The apprenticeship model can be adapted to teaching and learning cognitive skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, as illustrated by three successful examples. A cognitive apprenticeship framework is presented for the design of learning environments incorporating content taught, pedagogical methods, sequencing of learning activities, and…

Presents a replication study to determine the effects of an innovative activity-centered biology program on attitudes toward science teaching among 159 prospective elementary teachers. Concludes that the course was influential in promoting positive teacher attitudes toward science and science teaching and recommends that the course be incorporated…

Integrates mathematics and science by investigating the scientific application of the Polynomial Difference Theorem using data points from an experiment. Utilizes the different capabilities of the graphing calculator to investigate a problem whose solution is a second degree equation and makes connections between the mathematical concepts involved…

Science activities of the 14 science textbooks most commonly used in middle and junior high school were analyzed and coded to determine the level of the thinking skills emphasized in comparison to supplemental guide activities. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the quantity but not quality of the thinking…

Describes the development of a college mathematics course for liberal arts majors designed to engage students in the mathematical process of making conjectures, testing those conjectures, and communicating the results. Presents six specific learning objectives for the course. (MDH)

Discusses factors that influence the shapes of houses built in different cultures. Poses the problem of building a house with optimal floor space given a fixed amount of material for the walls. Discusses students' findings, questions raised during group discussions, and mathematical concepts utilized to solve the problem. (MDH)

Presents two activities that utilize problem solving to promote concept development. The first uses a treasure hunt to teach locus of points. The second uses a tug-of-war model to teach mixture problems involving ratios. (MDH)

A design studio for instructional leadership required educational administration students to apply content knowledge acquired in their traditional preparation courses to school problems and defend their proposed actions. Results reveal some outcomes of changes in course structures grounded in cognitive theories of adult learning and action. More…

A dialogical model is proposed for connecting theory to practice in teacher education by conceiving of cases from case-based pedagogy as problems that initiate shared inquiry. Cases with genuine cognitive and axiological content can initiate self-directed, student-centered inquiry while building democratic dialogical communities. (SLD)

Children with autism have special characteristics (such as communication problems, lack of common sense, and resistance to change) that present a challenge in gaining access to Great Britain's National Curriculum. Possible problem-solving approaches include creating a thinking environment, teaching cognitive strategies, and developing…

Maintains that small-group games increase student time on task over whole-class games. Provides guidelines for designing small-group games as well as large-group games. Points out that games provide leadership opportunities, review material presented in class, and develop cognitive and social skills. Provides a list of teaching resources for using…

Presented are classroom-tested examples of instructional materials (courseware) for ordinary differential equations using the software package PHASER. All of the examples include in-class demonstration techniques and commentaries for instructor use, student homework and laboratory exercises, and suggestions for in-class examination questions. (JJK)

Illustrated are five classroom projects about the relationship between weight and size in animals. Background information and procedures are provided. Ten extension activities are suggested. (CW)

The diagnostic discourse of medical students and physicians in thinking-aloud protocols on paper cases was analyzed for evidence of semantic structure. Results show that structural semantics can be used to distinguish various levels of mental processing among novices as well as between novices and professionals. (MSE)

A mathematical model is used to represent a physical problem. The resulting polynomial is graphed and analyzed. Students are asked to plot families of related polynomial functions and observe patterns. A partial list of possible observations is included. End behavior, complete graph, and classroom use of technology are discussed. (GW)