The push for STEM has raised the visibility of engineering as a discipline that all students should learn. With the release of the "Framework for K-12 Science Education" and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), engineering now has an official place in the science curriculum. In both the "Framework" and the NGSS,…

The possibilities of the school are not unlimited. For this reason, in order to answer the question of what the existing resources ought to be used for there is always the problem of the choice of goals of the school's educational activity. Different schools have different possibilities when it comes to achieving the desired results of educational…

A letter from a parent about a homework assignment involving much repetition (and time) is used as the vehicle to discuss the problem. (MNS)

Workplace learning is goal-directed activity shaped by the context and needs of a particular community of practice. Learning in the workplace includes close guidance by experts and distant guidance from other workers and the physical environment. The activities and the guidance are key components of the workplace learning curriculum. (SK)

The game of chess is recommended as a school activity. In addition to requiring that individuals become actively involved in a mentally demanding competition, its effects are stimulating, wholesome, and healthy. Several benefits accrue from the teaching and promoting of chess in schools. Chess limits the element of luck (teaching the importance of…

Identifies the more representative problem-solving models in environmental education. Suggests the addition of a strategy for defining a problem situation using Soft Systems Methodology to environmental education activities explicitly designed for the development of critical thinking. Contains 45 references. (JRH)

Conventional experimental research in mental imagery and visualization presents conflicting findings. Naturalistic inquiry offers an alternative approach for the study of mental imagery and problem solving. Paulo Freire, for example, used a naturalistic approach that emphasized active involvement in learning. Imagery can play an important role in…

Calculators are seen to shift the student focus in problem-solving situations from "how to do it" to "what to do," by keeping computation from standing in the way when pupils write or solve problems. (MP)

Presented are twenty essays related to applications in school mathematics and aimed at the classroom teacher. The essays use numerous examples and illustrations that provide the teacher with something tangible for immediate use. Four thematic areas are addressed: (1) What are applications?; (2) Why include applications in school mathematics?; (3)…

Provides suggestions for organizing online educational projects. Topics include choosing curriculum-based goals; choosing an activity structure, including interpersonal exchanges, information collections, and problem-solving projects; exploring examples of other online projects; determining details; inviting telecollaborators; effective online…

The role of writing in the mathematics classroom is considered. Writing as a cognitive process and its relationship to problem solving is first examined. Then several long- and short-term techniques for promoting cognitive learning using writing in the mathematics classroom are considered. The Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program is…

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Examines reasons why some elementary and secondary students learn programming in BASIC and LOGO much better than others suggesting this happens because students bring different learning patterns to the programming context. Pitfalls novices face in learning programming are discussed, and instructional design suggestions to foster better learning…

Through examples of both a child's imagination and pretend play activities, demonstrates how a child's imagination is the thinking function that sets the stage for play, while actual play consists of a child's understanding and representation of reality. (HOD)

Discussed is the case for problem solving in mathematics classrooms. The characteristics of "good" questions are identified. The assessment of questions and questioning techniques is considered. (CW)