Problem solving requires the application of critical reading and thinking skills and the use of relevant strategies to reach a solution. Independent learners are able to apply taught strategies across contexts and often complete challenging tasks unassisted. The purpose of this paper is to explain how a process of analysis of assignments and…

Connections between music and mathematics have been of interest to scholars as far back as the time of Pythagoras. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, the use of songs and chants as aids for memorising information such as number patterns and names of geometrical shapes is common practice in early childhood centres and primary classrooms. While such practices…

Several studies have applied the dichotomy of deep and surface approaches to learning in a range of disciplinary contexts. Existing questionnaires have largely assumed the existence of these constructs; however, in a recent study Case and Marshall (2004) described two additional context-specific approaches to learning in engineering. The current…

This study investigates problem-solving difficulties of novices in a classroom setting, using a German instructional tool, the Fischertechnik kit of approximately 400 parts. In order to analyse the students' thinking processes as they solved the problems, verbal protocol analysis (VPA) was used to record the students'' thinking processes and…

In an ever changing society of the 21st century, there is a demand to equip students with meta competences going beyond cognitive knowledge. Education, therefore, needs a transition from transferring knowledge to developing individual potentials with the help of constructivist learning. Advantages of constructivist learning, and criteria for its…

This article looks at the brain as it is used in learning, considers how a better understanding of the brain can be used in education, and discusses the emerging role of the neuroeducator, a person able to understand the concepts of both brain function and good teaching. (MT)

States that learning is most effective when the learner has a basic understanding of established goals, when individual differences are considered, and when concept learning is enhanced by connecting first hand experiences. Advocates the use of social studies activities as a meaningful and logical way to enhance language and learning skills. (GEA)

Francis Wayland Parker's approach to education was based on a belief that children learn when they deal with meaningful things from their daily life. Art education allows the child to explore many forms through attending and expression modes. (DF)

Based on the premise that environmental education should be taught in K-12 social studies classes, this document describes the eco/studies concept of the constant interaction between natural and human designed environments. The use of a model, through which students role play as researching social scientists, is described, along with the concepts…

Examines the performance of children in different grades as they attempt to solve simple equations involving addition and subtraction of integer numbers. The extended task involves creating a story that matches the equations. (DDR)

Developed to explore how individuals receive and process sensory information, this paper describes a curriculum designed for elementary students concerning the brain and information processing. The course is entitled "Mind Adventuring: Learning about How We Learn" and is structured into eight units of study. Descriptive accounts are…

Reveals creative and unique ways to assess children's learning in the social studies classroom using tools rather than tests. Provides examples of acrostic poems (each line begins with a letter from a famous person's name) and bio-poems (each line answers a biographical question). (MJP)

Reports on interdisciplinary instructional techniques in music education for young children recommended by seven music educators. Maintains that young children especially benefit from an interdisciplinary approach. Concludes that teachers should not lose sight of music education objectives while reinforcing other learning. (CFR)

Reports on 2 studies of 48 eighth-grade students in which mnemonic devices and strategies were employed. Finds that both regular and learning-disabled students preferred mnemonic instruction to traditional teaching methods. Concludes that mnemonic methods can help improve student learning of historical information. (CFR)

Maintains that partnering history and social studies with mathematics, science, and language arts provides opportunities for relevant and meaningful history. Argues that chronology is the single most important unifying factor in history. Asserts that teachers must engage students in the why and how of history. (CFR)