The drawn ideas of inventors Edison and Bell are analyzed in a systematic way to help understand the inventive process and how inventors think. By storing sketches on a computer the researchers have been able to recreate the probable lines of reasoning used by the inventors. (KR)

Discussed is the method of substitution of variables within the framework of precalculus level extremum problems, both maximum and minimum. Many examples with graphical representations are provided. (JJK)

Discussion of the case study method focuses on its use to improve human performance. Critical and variable attributes of case studies are described, guidelines for creating a case are suggested, case study method types and formats are discussed, and criteria for evaluating the quality of a case study are presented. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of interactive design principles for case materials. Topics discussed include the functions of case materials, including bridging theory and practice, problem solving, and motivation; the potential for interaction; considering instructional needs; elements of interaction, including responding, feedback, and branching; and levels…

The "Problems in Time" survey is a 35-item questionnaire assessing common time management difficulties in 7 general categories: academic goal setting, work overload, procrastination, poor planning and organization, inadequate speed, distracting activities, and irrational thinking. This survey is appended. The survey's use in college…

Describes the "Two-Eight" instructional model for students who have arithmetic computational skills but lack the ability to select appropriate strategies to solve problems. Offers examples showing the replacement of the actual values used in a word problem with the simple numeric values of 2 and 8 to create a parallel, solvable problem. (DMM)

Describes electronic clustering, an evaluation strategy that graphically reveals students' higher level thinking skills. (MG)

Comparison of problem preferences of six meaning-oriented and five number-oriented junior high school students found that the successful meaning-oriented students preferred solving multistep and nonroutine problems, whereas the less successful number-oriented students preferred simple routine problems. However, in graded situations all students…

A model for solving very large item selection problems is presented. The model builds on binary programming applied to test construction. A heuristic for selecting items that satisfy the constraints in the model is also presented, and various problems are solved using the model and heuristic. (SLD)

Ethnographic study of science lab technicians' troubleshooting suggests that they possess most of a lab's contextual knowledge and skill and play a critical role in the production of scientific knowledge. However, because contextual knowledge is less valued than formal knowledge, technicians experience status inconsistencies. (SK)

Presents Paul Salmon's old-fashioned, common-sense guidelines for success in practical school administration. The maxims advise on problem ownership; the value of selective neglect; the importance of empowerment, enthusiasm, and effective communication; and the need for positive reinforcement, cultivation of support, and good relations with media,…

Proposes that teaching methods be changed to move away from a positivist model toward an ecological model. Discusses three assumptions for future practice involving holism in environmental studies; the role of values in environmental studies; and the process of learning. (Contains 26 references.) (MDH)

Presents a case study in which students investigate the environmental issue of open cast coal mining. Students examine the issue from different perspectives; interpret the available evidence; draw appropriate conclusions; and evaluate such conclusions. (MDH)

Discusses suggestions for the learning and teaching of mathematics based on a study examining the mathematics practices of carpet layers. Suggestions are made from the areas of (1) the school mathematics curriculum; (2) the methods used to teach school mathematics; and (3) research in mathematics education. (MDH)

Presents a lesson that introduces students to polarized light using a problem-solving approach. After illustrating the concept using a slinky and poster board with a vertical slot, students solve the problem of creating a polarized light show using Polya's problem-solving methods. (MDH)