Many education researchers have advocated grounding abstract mathematical and scientific concepts in students' lived experiences, environmental interactions, and perceptions. This dissertation explores the causal effects of various grounding strategies in instructional settings, specifically on the topic of statistical sampling. The first chapter…

The aim of this investigation is to explore the preservice teachers' reasoning about variation (variability or spread) when they analyze data in situations that involve risk. In particular, in this communication the responses to two problems of a questionnaire administered to 96 preservice teachers are reported. The problems are of comparing…

The field of evaluation is at a critical juncture as it faces new scrutiny and questions about what constitutes good research and good practice. I argue in this study that if the discipline is to be rooted in a sound empirical foundation, we need a clear understanding of key terms employed by scholars and practitioners alike. In particular,…

The central goal of this study was to characterize major patterns of reasoning exhibited by college chemistry students when analyzing and interpreting chemical data. Using a case study approach, we investigated how a representative student used chemical models to explain patterns in the data based on structure-property relationships. Our results…

A common approach used for introducing algebra to young adolescents is an exploration of visual growth patterns and expressing these patterns as functions and algebraic expressions. Past research has indicated that many adolescents experience difficulties with this approach. This paper explores teaching actions and thinking that begins to bridge…

This study examined the status of critical thinking (CT) and reasoning skills in information communication and technology (ICT) for 190 college students in a higher education system. It analyzed how the students performed in CT, reasoning, and internet copyright and ethical issues. A CT assessment was designed to analyze the CT and reasoning…

A study of 191 juniors and seniors from 6 Oahu high schools tested their ability to interpret and construct search statements after reading brief instructions on concept analysis, Boolean operators, and search statement format. On average, students made two errors per statement; scores and types of errors are examined for influences of gender and…

Stresses developing students' interpretive skills, geography knowledge, and ability to read and understand statistics. Argues that computer accessibility makes possible innovative use of charts and graphs for secondary history teachers. Notes data may be printed out and used as teaching tools. Presents five teacher-produced graphs and provides…