Discusses situated learning and instruction. Topics discussed include situated cognition theories; prescriptions for instructional design; adapting instructional design to situated learning; evaluating situated learning; situated cognition and the role of the teacher; different types of problem-solving activities; and the work of the Cognition and…

Ritzville Pyramids are cone-shaped piles of wheat found near the community of Ritzville, Washington. Presents the practical problem of determining the volume and surface area of a Ritzville pyramid to help farmers solve cost-effectiveness questions related to selling the wheat. (MDH)

Discusses sources of stress in children's lives, noting adults too often trivialize situations children face, judging them by adult criteria. Parents must realize children's fears are real, and create a home that minimizes stressors and encourages openness. Suggestions for ways parents can help stress-proof their children's lives are included. (SM)

Student problem-solving behaviors are analyzed using a four-dimensional framework with related detrimental factors identified for each dimension. General approaches and specific techniques developed to address negative factors are reviewed. Examined are means of developing the components of problem-solving teaching. (KR)

An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

Describes a computer simulation which enables principals to understand how to implement instructional leadership practices. The article recommends that staff developers view instructional leadership from the perspective of problem solving and strategic thinking. Six suggestions for leadership development are provided. (SM)

Studies the effects of explicitly teaching a problem-solving strategy on problem-solving ability, course average, course success, and student retention, focusing on two microeconomics courses. Indicates that teaching problem solving helps students with low problem-solving skills remain in class and succeed. (DMM)

Discusses the unique advantages provided by computer-based (CB) testing. Describes the various forms of CB tests used in higher education and the variety of testing applications of computers in colleges and universities. Presents psychometric issues and concerns related to CB testing along with relevant research findings. (Author/PVV)

The Future Problem Solving (FPS) Program assists students in acquiring better thinking, communicating, and problem-solving skills. Concepts built into the FPS process include the freedom to elaborate, respect for others and their ideas, providing a problem-solving framework, considering global concerns, and encouraging students to think about…

A technique for studying various properties of soap bubbles subjected to deformation, accompanied by some representative experiments to illustrate the versatility of the method, is presented. The measurement of the change of force that occurs when a bubble is stretched is calculated. (KR)

The soliciting-and-reacting-moves questioning technique used in science classrooms is described. The importance of using both higher-order and lower-level questions during a lesson is discussed. An example of a dialogue between a student and teacher using this technique is included. (KR)

Study compared the effects of classroom management instruction emphasizing technical skills versus instruction emphasizing reflective and constructive processes on 67 preservice teachers' reasoning and problem solving. Participants receiving reflective instruction used strategies more often to solve problems, provided more reasons for decisions,…

Discussed is an alternative to the traditional lecture-homework-quiz method of instruction. Innovative techniques applied in a statics class are described. A comparison between the innovative course and the same course taught traditionally is provided. (KR)

Mothers of gifted children were significantly more likely than mothers of average children to encourage metacognitive strategies, but mothers of average children provided more direct solutions and talked more about child nontask behavior. (RH)