Investigates gender-related effects of a problem-solving plan for sixth graders (n=155). Analysis indicates a significant interaction effect of occasion of testing, test sequence, and gender. Concludes that females benefited from free exploration, of problem situations followed by an organized exploration whereas males appeared to function equally…

Describes an undergraduate chemistry curriculum that capitalizes on the strengths of mechanistic organic chemistry. Enables students to grasp the conceptual unity that allows professional chemists to understand unfamiliar results according to few well-defined principles. Describes some instructional strategies that evolved from efforts to connect…

Presents examples of problem tasks that promote communication and develop or reinforce important mathematical concepts. Problems that have multiple solutions or methods of solution are best in stimulating discussion, creativity, and risk taking. Examples were chosen from TOPS: Communication Deck Grades 1 and 2 (Greenes, Schulman, and Spungin;…

Describes a multicultural and multidisciplinary classroom activity involving the mathematics of flags. Activities are related to geometry and spatial sense, linear and area measurement, fractions, and basic arithmetic. Venn diagrams are introduced as a way to organize information to simplify understanding. This experience supports whole-language…

Argues that encouraging talking among young learners in the classroom is one of the best ways to foster learning. Presents incidents which illustrate that children naturally use language to report on experiences, collaborate toward agreed ends, project into the future, focus on causal and dependent relationships, create and discuss problems,…

Describes a study that explores the perceptions that children (N=36) have about what it means to engage in mathematics. The study, which took place in reform-minded classrooms, concludes that children have a variety of perceptions and most do not feel that success is determined by speed and accuracy. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Describes a study that investigated probabilistic intuitions held by students (N=98) from grade 7 through college through the use of a questionnaire. Of the misconceptions that were investigated, availability was the only one that was stable across age groups. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

There is a strong comorbid relationship between conduct and substance disorders in youth. In the present study, 56 such youth were randomly assigned to receive either individual-cognitive therapy or family-behavioral therapy. Subjects in both groups demonstrated significant improvements in their conduct and reductions in their use of illicit drugs…

Rudeness and status can affect group-problem-solving processes. A new statistical method for analyzing group processes was used to analyze predictors of agreement and solution score. In successful groups, agreement was affected positively by academic status and negatively by justifications. In unsuccessful groups, however, agreement was affected…

Examines changes in the problem posing strategies of a group of elementary preservice teachers as they posed problems to pupils. Indicates that the teachers' problem posing practices were changed from posing traditional single steps and computational problems to multiple approaches and solutions with open-ended and exploratory problems.…

Discusses Proverbs as an approach to teaching, learning, speaking, and listening. Argues that using Proverbs is a means to meet the conventions of the Generation X community and to learn about the ambiguity and paradoxes of God. Suggests that how and when a teacher speaks can be formative and potentially transformative. (CAJ)

Explores 80 sixth- and seventh-grade students' self-reported use of 14 categories of strategies for processing mathematical word problems and the relationship of strategy use to academic achievement, problem-solving behaviors, and problem-solving success. A chart of categories of strategic behavior and examples from middle schools students is…

Presents a story on an investigation of the painter of an artwork (who is suspected to be Cezanne) that uses UV spectroscopy, IR spectrum, X-ray fluorescence, and luminescence images. Leaves the story open-ended as to whether the painting is authentic. Includes teaching notes and suggestions for classroom management. (YDS)

Investigates the thinking process underlying students' improper linear reasoning and how this process is affected by their mathematical conceptions, beliefs, and habits. Explores the actual process of problem solving from students falling into the linearity trap and the mechanism behind it. Discusses specific mathematical conceptions, habits, and…

Describes an approach to the teaching of electricity that uses box and AVOW diagrams, novel representations of the properties of the electric circuit that portray current, voltage, resistance, and power. The diagrams were developed as aids in learning, understanding, and problem solving and to promote conceptual change by challenging a number of…