This dissertation reports the results of a qualitative research project on area measurement. The study utilized structured, task-based interviews with students to (a) investigate the ways students enumerate and structure two-dimensional space with a variety of area units; (b) identify conceptual, procedural, and intuitive aspects of area…

Provides educators with a problem-solving process that can be used in K-12 classrooms. Defines, in particular, a solution-focused problem-solving strategy that emphasizes goal identification and implementation. States that this technique helps make positive behavioral changes in students' lives by focusing on future solutions instead of past…

Stressing that building vocabulary knowledge is a continuously developing skill, acquired over a lifetime and in a variety of ways, this concept paper suggests instructional strategies that lead to word knowledge. Following a research summary and a section on implications for instructions, the paper focuses on the various instructional strategies…

Relates the experiences of Sioux Valley School and the Deubrook Area School (South Dakota) in the Arts as Basic Curriculum Grant Program. Recounts these participants' stories as they modified arts curricula, which has helped students improve the amount of information they can retain and use higher order thinking skills to solve creative problems.…

Questions why imagination is not brought into mainstream education as a cornerstone of learning and why education frequently makes students incapable of relating to what is alive and meaningful within themselves. Without imagination, it is impossible to experience the infinite qualities of our senses, nor to shape our thoughts and images of these…

Sets forth strategies intended to provide classroom teachers with some options that enhance writing for all students, but also provide special needs students with the structure they need to be successful as well. Describes the writing process, which includes prewriting activities, creating a draft, reviewing and revising, editing for polish,…

Uses an interdisciplinary case study in biogenetics and mathematical probability to examine the question of relevance and its relationship to student involvement. Focuses on an attempt to make the study of probability relevant by situating it in a 'real world' context. The research suggests some valuable insights for teachers in all fields and…

Based on the idea that teachers and researchers generally agree that students should learn how to study effectively and efficiently, this concept paper reviews the research in study skills; points out faulty assumptions about study skills as well as ineffective classroom practices; outlines some implications for instruction; and presents study…

Teaching reasoning and judgment to children under the auspices of philosophy is an idea that has emerged recently in the modern era. It is theorized that, through practice in logic and ethics, children will begin to apply reasoning skills to their own life situations, think for themselves, and become better critical thinkers, all in a context that…

The development of the Pennsylvania State Department of Education's Tests of Essential Learning Skills (TELS) program objectives is described. A conceptual framework is presented that incorporates reading skills into the social studies curriculum. Instructional strategies designed to assist in the development of reading skills in the content areas…

This journal, presented in monograph form, reviews research findings in order to identify elements that influence student academic achievement. Sections focus on effective teaching, effect of school leadership on achievement, schoolwide learning environment, learning resources, and parent involvement. An extensive bibliography is included. (DF)

This program deals with the child-school "fit" as seen in the context of child development, childhood stress, and children's emotional well-being. It reviews psychological principles and shows their implications for how schools might be optimally structured and managed to help all children cope more effectively. The text begins with the importance…

Developing standards of the heart means becoming a caring, contributing, productive, and responsible member of society. It includes being successful in school; making responsible decisions; caring about others; contributing to society; developing social and personal skills, such as problem solving, accepting various perspectives, and setting and…

Cites the benefits of having students care for an animal in the classroom; offers strategies for teaching students the proper care and treatment of animals; and provides guidelines for choosing the right classroom pet and instructions for building a small habitat. Describes a teacher's experience in using a classroom pet to help students learn…

This introduction to computer simulations as an integrated learning experience reports on their use with students in grades 5 through 10 using commercial software packages such as SimCity, SimAnt, SimEarth, and Civilization. Students spent an average of 60 hours with the simulation games and reported their experiences each week in a personal log.…