Asserts that technology and telecommunications have become integral parts of daily life. Discusses three roles that technology plays in improving the problem-solving process. Contends that students must learn to select from a variety of information sources. (CFR)

Describes the application of the problem method, or case study approach, to teach undergraduate research methods. Maintains that the approach is particularly applicable because research design is a classic ill-defined task. Reports that students find the method challenging and interesting. (CFR)

Discusses how a single problem can be utilized to discuss mathematical skills and concepts at several different levels. Presents a problem involving fractions examined at the following four levels according to the abilities of the students: (1) finding solutions; (2) identifying methods for finding solutions; (3) exploring similar examples; and…

Two studies to determine how students interact with two microworlds that reflect a constructivist view of learning investigated students' goals during interaction, strategies utilized to achieve their goals, changes in goals during interaction, and common patterns of interaction and learning. Concludes that well-designed games enable students to…

Discusses results of an action research study of second-grade students' group work which indicated that, when students were not given sample solutions for problems, they were more likely to use higher order thinking, take ownership of strategies, discuss solutions longer, and be more accepting of other views. (MKR)

Examples from related case studies illustrate possible consequences of a social constructivist approach to learning and teaching mathematics. Discusses student tasks that promote flexibility in mathematizing subject matter; constructive versus Euclidean geometry approaches; working with real-life mathematics problems; and product versus process…

Argues that exposing children to some of Lawrence Kohlberg's moral dilemmas, such as Helga's dilemma, may be pedagogically unsound at the elementary-school level. States sample responses provided are inappropriate, rigid, and self-righteous. Provides 10 reasons why this dilemma and its designated responses are of questionable morality. Claims…

The problem-of-the-week (POW) and problem-solving class openers are exemplified as methods for the integration of course-relevant problem solving into a first-year algebra classroom without sacrificing time spent on developing skills and learning concepts. Illustrated examples, as well as problem sources, are included. (JJK)

Describes study of eighth grade students that was designed to determine whether gender of the protagonist in mathematics story problems can play a significant role in mathematics learning. The use of the Secondary-School Attitudes toward Women Scale is described, and correlations among individual difference and task-outcome variables are analyzed.…

Presents a diagnostic teaching unit in general science designed to identify effective learning strategies for seventh-grade students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders. The unit is intended to identify effective strategies for students in reading comprehension, mathematics problem solving, and memory. Detailed instructions for four…

Describes a research project that takes a problem-solving approach to teaching about social stratification. Students identify a local issue related to stratification (homeless, welfare reform, etc.). They break into small groups and design a research plan, conduct a literature search, perform the fieldwork, and arrive at a synthesis. (MJP)

Examined student attitudes toward the introduction of a Web component into a general biology course for undergraduate nonmajors that allowed asynchronous learning outside the classroom and increased student-to-student interaction. Results showed a positive effect on student learning, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Attitudes…

Case-based pedagogy focuses on teachers' problem solving, decision making, reflective practices and their own personalized theory about teaching and learning. Research has shown that case-based pedagogy enables teachers to improve their actions in teaching and learning from multiple perspectives, reflective thinking, active participation and…

Two studies were conducted to explore mathematical precocity in young children. Study 1 examined mathematically gifted first and third graders' working memory development. The results showed that mathematically gifted children's working memory growth was similar to that expected of their age peers. Study 2 examined changes in mathematically gifted…

This paper presents an action-research case study that focuses on experiences of collaboration in a problem-based learning (PBL) course in Zoology. Our PBL model was developed as a research activity in partnership with a commercial organisation. Consequently, learning was grounded in genuine situations of practice in which a high degree of…