A Discovery Unit was designed to develop problem-finding behavior in 67 gifted children (grades 3-6). Students identified a problem and its solution using topics of their choice. The results of this two-year pilot project support the need to instruct and practice problem-finding skills at the elementary level. (DB)

Based on the inaugural Suzanne McConnell Memorial Lecture, this article focuses on the theme of action in complex contexts. The following topics are covered: the author's approach to this theme and the steps needed to progress from analysis of context to new debates and practical action; the changing context of ALBE; and opportunities for action.…

An approach to identifying and correcting college faculty salary inequities based on gender is presented. Steps include determining whether a problem exists using an objective, legally sound procedure; developing feasible adjustment strategies; and implementing correction and a monitoring process consistent with institutional culture and values.…

Discusses concurrent, or parallel, programming languages; explains the design of the MultiLogo programming language; and describes a study of fourth and fifth graders that used MultiLogo to control robotic devices built out of Lego bricks. Three categories of MultiLogo programming bugs are described, and implications for changes in design and…

Sixty kindergarten children were studied to determine the effect of age and sex on creativity. No significant difference was found between the girls' and boys' creativity scores, but, as expected, the 6-year olds scored higher than the 5-year olds. Recommends providing opportunities for creative activity for children at home and school. (TJQ)

Presents three patterns found in math for elementary students. Spirolaterals are patterns made by repeatedly tracing a series of three numbers in four directions on dot paper. Tessellating can be a combination of teaching about patterns, geometry, and art. The King's Problem requires recognition of a problem to find a solution. (PR)

Presents criteria for designing craft activities that foster meaningful use of mathematical thinking and problem solving. (MKR)

This study investigated the effect of content emphasis, learning practice, and field dependence/independence on college students' analogous problem-solving skills. Under certain conditions, field-independent subjects performed significantly better than field-dependent subjects. Subjects given a principle-based content emphasis performed…

Describes how teachers can present their students with a variety of experiences that promote the thoughtful use of calculators and a positive attitude in students and parents. Discusses using classroom banks, problem solving, writing word problems, holiday catalog ordering, and parent education. Includes sample activity pages. (MKR)

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Students analyze public values regarding water issues to help them evaluate approaches to managing water resources. Students recognize that people have different values, evaluate strengths and weaknesses of proposed solutions, and examine the purpose of diverse advocacy groups. (LZ)

Students (n=61) in an experimental course stressing active student involvement and the use of a computer algebra system scored higher than students (n=76) in a traditional college algebra course on final measures of inductive reasoning, visualization, and problem solving while maintaining equivalent manipulation and computation skills. (Author/MLB)

Describes a pilot project to deal with the problem of articulating postsecondary language study. This project consists of 1 elementary school immersion teacher and 21 foreign language teachers from high schools and colleges. The project has the potential of effecting a statewide adoption of proficiency standards and an improvement in the quality…

Describes the application of the General Purpose Utility Problem-Solving technique that was developed at the University of Technology, Sydney, to the problem experienced by a satellite university campus library where there were periodic shelving backlogs. Highlights include cluster methods, total quality management applications, and the use of…

Offers practical suggestions for a coherent approach to the teaching of grammar in foreign language classrooms. As a context for the ideas offered, the article synthesizes some of the views expressed by recent writers on this subject. The model outlined provides a basis for work designed to focus more on accurate use of language than on…

Interviewed 59 2nd- and 44 3rd-year elementary school students concerning their solutions to arithmetic problems commensurate with their age and ability. The results indicate that as children progress through school, they continue to use counting as an important part of their problem-solving repertoire, combining counting skills in idiosyncratic…