This study examined the effects of specially designed thinking journal activities that have been attributed with encouraging reflective thinking, on instruction using generic, or content-free, problem solving software. Sixty-three fourth grade students participated in four instructional sessions using the software package called "Moptown Hotel."…

The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that new and highly effective computer-based learning tools can be designed by adhering to a simple principle: Good learning tools conform to and support the processes and structures that comprise learning. The paper first discusses the processes involved in learning cognitive skills, then describes…

Focused on the effects of difficulty level and choice of difficulty level on the engagement of students working CAI (computer-assisted instruction) math problems, possible patterns of student choices, and the relationship of locus of control measures to choice of difficulty levels. (Author/BJG)

The pedagogical strategies of human tutors in problem solving domains are described and the possibility of incorporating these techniques into computerized tutors is examined. GIL (Graphical Instruction in LISP), an intelligent tutoring system for LISP programming, is compared to human tutors teaching the same material in order to identify how the…

The purpose of this study--which was a part of the Flexible Learning Environment project at the University School of Nova University in Florida--was to determine if there was a difference in learning to solve mathematics word problems between groups using computer assisted instruction and groups taught by teachers. Fifth-grade students (N=31) were…

This study investigated the effects of solution-oriented and strategy-oriented feedback when using interactive computer-assisted instruction. The feedback confirmed problem solving strategies that were either similar to the learner's cognitive strategies (i.e., spatial strategies) or different from the learner's cognitive strategies (i.e.,…

This bibliography presents 21 references and abstracts for improving mathematics instruction in two ways. The first aim is to serve as a guide in locating higher-order thinking skills material in mathematics; the second is to encourage the integration of higher-order thinking skills techniques into the mathematics curriculum. Entries are included…

The aim of this project was to develop computer programs that will provide training in the use of a strategy for solving word problems in everyday mathematics. The strategy includes (1) classifying the problem by type, according to problem characteristics such as symbols, diagrams, relevant formulas, and arithmetic operations; (2) identifying the…

The authors review their work on helping physicaly handicapped persons gain spatial cognition through the interactive graphics learning environment of a computer LOGO system. The findings are said to demonstrate that the LOGO tasks are a viable part of a school curriculum for students with cerebral palsy, as shown by severely/profoundly…

Reported is research related to the use of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) drill-and-practice systems in the elementary schools. The investigators attempted to determine the variables related to problem difficulty by analyzing the solutions of a problem series. Students were first taught the mechanics of utilizing a computer-based teletype to…

A brief overview of CHEMEX--a problem-solving, tutorial style computer-assisted instructional course--is provided and sample problems are offered. In CHEMEX, students receive problems in advance and attempt to solve them before moving through the computer program, which assists them in overcoming difficulties and serves as a review mechanism.…

This third paper in a set on computer usage in mathematics education provides an annotated listing of selected books, articles, and other documents on computers. Entries are organized by topics: the general educational role of computers; computer languages and programming; and mathematics instruction applications, including teaching about…

Designed initially for use in college computer science courses, the model and computer-aided instructional environment (CAIE) described helps students develop algorithmic problem solving skills. Cognitive skills required are discussed, and implications for developing computer-based design environments in other disciplines are suggested by…

Twenty-three children in each of 2 first-grade classrooms were observed as they worked in pairs with the computer language Logo in a learning-by-discovery context. Describes children's behaviors related to planning, correction of errors, reflection, causality, and procedure-writing. (RJC)