This research paper examines phylogenetic tree construction-a form of problem solving in biology-by studying the strategies and heuristics used by experts. One result of the research is the development of a model of desired performance for phylogenetic tree construction. A detailed description of the model and the sample problems which illustrate…

This book aims to enlighten its readers on how to achieve optimal human efficiency, well-being, and balance through "brainwave training." According to the book, the 4 kinds of brainwaves--beta, alpha, theta, and delta--communicate with each other to pass information between conscious and unconscious mind. Mastering these brainwaves…

There are selected philosophies in the teaching of mathematics which can provide guidance to the teacher in developing the curriculum and also a framework for teaching and learning. This paper discusses four such philosophies of teaching mathematics: Idealism, Realism, Experimentalism, and Existentialism. Idealism stresses that students live in an…

This book accompanies a poster series and allows the teacher to pre-plan a lesson or activity for students with the objectives shown for each element or principle of design to be presented. Along with a black-and-white reproduction of each poster, major concepts are discussed. Suggested student activities relating to a particular element or…

This theme journal issue is devoted to an exploration of peace and its history in Iowa. The features and activities include: Iowa's Peace Tradition; A Global View; World Map; A Mesquakie Tale; Swords into Plowshares; Make a Peace Crane; Student Protest; Goldfinch Patriotism Debate; Peace Meal; A Short Story; and Work It Out. (DB)

At present, there are no formal tests to assess adequately the ways in which a child processes information. Furthermore, scores on current measures cannot be directly interpreted, with few exceptions, as direct measures of cognitive processes, and results are difficult to translate directly into remediation goals or instructional objectives.…

Many students face chemistry courses with a sense of fear and foreboding because it is a required course. Yet at the same time, fundamentals of chemistry have become intertwined in countless professions to say nothing of its growing importance in our everyday lives. Educators must bridge this dichotomy between attitude and importance. This paper…

Two types of instructional design strategies, hints and learner control, that can be used to enhance metacognitive strategies in problem solving, are discussed. Metacognition refers to the active monitoring and consequent self-regulation for which one's own mental activities become the objects of reflection. Hints provide guidance that can lead…

One of eight papers from Project Seed, this paper describes a conflict resolution program co-facilitated by a special educator and a guidance counselor and designed to help young students who have conflicts with authority figures in school and elsewhere, as well as those students with low self-esteem and poor social skills. The project described…

A study on sampling errors of variance components was conducted within the framework of generalizability theory by P. L. Smith (1978). The study used an intuitive approach for solving the problem of how to allocate the number of conditions to different facets in order to produce the most stable estimate of the universe score variance. Optimization…

This paper offers a synthesis of the existing research on school-based mediation or conflict-resolution programs. Studies of programs in the following six areas are described: Poughkeepsie, New York; New Mexico; Colorado Springs, Colorado; New York City; Chatham County, North Carolina; and Greenfield, Massachusetts. The following elements of each…

This paper describes an intervention in two Algebra II classes in which the graphing calculator was incorporated into the curriculum as often as possible. The targeted population consisted of high school students in a growing middle to upper class community located in a suburb of a large city. The problem of a lack of understanding of the…

This book is designed to provide middle-grade mathematics teachers with ideas for enlivening instruction to help students acquire a sense about numbers. Guided classroom discussions for writing opportunities centered on the theme of problem solving are provided. Following an introduction, chapters include the following: Counterintuitive Problems;…

This book contains a classroom-tested approach to the teaching of problem solving to all students in Grades 4-6, regardless of ability. Information on problem solving in general is provided, then mathematical problems on logic, whole numbers, number theory, fractions, decimals, geometry, ratio, proportion, percent, probability, sets, and…

In this study, a researcher-teacher examined seventh-graders' experiences with a problem-centered curriculum and pedagogy. Analyses of interviews, surveys, teaching journal entries, and audio recordings focused on differences between lower- and higher-socioeconomic status (SES) students' reactions to learning mathematics through problem solving.…