Nineteen Calculus II students were randomly sampled and divided into calculator (n=9) and noncalculator (n=10) groups. These students were asked to "think aloud" while solving 24 Advanced Placement calculus problems. Each student interview was videotaped, coded and analyzed for reasoning process as well as outcome. The results indicated…

This document consists of three modules concerned with aspects of statistics. The first provides knowledge of the effect of imperfect correlation and random error on differences between means, and the reasons for the necessity of random allocation of objects to experimental and control conditions in scientific experimentation. The second unit…

The tasks of elementary principals are characterized by brevity, variety, and fragmentation. As proof of this, studies have indicated that principals may perform as many as 50 separate tasks in an hour. Principals also must interact with a wide range of individuals, must accomplish tasks requiring many different skills, and are required to make a…

This users' manual, intended for use with a Project Head Start teacher training notebook, describes the purpose, development and field testing of the training materials and suggests procedures for using the notebook as a resource in teacher training sessions. The training notebook to which the users' manual refers is based on 11 questions in the…

Ways of determining when a school is ready to plan and implement major instructional improvements are presented. Three primary areas are suggested for in-depth exploration and consideration, and to facilitate the process the following problem-solving tools are outlined: (1) guidelines for assessing readiness for using a group problem-solving…

Chapter 11 in a volume on school leadership, this chapter draws from the work of many authorities to define and classify conflict and present techniques for its management in schools. Emphasizing that conflict can have positive or creative as well as negative or destructive results, the author notes that all conflict need not be resolved. He…

Recent research on human memory and cognition with particular emphasis on research that might have some promise for mathematics education is reviewed. The focus is on techniques for analyzing the mind in two areas: (1) the architecture of the human memory system, using the information processing model; and (2) the content and structure of…

In its original formulation, dissonance reduction was postulated as a mode for resolving behavior-attitude discrepancies. One mode of resolution has been demonstrated in the forced compliance paradigm, whereby a subject rectifies a counterattitudinal behavior with an actual belief, resulting in moderating beliefs. A forced compliance situation was…

Although it is commonly assumed that increases in mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skill alter one's understanding of mathematical problems, little research exists to support this assumption. The present study investigated the relationship between mathematical background and problem perception in two experiments. Experiment 1 employed…

Within an inservice training program there is a functional interdependent relationship among problems, causes, and solutions. During a sequence of eight steps to ascertain program impact, a "continuity matrix", a management technique that assists in dealing with the problem/solution paradox is created. A successful training program must: (1) aim…

Testing the validity of a model incorporating the "threat" factors in crisis decision-making, this study rested on the assumption that the threat of crisis decision-making stems from two sources: perceived effects of the crisis (stimulus threat) and perceived adequacy of capabilities for dealing with the crisis (response threat). Stimulus threat…

The information presented in this booklet is for group leaders, facilitators, and members, and outlines some typical barriers or problem situations groups encounter. These are (1) reluctance to assume responsibility for tasks, (2) a decline in attendance, (3) unproductive, time-consuming meetings, (4) lack of followup on decisions, (5) discussions…

This study explores the extent to which scores on four separate complex reasoning solution processes could predict performance on difficult problems. Definitions are provided for the four processes--intra-sentence processing, inter-sentence processing, ordering, and collecting--and previous work done in the field is outlined. The procedures used…

In this investigation of group problem solving in small groups, performance on a tower-building task was studied in same-sex triads of 141 third grade children exposed to four instructional conditions, each consisting of three phases of six trials each. Instructional conditions were either determinate (i.e., individualistic or contrient reward…

Two major factors have shaped writing research from the cognitive processing viewpoint. The first factor contains the strategic decisions about the course of such research, suggesting what is interesting and how best to proceed. The decisions made in regard to writing as a cognitive process have been to focus on the act of writing, to seek a…