Discusses the implementation of teaching estimation as portrayed in the NCTM Standards. Presents two instructional examples. (YP)

Comparison of the process of problem solving using a conventional procedural computer programing language (e.g., BASIC, Logo, Pascal), with the process when using a logic programing language (i.e., Prolog), focuses on the potential of the two types of programing languages to facilitate the transfer of problem-solving skills, cognitive development,…

Examined social cognitive skills in aggressive and nonaggressive delinquent youths with high or low behavioral functioning. Found significant interaction on problem-solving skills, with higher functioning, non-aggressive youths performing better than lower functioning counterparts; no differences occurred within aggressive groups. (Author/NB)

Examined influence of 2 training methods on self-efficacy and performance during training for innovative problem solving. Data from 59 managers revealed that training method composed of cognitive modeling with practice and reinforcement generated significantly higher participant self-efficacy than method involving lecture and practice alone.…

Argues that educators must move away from a computation-dominated curriculum to a curriculum that stresses problem solving and understanding. States that small group instruction is appropriate for this type of curriculum. (PCB)

Describes the problem-solving behaviors of experts and novices engaged in solving seven chemical equilibrium problems. Lists 27 behavioral tendencies of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Discusses several implications for a problem solving theory, think-aloud techniques, adequacy of the chemistry domain, and chemistry instruction.…

Explores adolescents' abilities to reason when considering civic issues. Analyzes dialectical essays composed by 22 high school students in order to evaluate the degree of critical reasoning displayed by the students. Suggests that high school students are capable of taking a position through critical evaluation when confronted with a civic issue.…

Discusses the benefits and possible side effects of learning mathematics through routine exercises. Suggests some teaching strategies including different exercises, different symbols, making examples, and counterexamples. (YP)

Three studies examined effects of peer interaction on the problem solving of 150 children of 4-11 years. Age, task complexity, and task familiarity were found to qualify effects of peer interaction on motivation and learning. (RJC)

Advice and feedback on analogical reasoning were manipulated to produce varying conditions for college-age subjects (228 college students). Subsequent testing indicated a general transfer effect for verbal analogy solution and a procedural transfer effect for cause-effect relationships. Results are discussed within the context of schema theory.…

Two experiments, with 300 adult women as subjects, studied the effects of laboratory training on the use of the Conjunction Rule, a principle of probability that is often violated. Learning alternative strategies enabled trained subjects to use extensional reasoning rather than intensional heuristics. (SLD)

Discusses social and cognitive influences on understanding and solving word problems. Descriptions of studies with elementary school, secondary school, and college students highlight subject matter-related attitudes; the fact that students can solve problems without understanding them; and contextual expectations, including the issue of authority.…

Given are several examples of seemingly unrelated problems that nevertheless can be solved with a single mathematical idea--the proportion. It is hoped that as students see how a variety of problem contexts can be modeled by a proportion, they will use proportions more frequently in problem solving. (MNS)

The discovery of penicillin is cited in a discussion of the role of serendipity as it relates to scientific discovery. The importance of sagacity as a personality trait is noted. Successful researchers have questioning minds, are willing to view data from several perspectives, and recognize and appreciate the unexpected. (JW)

Outlines a possible framework for allowing teachers to explore how children learn mathematics. A mathematical modelling process and three domains, including content, process and pragmatic domain, are described. Twelve strategies for encouraging children to translate between the domains are suggested. (YP)