Metacognition has been shown to lead to deeper, more durable, and more transferable learning (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000). This article describes a case study in which metacognition was introduced to undergraduate science (chemistry) classrooms. Students came to understand the difference between superficial memorization and real…

A comparison was made between students' overall performance, as measured by overall grade, in different teaching and learning protocols: (1) traditional textbook and lecture along with standard examinations; (2) lectures with online augmentation and PowerPoint lecture notes along with standard examinations; (3) similar to "(2)" but with…

Reports on a study conducted to obtain indications of changes in mental level from high school through college and to investigate the relationship of cognitive level to SAT scores, college grades, and attrition. (PEB)

At Colorado College, the energy retrofit of a building is used as a service-learning research project to teach physics and chemistry in a variety of courses. In introductory courses for nonscience majors, the project helps students appreciate the scientific method and quantitative reasoning. Within the physical-chemistry course, students see that…

Describes William Perry's scheme of intellectual development, focusing on the first five stages or positions collectively termed "ways of knowing." Suggests applications of this scheme for science teaching. (DS)

Briefly reports on a study involving 419 randomly selected secondary school students who were given five Piagetian tasks to identify their level of cognitive development. (PEB)

Investigates the effectiveness of guided inquiry laboratories for the first semester general chemistry course for science majors at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. The focus is on three skills: data interpretation, hypothesis formation and the experimental testing of hypotheses. (HM)

Investigates the possible relationships between the ability of introductory college genetics students to perform Piagetian formal operational tasks and their ability to solve problems requiring genetic analysis. (Author/GA)

Approximately 500 nonscience major university chemistry students were surveyed to record their interpretations of specific chemical symbolism before presenting modern concepts of atomic and molecular structure, in an attempt to understand the thought processes entering students use as they interpret symbolism. Results are reported and discussed.…

Examines the assumption that students use a level of reasoning, when solving problems, that is substantially below their intellectual capacity. The study involved 466 college students enrolled in a general chemistry or a physical science course. The results include a comparison of science and non-science majors. (GS)

Presents preliminary findings of results of tests of Piagetian cognitive development to predict success in introductory undergraduate physics courses. Grades were predicted with good success. (SL)

Describes a remedial college course in which discovery-based teaching and physical models are employed to teach students how to think. Discusses program content, program structure, program goals, results of the course, and the impact on student success in future science and math courses. (DKM)

Describes how one could teach velocity and acceleration from a Piagetian framework. This approach is compared with the traditional method of teaching constantly accelerated motion to high school and college students. Some problems and a list of references are also presented. (HM)

The use of taxonomic scales to assess the level of student cognitive development and thinking skills, and to structure instruction is discussed. One instructor's method is presented. Perry's taxonomy is graphically illustrated. Sources for five assessment instruments are listed. (CW)

Explains the differences between successful and unsuccessful problem solvers' exploration of a problem, translation of information into different forms, approach to devising and executing a plan, and rechecking work. (RT)