Problem solving is at the heart of mathematics, and is known to support learning for a diverse range of children. However, challenges can be encountered when teaching mathematics through problem solving. This article provides insights from research literature into: (1) the nature of the challenges; and (2) some ways that problem solving can be…

This latest installment in a series on teacher leadership describes how a learning cycle framework can provide a useful structure to support teacher leaders as they plan and facilitate powerful teacher-led professional learning. Teacher leaders have the potential to use learning cycles to strengthen teacher professional learning, making it more…

The author explores concrete ways to help students learn more and have fun doing it while they support each other's learning. The article specifically shows the relationships between cooperative learning and deep learning. Readers will become familiar with the tenets of cooperative learning and its power to enhance learning--even more so when…

One goal of 21st-century education is to develop mature citizens who can identify issues, solve problems, and communicate solutions. What better way for students to learn these skills than by participating in a science and engineering fair? Fair participants face the same challenges as professional scientists and engineers, even Nobel laureates.…

Finding ways to help primary-grade students overcome difficulties in solving mathematical word problems can be a daunting task for teachers in a regular classroom setting. Student challenges may include: (1) difficulty with vocabulary; (2) lack of confidence when solving problems; (3) confusion on the proper operation to use when solving a…

Children and youth develop the ability to surmount difficult life challenges through a combination of external supports and internal strengths. Positive peers can contribute substantially to growth in resilient coping and problem-solving skills. Positive Peer Culture (PPC) programs are designed to strengthen supportive social bonds, competence,…

When an elementary school's most disruptive students were invited to write an advice column about school-related and personal problems, the students were not only genuinely helpful, but also felt better about themselves and began to solve their own problems. (CB)

The president of the Toledo Federation of Teachers discusses how experienced teachers in that city oversee the professional development of new teachers and provide assistance to veteran colleagues experiencing severe problems in the classroom. He also describes the role played in this plan by the union. (CMG)

School board members can make bad decisions if they give in to peer pressure from the community and from within the board. Cites examples and suggests that board members who don't know enough about an issue can't make a reasonable decision. (MLF)

This field study suggests that there exists a direct relationship between an organizational culture and the conflict resolution communication approaches used within the organization. A collegiate greek lettered organization was chosen for study due to the strong identity such organizations generally promote. The organizational culture is defined…

Project AIM/LOFT (Accommodative Instructional Management/Learning Opportunities for Teachers) is a staff development training program that uses special instructional materials. The five-part staff development project includes: (1) intensive competency-based training; (2) in-class follow-up training; (3) action labs; (4) training in team dynamics;…

A social worker and a psychologist, working with troubled youth in a day treatment setting, describe unique ways to use the concepts of Positive Peer Culture (PPC) to facilitate groups from the elementary to high school levels. The authors have adapted the well-known PPC concepts and incorporated them into their strength-based program, SPLASH, to…

A study was conducted to identify and analyze clinical and nonclinical problems commonly met by dental practitioners, and the strategies and resources used by dentists to resolve these problems. Nearly 50 individuals in dentistry and related areas were organized into a steering committee and four task groups. Data were gathered through meetings of…

Discusses student empowerment and the importance of including students in planning and implementing conflict resolution programs. The paper describes the "Winning Against Violent Environments" (WAVE) program which trains students to be peer mediators who train other students and adults to be mediators and conflict managers. (SM)

An executive summary of a study designed to investigate the identification and solution of clinical and nonclinical problems in dental practice is presented. The study used a combination of structured group meetings of individuals involved in dentistry and related areas and written workbooks completed by participants. A steering committee advised…