A sample of novel verbal problems which can be solved by using systems of linear equations with free variables is presented. The procedure of Gaussian elimination is used to solve the system. (KR)

Discusses research into problem-solving skills that have caused the theoretical methods of teaching and learning problem solving to evolve rapidly. Presents issues and questions that still need to be explored. (PR)

Suggests that simple riddles can be used effectively to make students interact in science class. Proposed teaching methods require the student to provide answers to riddles in order to develop the discussion about a given topic. Presents sample riddles related to elements and their compounds. (WRM)

Assesses children's structural understanding of combinatorial problems when presented in a variety of task situations. Provides an explanatory model of students' combinatorial understandings that informs teaching and assessment. Addresses several components of children's structural understanding of elementary combinatorial problems. (Contains 50…

Discusses the importance of writing in mathematics classrooms and offers an alternative to journal writing. Presents "Chris and Pat Writing Activities" designed to help students better understand concepts by making decisions about who has used correct skills to solve a mathematical problem. (ASK)

Evaluates an instructional method in general chemistry that attempts to bridge the gap between algorithmic problem-solving abilities and conceptual understanding of chemistry students and emphasizes conceptual problem solving in the initial phase of a concept. Concludes that using a conceptual focus for the chemistry courses had many positive…

Discusses successes and failures in project-organized education during the last 10 years in the Electronics Department at the Engineering College of Copenhagen. Describes elements of successful problem solving and practical experiences and problems in project organization. (JRH)

Lists several problems that have proven to be successful in getting students to think about topics and notions they thought they knew. Indicates that students have not only solved the conundrums (often with help), but also developed them further into research projects. (Author/ASK)

Introduces an organic chemistry course using the cooperative learning method and investigates this teaching method's effects on student learning with the participation of (n=16) super-qualified freshman who achieved a grade of 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examination. (YDS)

Argues that the changes in the context of engineering requires new approaches within the curriculum and by promoting active learning and encouraging students to experiment and be more creative. eLearning is one of an important number of strategies for achieving the paradigm shift that is required. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Focuses on mathematics anxiety in 9- to 11-year-old children. Compares the mathematics anxiety of pupils taught in a traditional manner with that of pupils whose teachers adopted an alternative teaching approach that emphasizes problem solving and discussion of the pupil's own informal strategies. Concludes that pupils exposed to the traditional…

This study assessed whether insightful problem solving could be trained, specifically whether solutions to a heterogeneous set of verbal insight problems could be promoted using a training scheme that emphasizes application of mechanisms that underlie the restructuring process. Facilitation effects in five experiments with college students ranged…

Considers the types of problems given to children in primary classrooms. Offers a tool for analyzing worksheets and problem solving tasks. (Author/CCM)

Presents a book excerpt that introduces the author's "Hope Is Vital" program and methods. Shares his vision and methods for creating performance workshops that actively investigate social concerns. Considers a series of gradually intensifying exercises leading from fun warm-ups to image-building bridge activities. (SC)

A study assessed effects of a self-instructional package on complex problem-solving skills by three adults with intellectual disabilities. Problem situations were embedded in the participants' daily routines that consisted of multiple task sequences. The training package was effective in producing generalized, complex correct problem solving in…