We experimentally investigated the effect of crib sheet construction and use on student learning and exam performance. Students expected to use their prepared crib sheets during testing; however, unexpectedly they first completed a pretest without their crib sheets. Students scored significantly better on the same questions with crib sheets…

Uses case studies of students to outline the theories related to cognitive development and different ways of understanding what knowledge is. Organizes four sets of concepts: (1) the construct of intelligence; (2) different ways of knowing; (3) the nature of constructivism; and (4) the active, strategic process of learning. Contains 19 references.…

Social studies education would benefit greatly if curriculum development was more directly linked to developmental child psychology based on Piagetian models of concrete operations. A science education program based on this model of concrete experiences is cited and positive results for both students and teachers are noted. Two social studies…

Introduces a theme issue focusing on teaching critical thinking through college psychology courses. Defines critical thinking and asserts that "learning to think" has been called the central purpose of education. Refers to the Goals 2000 program and its emphasis on thinking skills. (CFR)

Contends that, to become a better critical thinker, one must not only develop expert thinking skills, but also become an expert at choosing the best skills for the particular situation. Reports on a study of critical thinking and metacognition among 65 college students. (CFR)

Reports on a study of effects of critical reading and writing skills among 16 college psychology students. Finds that students receiving critical thinking instruction were better able to use argumentative language in term papers. Includes two tables of statistical data. (CFR)

Discusses a model for teaching critical thinking and the changes observed in student abilities after taking a course emphasizing the model. Finds that scores on a critical thinking test were significantly higher among the 24 students in the course. Presents a graphic example of the model applied to the issue of homelessness. (CFR)

Maintains that psychology courses attract students who are interested in using their knowledge of human behavior in their professional and personal lives. Describes four approaches used in a developmental psychology course to differentiate between experimental and observational research. Discusses implications of the approaches. (CFR)

Maintains that considerable evidence suggests that educators can successfully use knowledge of cognitive development to guide college instruction. Discusses thinking processes as either primarily incidental or deliberate. Contends that separate thinking based on these principles leads to improved critical thinking skills. (CFR)

Asserts that technology and telecommunications have become integral parts of daily life. Discusses three roles that technology plays in improving the problem-solving process. Contends that students must learn to select from a variety of information sources. (CFR)

Describes the application of the problem method, or case study approach, to teach undergraduate research methods. Maintains that the approach is particularly applicable because research design is a classic ill-defined task. Reports that students find the method challenging and interesting. (CFR)

Provides concluding remarks for the theme issue on critical thinking skill development in college psychology courses. Maintains that conclusive evidence exists that critical thinking skills can be learned and are transferable. Encourages educators to make critical thinking a primary educational goal in all instruction. (CFR)

Contends that, in many ways, college teaching has remained largely unchanged since the days of the medieval university. Discusses the role of cooperative learning in higher education and maintains that the technique can enhance critical thinking skills. (CFR)

Asserts that case studies and discussion method pedagogy are replacing lecture and small-group discussion as the primary higher-level teaching method. Describes and discusses the case study approach as a technique for teaching critical thinking skills. Presents 11 arguments for using these pedagogies. (CFR)

Presents a negotiation model for thinking about controversial issues in psychology. Provides students a framework for managing conflicts, including conflicting positions on professional ethics. Discusses relationships among three models of critical thinking. (CFR)