Examines solutions presented by preservice teachers for solving graphical and numerical problems involving the arithmetic mean. Participants presented two methods: algorithmic computation and balancing deviations about the mean. A significant difference was found between science and mathematics preservice teachers in the use of balancing…

A study to investigate one of the mechanisms teachers may use to convince themselves incorrectly that students have learned science concepts requiring formal operational ability is presented. The investigation indicates instructors may actually teach and test for memorization of algorithms rather than understanding. (MP)

Discussed is the effectiveness of using analogies in chemistry instruction. Students' mathematics anxiety, spatial visualization skill, and proportional reasoning ability were found to be important aptitudes for determining chemistry achievement. The relationship between analogs and algorithms is described. (KR)