Discusses the importance of having students pose their own questions and write problems. Proposes a subject related to the heart, blood, and the life-giving potential of blood. Provides related internet sites from which teachers can get information. (ASK)

Examines the problem-solving appraisal of male delinquent adolescents (N=146) and the relationship of problem-solving appraisal to three variables: narcissistic vulnerability, locus of control, and depression. Results indicate a significant relationship between facets of problem-solving appraisal and the three variables. Problem solving is a…

Four experiments assessed infants' ability to solve isomorphic problems and explored the nature of early representations. Found that 13-month-olds transferred a modeled strategy across isomorphic problems, whereas 10-month-olds transferred only after multiple source problems or high perceptual similarity between problems. Comprehension of the…

A study of 16 boys and 16 girls aged 10-11 investigated gender stereotyped, gender neutral, and abstract versions of problem-solving software. Found that boys preferred the male stereotyped version, whereas girls showed no significant preference for the male, female, or neutral versions. Findings are consistent with research on gender stereotyping…

Presents an activity to integrate literature into the mathematics curriculum that is an interesting springboard to problem solving, an opportunity to research famous mathematicians, and a vehicle to enhance the understanding of mathematics concepts. (ASK)

Considers the circumstances surrounding instances where help is sought and/or provided in a collaborative problem-solving situation. Analyzed videotaped observations of nine groups of three grade 5-6 students working over three 45-minute periods on an open-ended task. Defines hierarchical levels for questions, answers, and outcomes. Indicates some…

Investigates whether high school Algebra I students' (n=29) writing about their mathematical problem solving processes showed evidence of a metacognitive framework. Indicates that various metacognitive behaviors were present in students' writings. Describes the more predominant metacognitive behaviors. (Contains 36 references.) (Author/ASK)

Examines the problem of assessing group process in a collaborative problem-solving situation. Results reveal that groups engaging in behaviors that facilitated collaboration obtained higher group and individual accuracy scores on a challenging problem set. Proposes that examining collaborative group process and outcomes offers a new direction in…

Notes that it is important for educators to remember to avoid battles with critics who tie up and wear down educators with arguing--not arguments--because it drains limited time and energy and pulls them away from more important things like working with children. Suggests that it is more effective to prepare a thoughtful, reflective response…

Explains scaffolding as temporary steps in the learning process where higher skills build on mastering more simple skills, often with the help of an expert. Topics include elaboration theory; joint problem solving; promoting self-regulation; Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD); and inner speech and external speech. (LRW)

Introduces the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model as an alternative to traditional cooperative learning. Discusses the difficulties of PLTL based curriculum which include finding the peer leaders, selecting the right materials for implementation, and training techniques for peer leaders. (YDS)

Considers domain-specific design specifications in the process of designing teaching materials for learning problem solving in technology education in order to raise learning outcomes with these materials. Focuses on a construction problem (open-ended) and an explanation problem (constrained). Compares these newly-designed teaching materials with…

Instead of avoiding, eliminating, or managing interpersonal conflict, school leaders should explore its transformational uses. A Consensual, no-conflict approach to decision making is impossible. Conflict can serve transformational purposes by helping to organize motives; broadening, strengthening, and clarifying values; and detecting and…

Describes the transformation of Ottobine Elementary School in Rockingham County, Virginia, from a "little country school" into a model of rural elementary technology education for the 21st century. (JOW)

As four recent events in the Denver area show, parents' rights and society's needs sometimes collide, with battles often fought in public schools. This issue should be explicitly recognized in school policy. Policymakers should address disputed facts; develop guidelines for including parents in determining outcomes, solutions, and evaluation…