Recent research in science education examines learning from four foci: (1) concept learning; (2) developmental; (3) differential; and (4) problem-solving. These perspectives provide a framework for identifying mechanisms of change in knowledge/thinking processes. In-depth coverage of several science topics may benefit students more than fleeting…

The focus is on using mathematical concepts and operations to decode holiday messages. Worksheets are provided for levels one-two, three-four, five-six, and seven-eight. (MNS)

The effectiveness of computer simulation in enhancing learning of a health unit by 30 mildly learning-disabled high school students was investigated. Results indicate that computer simulation in combination with structured teaching was effective, particularly in the area of teaching problem-solving skills. (TJH)

Obtained peer and teacher ratings of social competence for 94 first and second graders. Also measured interpersonal problem-solving skills, intelligence, academic achievement, and socioeconomic status. Correlations between three problem-solving scores and social competence ratings ranged from .04 to .20. Intelligence, achievement and socioeconomic…

By means of educational and psychological tests, 10 reading specialists thought aloud about a simulated case of reading and spelling disability in fourth-grade boy. Protocols were transcribed and scored. Despite choosing from common information sources, experts differed substantially in diagnoses and recommendations. Found no indications for…

Some appearances of pi in a wide variety of problems are presented. Sections focus on some history, the first analytical expressions for pi, Euler's summation formula, Euler and Bernoulli, approximations to pi, two and three series for the arctangent, more analytical expressions for pi, and arctangent formulas for calculating pi. (MNS)

Some typical teacher concerns about technology education are explored. Answers reflect the belief that implementing technology education does not require entirely new instruction methods. Concerns explored include (1) use of the project method, (2) specialized equipment, (3) problem-solving, (4) needs of special students, and (5) teacher skills.…

School board members can make bad decisions if they give in to peer pressure from the community and from within the board. Cites examples and suggests that board members who don't know enough about an issue can't make a reasonable decision. (MLF)

Describes instructional design as a high-level thinking process to provide more information on the way instructional design is learned and actually practiced. Topics discussed include cognitive psychology, design models, planning, schema theory, development of expertise, metacognition, problem solving, and implications for training and future…

Presented are examples of how the terminology used in typical rate questions is misunderstood by a large proportion of students. Explanations based on both interviews and paper-and-pencil tests are given as to why this phenomenon exists. (MNS)

A fairly traditional precalculus problem is modified to address some common concerns with the teaching of problem solving. Areas of problem solving which are illustrated include: posing the problem; modeling the problem; transforming the data; and examining the solution. (PK)

Examines successful/unsuccessful distinctions between novices and experts in problem solving in terms of genetic knowledge, use of production rules, strategy selection, use of critical cues, use of logic, understanding of probability, and the thinking process itself. Suggests five implications for genetics instruction and provides three problems…

Studied 237 fifth-, eighth- and eleventh-graders to determine their knowledge of effective strategies for dealing with everyday problems. Strategy effectiveness was dependent on the context of the problem. Age and gender differences were found when students' strategy knowledge was compared with that of teachers. (RJC)

Suggests that math and reading are related, and that strategies common to reading sometimes can be applied in math. Presents instructional strategies and independent study techniques for five areas: basic sight words; vocabulary meanings; other specialized vocabulary; basic skills; and problem solving. (RAE)

Examines ways in which intelligent tutoring systems can be used to develop models of a student's domain knowledge, problem solving abilities, and learning strategies. Cognitive skills assessment is discussed, and an example of a problem based tutoring system, Qualitative Understanding of Electrical System Troubleshooting (QUEST), is explained. (25…