In this study, we examined 139 prospective elementary teachers' solution processes to additive word problems for which the solution is 1 more or 1 less than the answer produced by the straightforward application of the addition or subtraction of the two given numbers. For each problem, five aspects of their solution processes were examined: (a)…

Many theoretical explanations for knowledge transfer or generalization assume that such processes are rooted in the acquisition of abstract rules, principles, or schemata applicable in context-independent ways. This case study is part of a larger research program examining how what often appears to be generalized knowledge or performance is, in…

The purpose of this study was to determine the procedural knowledge brought to, and created within, a pond ecology simulation by students. Environmental Decision Making (EDM) is an ecosystems modeling tool that allows users to pose their own problems and seek satisfying solutions. Of specific interest was the performance of biology majors who had…

Although most schools are safe, they all can be safer. Improving school safety requires the strategic investment of time and dollars--scarce resources for which there are competing demands. Fortunately, schools that strategically coordinate schoolwide efforts are more likely to improve academic performance as well as reduce behavior problems. This…

Although most schools are safe, they all can be safer. Improving school safety requires the strategic investment of time and dollars--scarce resources for which there are competing demands. Fortunately, schools that strategically coordinate schoolwide efforts are more likely to improve academic performance as well as reduce behavior problems. This…

Describes the application of a management concept called Quality Circles to educational settings. Suggests the use of Student Life Improvement Circles involving student volunteers who consider problems dealing with student life. Presents two examples of the techniques, one focusing on process and the other on task. (JAC)

Moving problem-centered, experiential programs into the mainstream of graduate and professional education will require more formal mechanisms for leadership. Students of graduate education programs that infuse the disciplinary study of academe with the applied perspective of professional practice gain broader contact with the problems of the…

A course to introduce medical students to formal models of medical diagnostic reasoning at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is described. The students are encouraged to integrate facts and concepts from the basic sciences into strategies of diagnostic reasoning. (MLW)

Discusses an intervention strategy for interpersonal problems in which primary grade students reflect on personal experiences and dilemma stories to increase social cognitive skills. Two first grade classes participated in an experiment applying this intervention method. Findings showed that students' moral judgement, problem-solving skills,…

Piaget's characterization of formal operational thought and human judgment psychologists' model of bounded rationality are two conflicting models dealing with the nature and limits of mature thought. However, a look at the respective databases demonstrates their complementarity and their contribution to understanding mature cognition. (Author/RD)

Software design is still a craft; techniques are based on the way things have been done, not on basic theorems or design principles. Suggests that academic software design needs to be more like a science or technology and that a taxonomy of design solutions or classification method is required. Describes two case studies. (MLW)

Describes systematic organized training of peer facilitators at the elementary school level. By implementing peer facilitator programs, such as the junior counselor program, counselors can provide students with valuable educational experiences. In addition, junior counselor programs can be fun for students, teachers, and counselors. (Author)

Explains that primitive living structures furnish real-world problems that are solvable using mathematics and computer-modeling techniques. (KHR)

Suggests ways early years educators can begin teaching young children to think algebraically and prepare them for success in algebra. Focuses on ways to promote mathematical patterns, mathematical situations and structures, models of quantitative relationship, and change. Describes how first-graders used real object representations to better…

Investigates high school students' understanding of the physical relationship of chromosomes and genes as expressed in their conceptual models and in their ability to manipulate the models to explain solutions to dihybrid cross problems. Describes three typical models and three students' reasoning processes. Discusses four implications. (YP)