Examines teachers' judgments of the difficulties of algebra problems. Offers classroom-tested instructional approaches that build directly on students' mathematical intuitions and inventions. (KHR)

Presents an existence proof of how preservice science teachers used analogies embedded in their course materials, Physics by Inquiry. Reports three distinct roles of analogies: a) cognitive process skills; b) scientific conceptual understanding; and c) social contexts for problem solving. Agrees on the importance of collaborative problem solving…

Explores the challenge of providing all future citizens with an appropriate quantitative literacy by means of teaching mathematics through useful applications with local and global perspectives. (Author/KHR)

Introduces a professional development workshop designed for in-service secondary school science teachers that provides experiences for teachers in inquiry-based physical science. Features three components: (1) a three week summer institute; (2) two one-day, follow-up workshops; and (3) classroom visitation. Promotes the inquiry approach in science…

Describes what artistic play is and how it can be integrated into classroom activities. Gives an example with preschool children creating artistic solutions to a role playing situation given to them by their teacher. States that artistic play is facilitated by the proper environment and by teachers. (DAJ)

Reports a research effort conducted as part of a curriculum design process for a new Masters in Information and Communication at the University at Buffalo School of Informatics. Discusses input from private and public sector organizations who need information technology (IT) workers and who stressed the need for skills in communication, problems…

Presents salient features of workshop discussion examining good educational practice related to creative thinking and problem solving. Describes constructivist teaching, incorporating examples of classroom learning opportunities that use different forms of scaffolding and vignettes that illustrate constructive educational interactions. Explores…

Discusses variables related to task performance in the solution of the water-level problem, where subjects were asked to indicate the water surface orientation in a tilted vessel. Subjects ages 7 to 15 years participated. Suggests that field effects and the kind of rules in use contribute to the differences in performance, which can be shown even…

Describes a collaborative approach to action research involving 41 practitioners in two elementary schools. The practitioners designed, implemented, and evaluated solutions to classroom and building-level issues affecting the inclusion of students with moderate to profound disabilities. Two case studies are shared to illustrate the process.…

Discusses the use of spreadsheets for mathematical problem solving to help develop higher-level-thinking skills and foster an experimental attitude toward learning mathematics. An example is given of middle-school and high-school students investigating a number-structures problem. (LRW)

Investigates the effects of an inductive versus a deductive instructional approach on the constructive feedback and problem- solving skills of supervisors. Assesses 16 supervisors' acquisition and transfer of skill in giving instructional feedback, problem- solving skill, facilitator of subordinate problem-solving skill, and attitudes toward…

Highlights the differences between classical teaching methods and problem-based learning. Describes the curriculum and problem-based approach of the Faculty of Medicine at the Maastricht University and gives an overview of the implementation of biochemistry in the medical curriculum. Discusses the procedure for student assessment and presents…

Investigates changing teacher roles associated with two teachers' use of innovative mathematics materials at Grade Six. Findings indicate that one teacher demonstrated little change in either espoused beliefs or observed practice while the other teacher demonstrated increasing comfort in posing non-routine problems to students and allowing them to…

Preadolescents, college students, middle-aged adults, and older adults described a problem and a goal for solving that problem. Interpersonal elements of problem descriptions and goals were coded. Interpersonal elements of problems were most salient for females and middle-aged adults. Subjects reported interpersonal goals when other people were…

Discusses difficulties students with hearing impairments have in math computation and in solving problems with verbal cues. Programs and texts are described that teach math visually and kinesthetically and encourage students to find different approaches to the same problem. An illustration of a mathematical concept is included. (CR)