The development of academic literacy requires students to think critically about multiple text types. Picturebooks can be rich and varied resources on which to base well-designed instruction that will facilitate thinking, discussions, connections, and problem solving in multiple content areas. From the Holocaust to ecology to grammar, picturebooks…

Suggests that (1) classroom analysis of good children's literature can facilitate effective problem-solving skills; and (2) consideration of the metamessage of cooperation as well as the individualistic perspective in such analyses is worth the time and effort. Notes that there are award-winning books that speak to the consequences of both…

Examines the financial impracticability of publishing vast collections of historical and literary material in traditional book form and proposes microform publication as an alternative. (Author)

Discusses ways the novels of Robin Brancato help children learn about adversity and cope with hardship. (FL)

Review of existing research on the general cognitive outcomes of Logo training concludes there is little data-based or empirical evidence on the effects of teaching Logo to children. It is suggested that current research on Logo should be more directly tied to outcomes related to learning a structured computer language. (MBR)

In this article, the author presents lively and interesting ideas on renewing children's interest in group-time meetings. Come springtime, teachers usually find that interest is flagging at their class group-time meetings. It is at this time of year that children often need something extra special to inspire and motivate them in the classroom. The…

Briefly discusses several frequently encountered barriers to learning--negative impact on inner self, threatening situations, rewards, and blockage of spontaneous exploration--from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Ways in which Logo is useful in removing these barriers are noted. (MBR)

Identifies six needs assessment procedures applied in educational and other organizations, provides examples of how each is used, and discusses the relationship of needs assessment to problem solving. Kaufman's Outcomes Model is described and the Organizational Elements Model is presented as a pragmatic approach to contemporary decision making and…

Arguing that the most widespread argument in favor of the teaching of programming concerns its possible impact on generalizable cognitive skills, this paper addresses the "how" of transfer. The outlines of a theory of the mechanisms of transfer are presented, the theory is used to examine the contrasts between certain studies that did…

Some of the limitations of the lecture method for teaching analysis are discussed, some thoughts about the relevance of theories of personality type and learning style to the teaching of problem solving are offered, and a list of resources is given. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the impact of computer programing instruction on cognitive skills and suggests two mechanisms of transfer--low road, from practice, and high road, from generalization. Previous research that tried to measure transfer from programing is reviewed, six categories in which transfer might occur are presented, and 71 references are provided.…

Presents a review of literature on programing in Logo, including prerequisites of programing, cognitive effects of programing, stages of programing, and levels of programing expertise. An analysis of the literature establishes the need for operationalizing problem solving with Logo, and a research strategy to meet this need is suggested. (32…

This paper explores research on problem solving and suggests a problem-solving approach to elementary school social studies, using a culture study of the ancient Egyptians and King Tut as a sample unit. The premise is that problem solving is particularly effective in dealing with problems which do not have one simple and correct answer but rather…

Describes instructional development process applied to the design, production, implementation, and evaluation of a computer simulation designed to provide troubleshooting practice for individuals who maintain and install large digital telephone switches. The major organizational benefits resulting from use of the simulation are discussed. (MBR)

Discusses how to use literature to help children of alcoholics. Provides a list of appropriate books. (FL)