A. M. Gentile's four-step, cognitive process approach to skill acquisition is proposed as preferable for learning movement skills, when compared to the traditional behavioral approach. Five positive outcomes of the cognitive approach are identified, focusing on opportunities for students to engage in skill analysis and creative problem solving.…

Attaining the insight needed to solve the Mutilated Checkerboard problem, which requires discovery of an effective problem representation (EPR), is described. Performance on insight problems can be predicted from the availability of generators and constraints in the search for an EPR. Data for 23 undergraduates were analyzed. (TJH)

Research findings concerning student learning difficulties in algebra are discussed. A teaching approach which takes into consideration these findings is suggested. Encouraging students to see patterns and to develop flexibility in their thinking are stressed. (CW)

Solutions for a problem in which the time necessary for an object to fall into the sun from the average distance from the earth to the sun are presented. Both calculus- and noncalculus-based solutions are presented. A sample computer solution is included. (CW)

Described is automata theory which is a branch of theoretical computer science. A decomposition theorem is presented that is easier than the Krohn-Rhodes theorem. Included are the definitions, the theorem, and a proof. (KR)

Discussed is the use of magic squares as examples in a first year course in linear algebra. Four examples are presented with each including the proposition, the procedure, and a proof. (KR)

Presented is a method of interchanging the x-axis and y-axis for viewing the graph of the inverse function. Discussed are the inverse function and the usual proofs that are used for the function. (KR)

Discussed are the vital properties that an operator must have to be called a derivative and how derivatives work. Presented is an extension of the derivative that uses least squares to find the line of best fit. (KR)

Described is a way to illustrate cyclic and dihedral groups through symmetry using corporate logos and hubcaps. Examples of the different kinds of symmetry groups are explained in terms of Leonardo's Theorem. (KR)

Presented is a way of extending the list of rotation groups to include all finite subgroups of symmetries of the sphere, up to conjugation in its full group. Included is Klein's method for enumeration of the finite subgroups. (KR)

Presented is L'Hopital's rule for the evaluation of limits in the case when x goes to infinity using geometric concepts. Included are the rule, extensions, counterexamples, and a rule for sequences. (KR)

Discussed are the idea, examples, problems, and applications of convexity. Topics include historical examples, definitions, the John-Loewner ellipsoid, convex functions, polytopes, the algebraic operation of duality and addition, and topology of convex bodies. (KR)

This learning activity provides an overview of the problem of clean energy sources and examination of alternatives. Student activity, quiz with answers, related activities, and nine references are provided. (SK)

Compared cognitive style and pleasant activities of 77 suicide-attempting female minority adolescents with those of 39 psychiatrically disturbed and 23 nondisturbed female adolescents. Suicide attempters reported significantly fewer alternatives for solving interpersonal problems, were significantly more focused on problems, and were more likely…

Qualitative differences between 24 expert teachers and 24 novice teachers in think-aloud protocols related to solving classroom discipline problems were investigated. Results suggest that expert teachers have procedural plans for solving discipline problems and are able to put more attention into defining the problem than are novice teachers. (SLD)