Reports on a small-scale study of 13 dyads working at number tasks that found "sidework," a modified form of associative interaction, gave rise to more high order talk and to more posttest learning than did collaboration. Suggests sidework may have greater potential to enhance students' learning than the collaborative mode. (TJQ)

Describes the theory behind tapered resistors and liquid crystals and their use in the Duracell battery test strip. Presents related electrical problems for students. (JRH)

Describes a paradigm for generating a variety of problem situations in middle school mathematics, ranging from combining a single mathematical concept or process with a single context, to combining multiple concepts or processes with multiple contexts. Offers several illustrative examples. (SR)

Examined the effects of tutoring on college students' ability to learn a computer programming language in order to characterize effective tutor behaviors. Found that successful tutors took a very active role in leading problem-solving by offering confirmatory feedback and additional guidance while students were on profitable paths and error…

Presents John Collier's "Problem-Solving Loop" as a structure for finding the most acceptable solution to any problem. Describes a project that uses the problem-solving loop to analyze some problems outside the classroom related to kinematics and dynamics. (JRH)

Seven theme articles discuss the importance for vocational agricultural teachers to allow students to work through the solution to problems posed in classroom situations, learning and teaching styles, the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills report, the use of experimentation as experiential learning, and problem solving as the key…

Two different methods of measuring the temperature of an incandescent lamp at various voltage levels are described. By observing the color produced at a particular voltage levels, the lamp's color as a function of temperature can be determined. Needed equipment include a variac, a voltmeter, and an ammeter. (KR)

Presented are the basics of this discrete mathematics topic. Several problem-solving techniques are illustrated. Several suggestions for senior projects are provided. (CW)

An instructional method called Transformation-Based Writing is presented that encourages second graders to engage in writing strategies that are typically more advanced. The method begins with writers establishing goals centering on content and genre and achieving the goals through iterative application of problem-solving operations. (Author/JDD)

Ways in which linear lesson sequences can be modified to provide increased opportunities for open-ended activities especially with problem solving are considered. Examples drawn from chemistry and plant reproduction, seeds, and germination are given. (KR)

Activities in which students determine the half-life of a substance using M&Ms, solve a crime using chromatography, and calculate the speed of a toy car are presented. The activities include the topic, an introduction, the time needed, a list of materials, safety precautions, procedure, analysis questions, and teacher's notes. (KR)

Alternatives to the traditional unknown tests that permit a clear and unequivocal differential identification decision between Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium are presented. Plates of Phenylethyl Alcohol agar with Blood (PEAB), slants of Bile Esculin agar and plates of DNA agar are used. The materials, methods, results, and conclusions…

Discusses the mathematics education philosophy of J. W. A. Young and how it compares to the principles in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematic's "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics." Elaborates on Young's views concerning rote learning, establishing connections between mathematics and other disciplines,…

A six-step method is presented for using problem-solving activities to promote language acquisition in hearing-impaired students. The method emphasizes the communicative uses of language rather than the structure of language. A list of sample problem-solving activities is included. (JDD)

This article offers suggestions to teachers of hearing-impaired students on teaching basic mathematical problem-solving skills. Eight suggestions include allowing time for problem solving, encouraging persistence, providing open-ended problems, using problems based on student experiences, and using appropriate evaluation strategies. (DB)