The hammer-and-nail phenomenon highlights human tendency to approach a problem using a tool with which one is familiar instead of analyzing the problem. Pedagogical suggestions are offered to help students minimize their mathematical impulsivity, cultivate an analytic disposition, and develop conceptual understanding.

This article draws on a recently completed study in which preservice teachers identify aspects of their initial teacher education that act as hindrances or aids to developing reflectivity. It articulates the concept that reflection must be seen not as something to be done or acquired but rather as a disposition or way of being. Also identified are…

The purpose of this 3-year investigation was to determine if a relationship exists between teacher reflectivity and the classroom performance of novice teachers when final evaluations are aligned with national standards. This study included 98 novice teachers enrolled in their final field-based teaching experience. Participants reflected over two…

The article offers ways in which teachers can help children acquire reflective thinking skills through verbal rehearsal, visual imagery, verbal analogies, and checklists. (CL)

A discussion of the role of reflective thinking in the social work professional's training and practice looks at theories on the relationship of reflection and skilled action and at contemporary social work theories. It is suggested that Donald Schon's reflection-in-action model has applications in social work education and practice. (MSE)

Twenty-three autistic children (age 4-19) and 23 mental age-matched controls completed a task of sustained attention. Results suggest that autistic children's difficulties in sustaining attention may be attributable to developmental delay and motivational contingencies of task rather than to a primary impairment in ability to sustain attention.…

This paper presents an intervention model for working with children having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The model provides a methodological approach to treating ADHD through assessing the distractibility level of the child and using interventions in a systematic manner to enhance task completion. Preliminary information lists…

Sixteen hearing-impaired adolescents received instruction in the graphics mode of the LOGO computing language. Eight of the students also received strategy training to enhance reflective problem solving and subsequently demonstrated fewer programing errors and improved problem-solving ability with LOGO, compared to controls. Highly impulsive…

Presents information on a project to promote young students' mathematical thinking in which teachers attempt to explore ways to foster students' mathematical development by watching a CD-ROM containing student interviews. Discusses the role that technology might play as a catalyst for teachers to reflect upon their teaching experiences against the…

This book focuses on questioning techniques and strategies teachers may employ to make the difference between active and passive learning in the classroom. There are nine chapters: (1) Why Questions? (Ambrose A. Clegg, Jr.); (2) Review of Research on Questioning Techniques (Meredith D. Gall and Tom Rhody); (3) The Multidisciplinary World of…

Discusses the role of teacher reflection in effecting the changes envisioned by the NCTM "Professional Teaching Standards." Presents reasons why teachers should reflect on their teaching, what teachers should examine, when reflection should be done, and five methods on how reflection can take place. (MDH)

Sixteen impulsive hearing-impaired adolescents were trained to solve visual problems using a modified version of the "LOGO" computer language; subjects received concurrently presented self-instruction training while controls did not. On two dependent measures of impulsive problem-solving behaviors, treatment subjects demonstrated…

This paper defines the concept of structured processing as an activity that encourages students to reflect, describe, analyze, and communicate that which was recently experienced. The paper explores structured processing, outlines a cognitive processing hierarchy, and suggests methods for designing and leading processing activities for…

Questioning skills are significant pedagogical strategies in science teaching and learning. This study explored the questioning skills of a trainee teacher during a 10-week practicum period. The trainee teacher was audio-taped and evaluated in the form of an action research methodology was done in the first two weeks. The quantitative data…

An optional 1-credit recitation course was developed to supplement a traditionally taught 4-credit lecture-plus-laboratory course in soil science at Oregon State University. Popular, competitive games that would be familiar to students were revised to be "soils-based" and were employed in the recitation class. These games were seen as a…