Discusses development of symbolic thinking in toddlers as a step in language acquisition and skill development. Examines means of encouraging this symbolic problem solving, such as setting the stage for problems, helping children plan problem-solving strategies, and encouraging children in self-evaluating their skills. Examines development of…

Presents a mathematics problem on how a sailor decides the shortest distance between two points by using a calculator. (ASK)

Examines the teaching journal of a first-year chemistry teacher to understand how teachers create professional identities. Focuses on three dilemmas related to feeling like a student versus the expectation to act like an adult, wanting to care for students rather than be tough, and feeling incompetent in the subject matter. Contains 47 references.…

Argues that insights from scholarship in the sociology of science can provide a powerful basis for making science education more authentic and inclusive. Describes how adopting sociological ideas can provide unique opportunities for students. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Examines the effect of the manipulation of logical structure as well as the specific mental demand of general chemistry problems on student performance. Studies the relationship between student performance on these problems and a number of cognitive variables. Contains 96 references. (DDR)

In a study attention in second-language learning, four groups of beginning learners of Spanish (n=83 total) completed one of four crossword puzzles designed to isolate the effects of alertness, orientation, and detection. Results lend strong empirical support to one theory of attention, while indicating short-term effects of detection. (Author/MSE)

Explains a taxonomy of basic skills of science practicals that is used in the assessment of secondary science students. Details the assessment scheme which involves the evaluation of students through laboratory practical examinations, observational assessment, and written records of academic sessions. (DDR)

Teaching an eight-year-old girl with learning difficulties a more advanced addition strategy through multicomponent self-regulation training and a self-instructional model resulted in more rapid problem solving, fewer learning errors, and the acquisition of even more advanced addition strategies. (SLD)

Describes teaching methods in a computer-based learning environment called WORDMATH, designed to teach word-problem solving to 9-to 12-year-old students in Singapore primary schools. Discusses the results of a formative study of the tutor. (Author/ASK)

Shares different students' solutions for a problem entitled How Much Film?, which appeared in the November 1997 issue of Teaching Children Mathematics. The problem has to do with how many rolls of film are necessary to take 687 pictures. (ASK)

This study examined the impact of three conditions on how subjects (105 college students) generated ideas about imaginary extraterrestrials. Results are discussed in terms of constraints on innovation, ways of overcoming those constraints, and the general tendency for new ideas to preserve many of the central properties of existing concepts.…

Discussion of the parents' role in homework highlights use of the Big6 Skills to focus on information literacy and information problem-solving processes rather than focusing on having parents help with the actual subject area content. The emphasis is on having parents act as guides and helpers rather than as teachers. (LRW)

Considers how teachers should explain assignments to students, and recommends providing a minimum of information so students have the responsibility to find out what is expected. Voice-mail systems or Web sites that act as homework hotlines are discouraged because they often transfer responsibility to the parents. (LRW)

Summarizes the "Big Six" information literacy skills and examines some of the research on the problems involved in information literacy for both teachers and students. Implications of these studies and guidelines for student use of the Internet are discussed. (PEN)

Discusses the background of a specialty high school in Monterey Bay, California focusing on oceanography. Describes the collaborative research relationship that exists between the school and the scientific community. (DDR)