Perspective transformation is a consciously achieved state in which the individual's perspective on life is transformed. The new perspective serves as a vantage point for life's actions and interactions, affecting the way life is lived. Three conditions are basic to achieving perspective transformation: (1) "feeling" experience, i.e.,…

This document deals with the observation of students in a direct translation scheme in the solution of word problems in a university freshman-level Intermediate Algebra class. It is felt that since successful problem solvers of algebraic equations often have as much difficulty in solving word problems as do other students in the classes, the…

The purpose of this study was to uncover information about and gain a greater insight into the extent to which students who are successful in a basic algebra course: l) demonstrate a reversibility of reasoning processes when solving algebraic problems; 2) demonstrate a flexibility of reasoning processes when solving algebraic problems; 3)…

Thinking-aloud protocols of human problem solvers working on geometry problems are presented and discussed. Protocols were obtained from six individuals working on nine different problems in which constructions were used. Nineteen protocols are presented with annotation and discussion, and other protocols are summarized. The primary purpose of the…

The research described here seeks to characterize the "managerial" aspects of expert and novice problem-solving behavior, and to describe the impact of managerial or "executive" actions on success or failure in problem solving. A framework for analyzing protocols of problem-solving sessions based on "episodes" of…

Teachers in elementary schools, supervisors of instruction, and other educational practitioners are the primary audience for this publication. The paper presents philosophical, psychological, and practical reasons for including a problem-solving approach in elementary school instruction. It draws on the writings of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, James…

The primary objective of this study was to describe those mental processes in which teachers engage while making preactive planning decisions. This objective was approached by means of a detailed descriptive case study of one elementary teacher's planning decisions for a five-month period. The study was designed to address a need for descriptions…

Design and results of an investigation attempting to analyze and improve children's solution processes in elementary addition and subtraction problems are described. As background for the study, a conceptual model was developed based on previous research. One dimension of the model relates to the characteristics of the tasks (numerical versus word…

The role of verbalization in children's mental operations was studied by comparing the mental operations children used in spatial perspective tasks (indicating another's view) and rotation tasks (imagining an object's rotation and one's own subsequent view). Each of 96 children (equal numbers of boys and girls, kindergarten and second grade…

This document notes that arithmetic disabilities can occur with an otherwise normal intelligence level. Two models of explanation are given. The first emphasizes the conditions under which children learn mathematics, the second views the identification of a number of factors in the "structure of intelligence" that appear to be strongly…

The document provides lesson plans for strengthening the thought processes, including problem solving and creative abilities, of seventh and eighth grade mentally gifted children. The lessons are organized within four of the five operations of the mind as defined by J. Guilford's Structure of Intellect (SOI): cognition (18 lessons), memory (9…

This paper argues that it is important to provide children with complementary activities in a horizontal arrangement in order to promote acceleration of vertical levels of thinking. A brief review of literature on the relationship between experience and logical thinking is presented and the definition and function of transfer are discussed.…

The National Instititute of Education sponsored a conference on the future of research in adolescent reasoning. This report reflects this conference discussion, which focused on: (1) the theoretical basis for research programs in the area of adolescent reasoning; (2) research programs likely to be effective in gathering information relevant to…

In this study designed to generate hypotheses concerning adult learning, cognitive processes, and the reeducation of disadvantaged adults, the phenomena of concept attainment, symbol manipulation, verbal behavior, differential instruction, and awareness levels were investigated. Attention focus (cognitive style) in the concept attainment process…

One of the keys to economic behavior is decision making in production and the market place. Traditionally, economists have assumed decision making to be rational and based upon complete information, but this is not the case in actual situations. Actual problem solving is based upon communication behavior and availability of information. If, as is…