A comprehensive thinking skills scope and sequence plan provides three types of information. It identifies the thinking skills and strategies to be learned throughout the curriculum, locates them in the subject areas where they are to be taught, and arranges them in the proper sequence. This article describes basic principles and guidelines for…

Supermath, a learning strategy based on HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Project, is helping students increase mathematics achievement. Three principles are involved: creating an intriguing learning environment, combining visual and interactive experiences with Socratic forms of conversation that help students create mental models and…

Cooperative learning needs three key requirements to be successful: the development of new curriculum materials; ability to treat status problems arising in small groups; and availability of collegiality and strong organizational support. Stanford University's Program for Complex Instruction involves each group in different problem-solving tasks…

Describes the results of part of an ongoing study to find and document "new literacy" classrooms. Seeks to describe new literacy classroom practices (i.e., assignments, assessments) as well as types of learning experienced by students and teacher in such classrooms. (SG)

According to recent research, when teachers focus on higher mental processes (problem solving, application of principles, analytical skills, and creativity) within a mastery learning format, students' thinking skills and knowledge levels improve. Baltimore County (Maryland) and East Islip (New York) School Districts have programs integrating…

Identifies a four-step process for giving task instructions for small groups: (1) give the rationale, (2) explain the task, (3) define the context, and (4) explain what is to be reported. (CT)

Teachers using the self-regulated strategy development approach instruct students in task-specific strategies along with more general strategies for regulating the students' strategy use and the learning process. Examines the components, stages, and characteristics of such an approach, along with its effectiveness in helping students with learning…

Describes a computer system being developed to support two-party negotiation to enhance students' learning in the area of dispute resolution. The concept of computer support as an important future direction in the area of conflict resolution and negotiation is discussed, and results of pilot testing of the prototype are reported. (Contains 17…

When two upstate New York teachers analyzed the problems attending student presentations, it became clear that only students with Quadrant 2 (analytical) learning styles were comfortable listening to an oral report. After their gifted fifth and seventh graders created a 4MAT wheel, their new insights helped generate possible solutions to common…

The Early Literacy Project focused on involving students in contextualized literary activities, developing learning strategies, constructing classroom dialogs about literacy, supporting learners in their zones of proximal development, and creating literacy communities. Research with 88 primary-grade students with mild disabilities indicated clear…

A program was designed to help learning disabled junior high school students develop vocabulary skills through cooperative learning groups. Twelve students in the sixth or seventh grade spent 50% of the day in a learning disability resource program. The students were formed into mixed ability groups. Two commercially available programs designed…

Describes the procedures and results of a two-year project to improve the learning skills of first-year college students, focusing on aspects of students' daily lives and on effective study actions, strategies, and attitudes. Student achievement was higher than a comparative cohort, and differences were maintained into the second year. (DMM)

Describes how a public service company developed a four-day course designed to evaluate trainees' learning ability and upgrade their study skills. Examines the structured group pretest of trainees' entry study skills, the benefits of being a goal-oriented trainee, the PREP (preview, read, examine, prompt) Study System, memory recall, and test…

Describes how a mathematics teacher's knowledge level can be supported or justified by a criterion different from test scores of teacher's students, namely the ability of the teacher to justify teaching practices by appealing to concurrent learning method. Two examples are provided that formalize theoretical justifications as practical arguments…

Many schools are trying to reconnect elements of schooling that have grown apart since one-room schoolhouse days. This article explores alternatives to tracking and specialized curricula, including instructional alignment, criterion-referenced tests, schoolwide instructional strategies (cooperative learning and computer-assisted instruction),…