An approach to teaching geometry is promoted that allows students to decide for themselves what they could prove from given information. Such an approach allows pupil involvement in the personal process of discovering mathematical ideas and formulating problems. It is noted these methods will not work for all. (MP)

Guessing is seen in all forms to be a creative and critical process which has practical and scientific utility. The goal of science in early childhood is viewed as having children make better guesses. Ways of instruction that create and develop an atmosphere for guessing are detailed. (MP)

Secondary school and college students can learn how to shape thought through shaping language by using tagmemic heuristics. To approach writing as a thinking process, students apply three heuristics: one for identifying and stating problems, one for exploring problems, and one for evaluating hypotheses or solutions. Guided by a series of…

Dental instructors are encouraged to use questioning techniques more frequently in clinical and preclinical courses, to stimulate independent thinking. The characteristics of questioning, types of questions, reluctance to use the techniques, strategies with various student types, and strategies for awkward situations are discussed. (MSE)

The roles and uses of symbols in mathematical thinking are discussed. The thinking process is further subdivided into specialization, generalization, and reasoning. (MP)

This article presents a rationale for emphasizing discovery instruction over guided instruction in teaching cane travel skills to people with severe visual impairments. Discovery instruction is seen to facilitate the use of intrinsic feedback in developing perceptual-cognitive skills as well as promoting problem solving, retention, and transfer of…

The goal of this paper is to sketch the epistemological roots of constructivism, to clarify certain implications of Piaget's constructivist theory for science education, and to explicate the issues surrounding a specific research study and its replication. Constructivist epistemology is described in terms of its emergence from rationalist,…

Challenged is the traditional model for the transmission of mathematics in the elementary school classroom. An inquiry approach to learning mathematics is proposed and supported with results of a year long research project that exposed second graders to mathematical learning experiences using this approach. (MDH)

Offers LOGO as an environment that facilitates the development of cognitive strategies useful in problem solving. Presents LOGO activities requiring students to combine preprogramed procedures to produce worksheet patterns. Using this approach promotes using LOGO as a vehicle for problem solving and results in a more positive attitude toward LOGO.…

Discusses a unit to teach reasoning and problem solving skills by helping students develop a systematic approach to problem identification, gather and analyze data, arrive at inferences and keep from jumping to conclusions. Describes the development of an activity investigating liquids designed to foster the needed problem-solving skills. (JM)

Previous research has shown a relationship between formal reasoning ability and science process skill attainment. It has been hypothesized that an increased emphasis on teaching process skills might enhance the formal thinking abilities of students. A variety of strategies have been proposed to better accomplish this task, most notable, the…

This monograph describes the origins of the learning cycle, related research, and how future research might be conducted to further the understanding of theories of instruction. A wide range of information is synthesized, producing a coherent framework for better understanding the theory of the learning cycle. The monograph identifies various…

Students must be actively involved in the process of learning for it to have personal meaning and importance in their lives. Teachers must also become critical thinkers, creative individuals, and decision makers in order to create more challenging learning environments. Teachers need to blend structure and spontaneity into meaningful learning…

Chess experts remember meaningful knowledge in the form of networks or patterns. Applied to mathematics instruction, effective classroom approaches can use investigation to identify patterns or rules. Described are a class activity and a small-group activity to investigate addition of signed numbers and linear relationships. (MDH)

Presents an inquiry-based approach to promoting critical thinking in psychology. Maintains that the model emphasizes helping students ask thoughtful questions. Discusses research results supporting the use of questioning techniques to enhance critical thinking. (CFR)