Defines M-demand as the maximum number of schemes that the subject must activate simultaneously in the course of executing a task. Discusses the effect of M-demand on problem solving. Uses algorithms to reduce M-demand. Describes the role of algorithms in problem solving. (MVL)

Argues for a dialog between reductionist (task analysis and specific skill training) and holistic (constructing new knowledge through experience) philosophies in special education. Claims exclusive adherence to either approach shortchanges special education students. Discusses specific strengths and weaknesses of both philosophies. (MJP)

Discusses concerns for mathematics education research on algebra and requestions methods that focus on the Piagetian concept of cognitive obstacles. Suggests the use of computer-based environments to develop the concept of variable and offers research findings indicating that experiences working with variables in LOGO influences student…

Presents a continuation of previous research on a general development process consisting of successive levels in conceptualization. Explores how young children conceptualize the writing system. Considers both social background and preschool system of education. Concludes that teaching activities used in French nursery schools are less effective…

Maintains that Canadian scholar, Kieran Egan, developed a schema of childhood development that presents a bold, new approach to the stages of growth, both affectively and cognitively. Describes Egan's views and how the school curriculum must be adapted to correspond more closely to these views. (CFR)

If, as research suggests, exposing children to two languages and two cultures provides a cognitive advantage, it could be assumed that a child exposed to two languages may be accelerated in a more advanced cognitive stage (as defined by Piaget) than a child exposed to only one language. This study sought to determine when Hispanic children from…

This paper argues that because there is no meaningful distinction between care and education for young children, the early childhood field should be renamed "early childhood educare." The concept of educare recognizes that children's thinking develops through joint interactions with others in responsive social contexts. The predominant…

This study explored the extent of measurable differences in performance on Piagetian tasks among six year olds who are exposed to one or two languages. Subjects (N=120) were divided into four groups: (1) native English-speaking Anglo-Americans who live in the United States; (2) native Japanese-speaking Japanese who live in Japan; (3) native…

Many essayists on writing believe that a student's level of cognitive development determines the organization of thought expressed by the student's writing and that an individual cannot use language at a level that goes beyond his or her stage of cognitive development. Without the maturation of formal operational structures, students cannot easily…

The revised Iowa Developed Energy Activity Sampler (IDEAS) was compiled using the original IDEAS program and the Energy Conservation Activity Packets (ECAPS). This document contains teaching activities which are intended to strengthen students' mathematics skills and concepts, while broadening their understanding of energy concepts. Each of the 24…

This descriptive study compared language used by teachers and children in Ausubelian and Piagetian preschool programs during small group instruction and related learning activities. Instruction in the Ausubelian program (AP) was based on Ausubel's subsumption theory of learning while that in the Piagetian program (PP) was based on Piaget's theory…

Because of a consistently high failure rate of freshmen in a required introductory biology course, numerous strategies to improve the success rate of students without compromising academic standards were explored. The major underlying cause of lack of success was perceived to be the level of thinking skills possessed by the incoming freshman. The…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the achievement of some abstract concepts in "molecular genetics" and prior knowledge, formal reasoning ability, and sex. The major findings of the study were: (1) prior knowledge had a high significant correlation with the achievement of abstract concepts; (2) the…

Students in freshmen English classes (N=273) at a Japanese university were given translation and acceptability judgment tests involving the verb "give" (in text). The selective use of two predicate structures for "give" in appropriate contexts of usage were examined: (1) GIVE (noun phrase NP and participial phrase PP) and (2)…

Discusses the claims that experiences in computer programming enhance performance on conditional reasoning tasks. Describes three experimental studies designed to address that hypothesis using three different populations of students. Results of all three studies indicate nonsignificant treatment effects. (TW)