Shows how to use common topics within area studies to develop important social studies skills. The example provided illustrates how to develop data analysis, data evaluation, problem solving, and map skills using the topics of bamboo and the Bhopal, India, chemical disaster. (JDH)

This study assessed the effects of learning logo computer programing and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on specific cognitive skills, metacognitive skills, creativity, and achievement. The programing group scored significantly higher on measures of operational competence, two of three measures of metacognitive skills, and a measure of…

Discusses changes in conceptions underlying research on individual differences since the 1940s, trends such as the cognitive revolution in psychology and education, and the increase of societal egalitarianism. Argues that current emphasis on the malleability of individual differences demonstrates a need for individualized instruction that…

A test of whether metacognition is a separate factor from cognition was conducted by measuring the effects of metacognitive factors in problem solving, while attempting to hold relevant cognitive factors constant. Learning disabled subjects were less skilled in metacognition with respect to knowledge about cognition and regulation of cognition.…

Prescriptive, decision-analysis of medical problem-solving has been based on decision theory that involves calculation and manipulation of complex probability and utility values to arrive at optimal decisions that will maximize patient benefits. The studies offer a methodology for improving clinical judgment. (Author/MLW)

Seymour Papert, creator of LOGO, explains how he came to create this important problem-solving language and how he intended it to be used to foster learning among children. What children can do with turtle geometry (indicated to be a natural approach to mathematics) is one topic considered. (Author/JN)

Problem solving and justification of a diversified group of two-year college students was compared with approaches of younger pre-college students working on the same task. The students in this study were engaged in thoughtful mathematics. Both groups found patterns, justified that their patterns were reasonable and, utilized similar strategies…

This paper adds to the research studies on prospective elementary school teachers' mathematics knowledge with findings on proportional reasoning. In addition to analyzing prospective elementary school teachers' solution strategies for solving a missing value proportion task, it also examines the nature of the drawings and writing they used to…

In this paper we report on a case study of a university student (third year of Mathematics course). She was engaged in proving a statement of elementary number theory. We asked her to write the thoughts that accompanied her solving process. She was collaborative and her protocol is suitable to study the interrelation between affect and cognition.…

Twelve linear algebra students were interviewed about the concept of a Solution of a System of Equations. The interviews were analyzed using APOS tools, in particular the ideas of Action, Process, Object and Schema, and Genetic Decomposition. The analysis of the interviews revealed several misconceptions of Solution. The analysis also revealed…

How do more experienced school administrators think about and attend to problems in school administration? This paper presents findings of a study that compared how principals and aspiring principals cognitively processed and solved a problem scenario. A total of 30 practicing principals and 24 aspiring principals (referred to as the "novice…

On-the-job experience is commonly regarded as the prime prerequisite for proficiency. This paper presents findings of a study that compared the ways in which a group of practicing elementary principals (n=31) and aspiring principals (n=25) thought their way through a case study. The study was conducted as part of the Cognitive Approaches to School…

The paper presents literature related to the problems and promises of interdisciplinary work. Important characteristics of effective work groups are described, and origins of difficulty in groups are discussed. Most work on groups has been based on research on groups that come together only in the laboratory. These groups are different from…

The University of Maryland offers a physics course as part of the Maryland Collaborative for Teachers' Preparation (MCTP) project. One of the course aims is to promote the learning of the concept of a function through the learning of physics. Students learn in small groups through problem solving and with the aid of microcomputer-based…

Reviews a large number of studies of eye movement. Bibliography appended. (LS)