Lists questions and answers for mathematical investigations that teachers should ask when they consider using alternative approaches to teach new content. Presents an example of a mathematical investigation on concepts of area, symmetry, pattern, function, algebraic rules, and Pythagorean theorem. Argues that investigations offer opportunities for…

Information processing models do not account for much of human competence in everyday scientific and lay contexts. Situated cognition models account better for competence in widely differing situations. In situated cognition models, the purpose of science education must be reconceived as preparing citizens to participate in public enactments of…

Describes research to develop curriculum guidelines for a distance education course in urban agriculture. The course, designed to train the teacher, is based on an eclectic curriculum design model. The course is aimed at the socioeconomic empowerment of urban farmers and is based on sustainable ecological-agricultural principles, an…

Argues that visual images can act as conceptual pegs for concepts or complicated procedures and help students perform better in the cognitive, affective, and manipulative domains of the laboratory. Conclusion was based on a study of chemistry laboratory students (N=83). (DDR)

Investigated relationships among confidence and competence and performance in variable collaborative groups of preservice elementary educators who worked to solve four mathematical problems that permitted several solutions and had varying degrees of difficulty. Results indicated that their confidence was relatively unaffected by problem difficulty…

Human behavior is governed by assumptions and beliefs ("theory-in-use"), yet individuals commonly explain their behavior in terms of a (different) "espoused" theory. Suggests reflective practice in counseling can only be achieved by counselors identifying their own theories-in-use through critical thinking. This task also…

Presents three scenarios that pose obstacles to teacher-librarian instructional consultation. Each situation is analyzed and draws on teacher planning research. Practical approaches for instructional collaboration are offered. (AEF)

Reports on a pilot study that examined use by sixth-grade students in Costa Rica of a mathematical microworld written in LOGO. The investigation had three phases: (1) open exploration of the microworld; (2) group discussion and sharing of hypotheses; and (3) guided discovery and problem solving. (Contains 11 references.) (SLW)

Relationships between brain-lesion location and behavior in 33 males and 31 females with unilateral lesions were studied. Statistical tests suggest that a single model can describe the relationships for females, but in males separate models of the relationships between lesion location, verbal intelligence quotient, and performance intelligence…

A framework within which college teachers can examine how they think and act in difficult teaching situations is presented, focusing on the rules that inform actions. The discussion looks at standards for professional teaching practice, exploring discrepancies between values and practice, identifying personal action strategies, assessing their…

Explores the potential of the RAY learning environment in improving learning about optics. Results indicate that this environment, which includes a flexible ray-tracing simulation, had a significant effect on the spontaneous and correct use of the model by students in solving problems and a limited effect on conceptual understanding, but promoted…

Compares two experimental programs for teaching mental addition and subtraction in the Dutch second grade (N=275). Discusses realistic program design (RPD) and gradual program design (GPD). Concludes that RPD pupils show a more varied use of solution procedures than GPD pupils. Contains 46 references. (Author/ASK)

Discussion of synchronous computer mediated communications over the Internet focuses on the opportunities and pitfalls of using graphical chat programs in education. Topics include two-dimensional and three-dimensional chat programs; distance education; problem solving groups; exploring cultural differences; language skill development;…

Discussion of designing learning activities that incorporate Web sites into the curriculum focuses on appropriate debriefing strategies for multiple-intelligence learners. Considers outcomes of successful debriefing, including increased understanding of content, improved problem-solving strategies, increased recall ability, and increased…

Examines the extent to which fostering learning communities can improve literacy skills. Shows possibilities for improvements in writing and reading by fostering a community of learners that focuses on scientific inquiries using computer technology, and that learning communities can enhance the reasoning, problem solving, and learning strategies…