Presents a conceptual foundation for using concept mapping as a cognitive learning strategy and as a method for assessing structural knowledge; reviews the growing body of research related to both applications. Describes some of the conceptual and empirical limitations of concept mapping. (Author/AEF)

Describes creative stress management techniques for early childhood practitioners. Presents a model whereby the caregiver identifies the problem; conducts a personal scan to identify symptoms and reactions that form behavior patterns; chooses from options to alleviate stress reactions related to the body, emotions, actions/behavior, or the mind;…

An action-research project examined how implementation of an inclusive rule, "You can't say you can't play," at a Syracuse, New York, elementary school influenced children's informal social relationships, focusing particularly on children with disabilities. Overall, the rule has helped create a rich discourse about inclusion issues,…

A study of state Part H coordinators investigated conflict management in early-intervention systems. Results found that 41 state agencies have already established a formal statewide mediation option for resolution of disputes related to Part H between families of infants and young children and early-intervention agencies and programs. (CR)

This study with 155 fifth-grade Italian children examined students' metacognitive beliefs in mathematics and their relation to problem-solving performance. Poor problem solvers had lower metacognitive awareness, believed number size was an indicator of problem difficulty, and made more computational and procedural errors. (DB)

Explores student ability to differentiate and make mappings between quantities in different domains before and after a relevant curricular experience. Contends that conceptual bootstrapping involves a multistepped mapping process that is facilitated through classroom dialog, problem solving, and instruction. (Author/DKM)

Provides guidance and some guidelines for those trying to gain support for classroom innovations. Includes a chart of some influencing strategies and research-based accounts of some methods that can be employed to garner support. (DDR)

Describes the implementation and results of Project Self, an African-American cultural identity program, in three classes of fourth graders in the Jersey City public schools. The curriculum covers cultural inheritance, interrelations among social structures (education, politics, law, religion, economics) of a culture, and problem solving for self,…

Richmond (Vermont) Elementary School offers a workshop in elementary-school mathematics for parents. By refreshing their math skills, parents are better able to help their children at home. Many parents who learned math through rote memorization do not understand current approaches to problem solving, such as drawing pictures, making charts,…

Investigated whether fourth-graders' gestures convey knowledge self-recognizable in another context. Identified math problem-solving procedures conveyed gesturally and examined whether the procedures could be accessed by the same child on a task not involving gesture. Children rated higher those solutions derived from procedures they conveyed…

Outlines the development of a kinetic study using the enzyme Lactaid to hydrolyze the synthetic substrate of lactose into an undergraduate laboratory experiment. Provides students with experience doing order-of-magnitude estimates. (DDR)

Examines the idea that the arithmetic calculator can act as a cognitive tool, supporting the amplification or reorganization of systems of thought. Examples were found in which use of the calculator helped pupils work with unusual problem representations and adapt solution strategies in which they focused on planning and monitoring computations…

Presents the views of different members of "The Creativity Group" at Teachers College, Columbia University, on the importance of creative thinking and how teachers can provide conditions for continuous encouragement of the creative process. The importance of creative thinking, planning, and implementation for good teaching is emphasized.…

Adventure-based Counseling (ABC), and in particular low-element challenge courses (LECC), are group-oriented programs that help participants learn to share responsibility, develop cooperative problem-solving skills, and increase self-confidence and well-being. Proposes that an intentional combination of the two programs offers a unique opportunity…

A version of Chapman's Thought Power Programme, which focuses on stress identification, emotional versus physical pain, and problem solving, was administered to Hong Kong secondary school students. Data on harmful thoughts; helpful thoughts; general well being; and locus of control all revealed positive benefits of the program. Findings suggest a…