A procedural model, designed to assist practitioners in working with students with learning problems, targets three stages of the diagnostic-prescriptive teaching process: (1) defining the problem; (2) assessing potentially causal mismatches between child, task, and setting; and (3) intervening by eliminating or minimizing mismatches. (Author/CB)

Focuses on description of instructional-learning conditions for a LOGO environment hypothesized to be conducive to development of problem-solving skills for both given and new situations based on existing educational research. A LOGO activity for constructing squares and triangles is outlined to illustrate application of the instructional…

Reptiles are used as a theme on four worksheets for practicing skills in computation, measurement, comparison, reading, and problem solving. (MNS)

Help to teachers for including discussion and investigations into their teaching, as recommended by the Cockcroft Report, is provided. Three algebra lessons are described as a way of getting started, and the degree of balance among teaching styles is discussed. (MNS)

Explains how multiple choice test items can be devised to measure higher-order learning, including engineering problem solving. Discusses the value and information provided in item analysis procedures with machine-scored tests. Suggests elements to consider in test design. (ML)

Explains the Every Teacher a Researcher (ETR) program and invites teachers to participate in classroom research on students' problem-solving abilities. Reviews previous approaches taken to investigations of problem solving in science. Identifies characteristics of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. (ML)

Proposes that there is a universal method for all realms of knowledge. Reviews Descartes's definition of the universal method, the engineering definition, and the philosophical basis for the universal method. Contends that the engineering method best represents the universal method. (ML)

Discusses the differences between problems and exercises in chemistry, and some of the difficulties that arise when the same methods are used to solve both. Proposes that algorithms are excellent models for solving exercises. Argues that algorithms not be used for solving problems. (TW)

Discusses the difference between a generic chemistry problem (one which can be solved using an algorithm) and a harder chemistry problem (one for which there is no algorithm). Encourages teachers to help students recognize these categories of problems so they will be better able to find solutions. (TW)

Discusses the differences between problems and exercises, the levels of thinking required to solve them, and the roles that algorithms can play in helping chemistry students perform these tasks. Proposes that students be taught the logic of algorithms, their characteristics, and how to invent their own algorithms. (TW)

Reports on a study into the problem solving abilities of students in a Jamaican high school who were intentionally taught problem solving strategies during one-sixth of their mathematics instruction for one academic year. Results indicated no significant increases in their performance on a problem solving test. (TW)

Successful implementation of assessment requires effective administrative leadership to get started, convert data to information, and use the information in making improvements. Assessment may pay its greatest long-term dividends as an organizational device for directing scarce reserves of institutional attention to teaching and learning. (MLW)

The study investigated children's ability to write number sentences for simple addition and subtraction word problems. The results suggest that open number sentences may provide mathematical symbolism that allows young children to build on informal strategies for presenting and solving simple word problems. (Author/PK)

Interviewed 64 students in eight elementary classrooms to assess their means-ends problem-solving ability in two socialization domains teachers value highly: task demands and the interpersonal. Found students' problem-solving ability in the task demands domain relates to teacher control orientation, which, like effective parenting, has as its…

A teacher describes her experiences using "mathematics across the curriculum" problem solving activities with 12- and 13-year-old students with moderate to severe learning difficulties. She concludes that the experience of real problem solving is an approach that has great potential for use with special need students. (PK)