This paper presented various issues about pedagogical and cognitive aspects of problem solving and explored ways to lessen the heavy cognitive load of a problem solving task. It established a problem type schema for students at different levels. It recognizes the role of modern technology as a cognitive tool that promotes learning mathematics with…

This study explored the mental components that are most important for successful problem solving. Four components were studied: cognition, metacognition, noncognitive variables, and justification skills. It was hypothesized that cognition and knowledge of cognition would predict success at solving well-structured problems, which have one correct…

This study investigated how different types of computer-mediated communication (CMC) such as asynchronous forums, synchronous forums and e-mail were used to support an alternative approach to initial teacher education that relied on the formation of a knowledge-building community (KBC). The KBC involves students working in small and large groups…

Now the theory and research behind the positive behavior support (PBS) process--an approach already proven effective in schools and community programs--has been transformed into a practical, easy-to-use guide that's perfect for sharing with parents. Developed by educators and families, this user-friendly handbook offers parents easy-to-follow…

Instructional assessment is a systematic approach to solving student academic, behavioral, and social-emotional problems by identifying the key factors that have created or are encouraging the problem. The instructional support team (IST) process emphasizes assistance to students. Assessment in IST consists of ongoing analysis of student…

Learning to see reality at multiple levels provides instructional leaders with several advantages (e.g., being adaptive and solving problems before they occur, being creative by choosing a different future, and being generative by bringing forth something new). Four distinct levels of reality in systems thinking are: events encountered on a daily…

This manual provides information that can help parents resolve conflict and provides information required to conduct Family Problem Solving Training sessions. The guide, which introduces conflict mediation skills to parents, is divided into four 1.5 hour sessions. The sessions are (1) "Introduction to Conflict Mediation, How to Use…

Increased attention has been given to issues of assessment in recent years. Teachers of mathematics have been working to change both the way they elicit evidence of their students' mathematical thinking and the way they use that evidence to monitor students' progress and guide instructional decision making. This publication is based on work done…

Community development makes use of what is now called strategic thinking and strategic planning. One crucial step in this process is developing strategies (and the subsequent tactics). First, the community development practitioner must assess the situation thoughtfully, and find out what resources the community has available, what is achievable,…

This resource shows how a portfolio can help administrators and principals engage in the reflection and continued growth necessary to create improved schools and learning. It contains hands-on, practical information on how to develop and use the portfolio to document growth, demonstrate the accomplishment of goals, and enhance performance and…

This book features a collection of 54 decimal number puzzles designed to provide experiences in problem solving and mathematical reasoning for middle and high school students. Each puzzle consists of a sequence of 10 clues about an unknown decimal number. The clues, when revealed one at a time, lead students through deductive reasoning to the…

This case study highlights how one rural elementary school, where teachers had expressed interest in changing how things were done, provided opportunities for teachers to transform traditional teaching practices into innovative ones. This involved implementing an accelerated schools philosophy (using gifted and talented strategies for all…

Using case studies in science instruction develops problem solving and enhances listening and cooperative learning skills. Unlike other disciplines such as law and medicine, the case study method is rarely used in science education to enrich the curriculum. This study investigates the use of content-based case studies as a means of developing…

A dialogue between two secondary school students engaged in solving a problem is the basis for the assertion that the students differ in their problem solving capabilities; that is, they reduce the complexity of the situation in different ways. The discussion also suggests that students do not use the same form of competence. They make sense of…

There are many ways to assess the effectiveness of school conflict resolution training (CRT) programs. Some methods require extensive resources, but others, conducted by CRT practitioners themselves, also provide useful information. This digest presents a framework for CRT evaluation by practitioners that enables them to reflect productively on…