This paper reviews the conceptual confusion surrounding the concept "scientific thinking" (also known as "the proceses of science,""scientific processes,""inquiry skills," and sometimes, "the scientific method"). It begins with three separate arguments, each supporting a particular claim: (1)…

The Information Age has been shaping the conception of thinking in education through the capability of computerized problem solving, through the resulting application of the information processing model to human thinking, and through the theories emerging from other cognitive science research in metacognition, construction of knowledge, and…

Cognitive science is briefly reviewed, and its implications for instructional design are discussed. The application of cognitive science to instruction requires knowledge of cognitive science, the subject content taught, and the system in which the instruction is imbedded. The central concept of cognitive science is mental representation--the…

Students must have uninterrupted periods of time to process information, to reflect on what has been said, observed, or done, and to consider what their personal responses will be. After at least three seconds of uninterrupted silence, a significant number of positive outcomes occur for students and teachers. Students are more effective in…

Developing a constructivist view of scientific inquiry and knowledge is considered to be important to the training of future scientists, as well as to the understanding of scientific information by all citizens. The research reported targets the junior high school grades. Curricular materials that introduce seventh graders to the constructivist…

Compared is an inquiry-oriented Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) style laboratory approach with a more directive traditional approach on student outcomes in the cognitive and affective domains of learning. Differences in science achievement, reasoning ability, attitude, and stages of development are discussed. (KR)

Teaching has been described by a number of educational researchers as a complex cognitive activity. In an effort to contribute to the knowledge base for elementary science teacher effectiveness, this study was undertaken to build upon the procedures and findings of previous intensive instruction research by providing a framework for the…

This study, conducted in Singapore, was designed to determine pre-service primary teachers' (n=34) behavior in asking operational questions in science. In training the pre-service teachers in asking operational questions, the meaning of operational questions was first illustrated and clarified to them through the use of some examples during group…

Maintains that most high school social studies instruction emphasizes coverage and memorization of fragmented information. Presents a definition of in-depth study and describes its implementation in an issues-centered classroom. Provides suggestions and caveats for instituting issues-oriented instruction. (CFR)

A study investigated the extent to which students' inquiry skills can be facilitated through the use of a computerized science database (Birds of the Antarctica) and specially designed curriculum materials. Much attention was given in the program to developing both students' inquiry skills and their subject-matter knowledge. Grade 11 and 12…

Recent calls for mathematics instruction reform recommend that a problem-solving inquiry-oriented (PSIO) classroom environment be established. Students, however, may view mathematics as a static, ruled-based discipline that runs counter to the PSIO approach. A study examined the student/teacher interactions as seen from the viewpoint of five…