented. The features of a constructivist lesson which uses calculators are listed. (CW)

Uses conic sections, trigonometric functions, and polar coordinates to solve the problem of determining the shape of a baseball outfield fence, given the distances along the foul lines and to straightaway center field. Graphing programs and calculators are utilized to plot different solutions. (MDH)

Results from 40 high school students on the mathematics subtest of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) support the prediction that successful students would have more prior knowledge and would be better at defining problems, assembling strategies, and avoiding computational errors. Results are discussed in terms of a cognitive processing model.…

Responses of students in grades K-10 (42 interviewed; 98 written) to 4 common fractions problems were analyzed for iconic mode processes in relationship to concrete symbolic mode development. Concludes that progress in the latter, without development of complementary iconic support, limits both understanding and flexibility in solving problems.…

The MOONBASE AMERICA project involved teachers and 96 secondary school students who participated in the project by helping to build MOONBASE, taking a space science course, creating a communications network, and completing a 7-day simulation in the MOONBASE structure. Teacher and student outcomes were evaluated. (MDH)

The purposes of this paper are (1) to demonstrate that medical microbiology laboratory exercises should be presented with a focus on medical applications, not just traditional microbiology and (2) that exercises devoted to differential diagnostic decision making can be used to enhance the problem solving of students. (PR)

Describes a class activity of conducting a mock trial of a pretend situation of a white-tailed deep population creating problems for a town. Procedures, fact sheets, names, and descriptors of characters are provided. (PR)

Describes a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers that has teaching and learning mathematics via problem solving at its core. Presents a problem-solving activity involving number theory and reactions by the students and teacher to the activity. (MDH)

Students (n=40) who had experienced cooperative and individualistic concept-mapping experiences performed significantly better in solving three biological problems than did control students (n=20). No significant differences were found between students who mapped concepts cooperatively and those who mapped individually. There were mixed results…

As part of Alberta's provincial initiative, teacher-researchers in two Calgary school districts developed and field-tested quality indicators for assessment of student artwork and mathematical problem solving. The resulting qualitative materials depend on informed professional judgment and student involvement in self-assessment; celebrate…

Describes a three-week environmental minicourse in a general chemistry class. The minicourse consisted of two distinct phases, a one-week introduction to environmental chemistry and a two-week project involving a particular environmental problem. (PR)

Uses a "teaching as problem solving" perspective to examine the components of metacognition underlying the instructional practice of seven experienced and seven beginning secondary-school mathematics teachers. Data analysis of observations, lesson plans, videotapes, and audiotapes of structured interviews suggests that the metacognition of…

Outlines six steps for creating meaningful student projects using experiential learning: (1) make learning relevant; (2) make knowledge useful and creative; (3) get the students involved; (4) limit dead-end projects; (5) have students apply what they are learning to life; and (6) maximize community involvement. Describes model projects. (MJP)

A study examined the effects of differing degrees of bilingualism (English monolingual, English-French balanced bilingual, Bengali-English partial bilingual) on nonverbal problem-solving abilities of 71 grade-three children. The groups were compared on control of attention and analysis of knowledge. Results indicate the balanced bilinguals…