Presents solutions for a problem concerning doubling a recipe from a previous article on number concepts in the October 1997 issue. (ASK)

Shares a series of problems designed to provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of applications of the definite integral. Discourages Template solutions, solutions in which students mimic a rehearsed strategy without understanding as the variety of problems helps prevent the construction of a template. (Author/ASK)

Poor performance in technical/statistical courses may reflect ineffective problem-solving strategies. Experts approach problem solving with tacit strategies such as chunking, emergence, fundamental questioning, attention to process, and self-monitoring. These concepts can be presented in ways that enable students to practice expert behaviors.…

This case study examines the application of problem-based learning to the teaching of introductory instructional design (ISD). Suggests that ISD is a dynamic process of problem understanding and problem solution and that ISD instruction should therefore focus more on the problem attributes and not on the generality of the systems approach model.…

Performs analysis on a number of articles published between 1985 and 1995 describing experimental research into the effectiveness of a wide variety of teaching strategies for science problem solving. Identifies 22 articles describing 40 experiments that met standards for meta-analysis. Indicates that few of the independent variables were found to…

Introduces an inquiry-based lab design in which students try to find evidence on a particular problem. Investigates the effects of decreases in the pH level on the environment. Includes students' hypotheses and research results. (YDS)

Describes the sociocultural theory motivating strategy "transformative communication" as well as a specific dialogue sequence that can be used as a cultural tool for accompanying such interaction. Illustrates the utility of the dialogue sequence in four key episodes within and inquiry-based high school earth science class. (Author/SAH)

Examines the impact of the recent shift towards calculating and computing tools on the nature of learning in traditionally difficult curriculum area. Focuses on the use of graphic calculators by undergraduates taking an innovative new mathematics course at Open University. Indicates that graphic calculator technology acted as a critical mediator…

Presents scores teachers assigned to samples of actual students' problem-solving work and rationales teachers provided for these scores which may reflect teachers' values relative to aspects of mathematical problem solving. Concludes that when teachers can express rationales for scoring students' work, they are able to justify their evaluation of…

Groups of high school students undertook problem-solving design activities in technology education focused either on process or content approaches. Rating of projects using rubrics identified key indicators of problem solving. The Student Individualized Performance instrument was found to be an effective assessment tool. (SK)

Teachers should engage in active, collaborative, creative problem solving with their colleagues and students when developing solutions to common behavioral problems. Children communicate through their behaviors and need to learn more positive alternatives. Teachers should help students make successful transitions, create a sense of control, follow…

Three groups of 50 freshman and 50 seniors each, majoring in technology, engineering, and humanities, completed the Personal Problem-Solving Inventory and the Technological Problem-Solving Inventory. There were few differences in personal problem solving but significant differences by major in technological problem solving. Few differences between…

Hibbard describes the process used by students at Millersville University to build a human-powered submarine for entry in an international submarine competition. Edwards discusses the Design Technology Exhibit held at Lu Sutton Elementary School, the purpose of which was to challenge students to design a useful structure and provide them with the…

Presents initial findings of research into problems encountered by recently appointed (Welsh) primary headteachers. Focuses on findings from a 1994 study exploring headteachers' perceptions of three categories of problems: internal, external, and staffing-related. Internal and staffing problems posed the most serious challenges for beginning…

Offers a progressive series of eight lessons designed to guide students in generating questions, creating investigations, and finding answers. (AIM)