This article proposes that teaching gifted students elegant problem solving in the arts and sciences requires curriculum that includes philosophical inquiry. Discussion focuses on a rationale for philosophical inquiry, philosophy within the humanities, philosophy as curriculum, and the need for theoretical models that are easily understood and…

Introduces an activity in which students design and experiment to determine the mass of a sample of copper without using a balance. Uses water displacement to find the mass of copper. (YDS)

The author's experiences with short-term interventions show that students with identified learning disabilities exhibit no problem-solving difficulties when problems are interesting and engaging. In fact, studies show that adolescents with suspected learning disabilities can match nondisabled students' performance on complex math problems.…

Examines curriculum and assessment policy in Australian vocational education and training, enacted through demand-side market-oriented policies since the 1990s. In contrast to this rational, positivist, and managerial approach, advocates an alternative coherentist view that favors pragmatic, problem-solving approaches to curriculum and assessment…

Points out the difficulties of teaching evolution and recommends using simulations to circumvent these problems. Uses artificial organisms called caminalcules for teaching which allows students to focus on principles without preconceived ideas. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Analyzes a didactical sequence for the teaching of addition and subtraction procedures and algorithms. Uses didactical procedures by children in problem solving activities in order to gain a better understanding of the interaction between numbers, numeration, and operations knowledge which are involved in the construction of addition and…

Paints a different picture of students' reasoning with meiosis as they solved complex, computer-generated genetics problems, some of which required them to revise their understanding of meiosis in response to anomalous data. Students were able to develop a rich understanding of meiosis and can utilize that knowledge to solve genetics problems.…

Presents a descriptive outline of problem-solving methods, which include: (1) identifying the problem; (2) generating possible solutions; (3) evaluating the possible solutions; and (4) implementing the preferred solution. Explains two types of problems: problems to find, and problems to prove. Offers recommendations for teaching problem solving.…

Contends that students must learn to adopt a lateral way of thinking, which generates multiple solutions, to resolve their problems. Offers examples of heuristics (plans of attack) that students can use to better approach their problems, such as: visualizing the situation, exploring ideas, choosing a strategy, finding a solution, and checking to…

Describes a teaching method used to tackle a team project in which students may use every form of communication except speech. Students must analyze a problem and collaboratively develop and test possible solutions without talking. This process often changes preconceived ideas about themselves and others, and about scientific knowledge and problem…

Investigates the types of problems students need to be able to solve in order to succeed in a technology-based age of information and the abilities and understanding that success requires. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/ASK)

Analyzes the development of one student's understanding of vector magnitude and how her problem solving was mediated by use of the absolute value graphics calculator function. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/ASK)

Working in single-sex pairs, 10 seventh-graders designed solutions to ill-structured problems. Results showed that novice designers follow many processes of theoretical models but do not prioritize or sequence them. Metacognition and role modeling played a part. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

Discusses two parallel processes at work that are upgrading the role of the learner and downgrading that of the teacher. The article examines the reactions of teachers to this situation. The article concludes that improved training for second-language teachers is required to address the problems arising from this situation. (CK)

Analyzes environmental knowledge of high school students using a national probability sample. Results indicate that students can recognize basic facts regarding environmental issues but are unable to apply this knowledge to comprehend consequences or solutions related to the problems. Contains 20 references. (DDR)