Suggests that student errors in mathematics be used as motivational devices and starting points for mathematical explorations, involving problem solving and problem posing activities. It is further suggested that errors can foster a deeper and more complete understanding of mathematical content and nature of mathematics itself. (PK)

This discussion of interactive learning activities focuses on cable television programs developed at the University of Quebec at Montreal to demonstrate the possibility of using televisions and telephones as interactive communications tools for varied learning. Activities included in the programs are described, including role play, problem…

Suggests the use of thematically integrated readings to impose meaningful organization on reading course content, by selecting a theme which lends itself to a broad spectrum of academic disciplines and genres. Recommends a variety of collaborative learning problem-solving tasks to help students assert control over their learning environment. (DMM)

Analyzes and compares the exploration, play, and problem-solving activities of typically developing (average) and at-risk infants when they manipulate novel objects. (BB)

The Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) program uses microcomputers to help high risk students master basic thinking processes, grasp course content, and apply learned information in various problem-solving situations. Specifically, HOTS aids students with metacognition, inference from context, and generalization skills. It also improves…

Describes common beliefs of students about the nature of mathematics and discusses the implications of the student beliefs for problem solving and for teaching. (PK)

Presents three reproducible worksheets which contain verbal problem situations in which numerical quantities have been omitted and represented by geometric shapes. The objective of the material is to develop the students' ability to analyze the mathematical structure in verbal problem-solving situations. (PK)

Presents a new method to teach the subject of evaporators which is both simple enough to use in the classroom and accurate and flexible enough to be used as a design tool in practice. Gives an example using a triple evaporator series. Analyzes the effect of this method. (CW)

In this interview, author Art Costa asserts that the teaching of either content or thinking skills in isolation is unproductive. To combine these approaches, he recommends selecting content for its relationship to thought processes. He also observes that administrators who model intelligent behavior thereby create a climate for thinking. (TE)

Louis Raths has pointed out the relationship between thinking capability and certain identifiable student behaviors. This article presents eight student behavior patterns that, according to Raths, show evidence of impaired thinking skills. Discusses activities that contribute to growth in thinking and identifies teacher behaviors that inhibit…

Children, aged three to seven years, were observed in spontaneous and structured situations using computer graphics and robots. It was found that computer graphics can enhance reflectivity and that robots present a rich problem-solving environment for pairs of children as they try to coordinate commands to one robot. (Author/BB)

The use of efficient organization of knowledge and of problem-solving strategies to enhance medical students' clinical problem-solving skills were assessed. Information for the experimental group emphasized disease groupings, symptom-disease associations, and clinical problem-solving heuristics. The experimental group acquired higher ratio of…

The purpose of this research was to design and evaluate a computer based adaptive strategy for teaching mathematics. Results indicated preference for materials with personalized examples for motivation and meaningful learning of problem solving procedures. Practical advantages of the computer-based model for adapting instruction are also…

Effective intervention strategies for learning disabled students should recognize such cognitive deficiencies as weaknesses in attention, memory deficits, and problems in generalizing and abstracting information. Approaches which emphasize enhanced learning processes include: self-monitoring; repetition and deliberate instruction in control…

Analysis of cognitive, psychoanalytical, and moral development theories of J. Piaget, O. Rank, E. Erikson, L. Kohlberg, D. Elkind, and C. Gilligan revealed teaching strategies for gifted adolescents which involve encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills; supporting student interests; developing students' positive self-esteem; exposing…