Describes the Instructional Design Environment (IDE), a hypermedia system for designing and developing instructional material, including texts, interactive video disks, and intelligent tutoring systems. Highlights include the problem-solving nature of instructional design; other computer-based systems for instructional design; and the use of IDE…

Discussed are teaching methods that can be used in association with amusement park rides. The basic principles behind the effects of several rides are reviewed and illustrated. (CW)

Described is an interdisciplinary unit on pseudoscience which combines interest in unidentified flying objects (UFO's), physics, astronomy, art, and english composition. The different phases of the lesson, assignments, and evaluation are discussed. A list of books available on UFOs is provided. (CW)

The intellectual disciplines comprising the traditional curriculum are actually territorial spaces carved out by academic scholars for their own purpose. Although middle-level educators have been engaged in reform efforts for two decades, the interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum is still rare and a working definition of a middle school…

A study investigated differences in National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores for students at the College of Human Medicine (Michigan) in two preclinical medicine curricula, one problem based and one traditional, during four distinct periods. Results illustrate the difficulty of comparing the curricula, given revisions over time. (MSE)

A 5-year study investigated the effect of training on question-asking skills of 42 licensing examiners in orthopedic surgery. Results indicate that a three-hour training session resulted in examiners' asking many more open-ended and/or problem-solving questions, suggesting the effectiveness of the training program. (Author/MSE)

Action science is a communication technique that staff developers can use to increase interpersonal competence and problem-solving skills in schools engaged in the process of school transformation. An example of the action science intervention at a Maryland elementary school is presented. (SM)

Provides an overview of this issue that reviews Dutch research concerning knowledge-based instructional systems. Topics discussed include experimental research, conceptual models, design considerations, and guidelines; the design of student diagnostic modules, instructional modules, and interface modules; second-language teaching; intelligent…

Presents six construction problems in which key parts of the figure are made inaccessible, that is, a lake or an obstruction is inserted. Encourages creative thinking while improving problem-solving skills. Students are to show the construction, describe the solution, and verify correctness of the solution. (LDR)

Revoicing as a classroom technique is considered. Three examples illustrate the potential of the classroom discourse strategy revoicing to position students with regard to propositions and allow them to claim or reject the positions; share reformulations to credit students with teacher inferences; and scaffold and recast problem-solution…

Provides guidelines for classroom discussions of bioethical issues. Equipped with an ethical reasoning model, teachers can help to prepare students to make responsible decisions about science-related issues. (ZWH)

Proposes the use of portfolios containing representative student work gathered over time as a method to improve understanding of students' work, development, and growth. Provides an example of portfolio assessment in a graduate class on mathematics problem solving for teachers. (KS)

Presents an activity suitable for rainy days in which students solve a story problem to determine how fast a person should run in the rain to get the least wet. (MDH)

Defines critical thinking and provides a practical approach to applying it to teaching physical education (PE). Critical thinking in PE can result in improved skills, fitness, and knowledge. Examples of the kinds of questions and challenges appropriate for a critical thinking lesson in PE are provided. (SM)

Argues that educators should reconsider their current commitment to problem solving as the way to promote constructionist teaching and learning and should focus on teaching important ideas developed within the disciplines. This idea-based social constructivism focuses on the possibilities of a given situation. (SLD)