Resistance to the idea of problem-based education derives from political and economic influences and from its assumptions about certainty in knowledge. This paper examines those assumptions, explores the predisposition to technicist views of reality, and outlines the prospects for problem-based education. (MSE)

Some common themes of cartoons that use science as a subject are identified. Cartoons that deal with the topics of theory, the universe, school, the relationship between science and technology, and the nature of science are included. The sociology of scientific humor is discussed. (KR)

This paper reviews 25 studies of intervention research in mathematics with subjects classified as mentally retarded. Research has primarily been conducted in three areas: basic skills and concepts; rule learning and problem solving; and applications, including time, money, and measurement skills. Results are discussed in relation to instructional…

Considers the reasons that mathematical word problems are particularly difficult for remedial students. Describes the use of language-oriented teaching techniques in helping students to understand and solve word problems and to recognize that English and mathematics are two overlapping language systems. (PAA)

Definitions for the terms open-ended, problem solving, and investigations are considered. The interaction between these terms and teaching styles are discussed. Student influences over the learning process in this type of investigation are examined. (CW)

Critiques current models of problem solving for children, maintaining that there is a chasm between the experiences of real-life problem solving and the idealized frameworks that are presented to children. Suggests the use of children's literature as a means to teaching problem solving. Includes suggested readings, and a list of questions for…

The study examined methods of mathematical problem solving with 34 gifted and 34 average Dutch 10 year olds. Typical questioning protocols are diagrammed and results tabulated. Preliminary findings suggest the potential value of explicit teaching of advanced mathematical problem-solving skills to pupils of average ability. (DB)

Fifty-two second-grade students were taught a generalizable problem-solving strategy for mathematics word problems. Results were mixed but were generally supportive of the notion that classwide student tutoring teams and direct instruction are useful adjuncts to teacher-led instruction in word problem solving in mathematics. (JDD)

Presents an evaluation of a correlational reasoning module using content from a variety of topics implemented in 12 grade 9/10 classrooms. Among the findings are that performance on a multivariate correlational task increased substantially and the average treatment student scored higher than 99% of those in the control condition. (PR)

Examines the relative importance of middle school students' explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge in carrying out open-ended laboratory investigations. Results indicate the students (n=207) provided with explicit knowledge through instruction performed significantly better in overall achievement in such investigations than those using only tacit…

Defines literacy to include literacies and examines literacies through the arts with a view of cognition and learning that explicates the differing forms of representation in aesthetic education. An expanded view of literacy learning is presented under the umbrella of problem solving. The article discusses classroom practice. (SM)

Examined effects of student temperament, instructional method (computer versus teacher), and interaction between 2 on observed off-task behavior and problem-solving performance among 78 kindergarten students. Found that students with highest Task Orientation exhibited almost no off-task behaviors with either method, whereas students with lowest…

This article describes and offers examples of acronym mnemonics in mathematics and gives suggestions for their use with students who have learning disabilities. The approach addresses learning the basic facts and solving word problems. Instructional procedures for teaching mnemonics are noted. (DB)

Presents educational games to promote mathematical reasoning and problem solving in the primary grades. Children take charge of their learning and create exciting challenges for one another. (ASK)

Investigates several problems with the sequences of numbers known as the Catalan numbers and the Bell numbers. Finds that the problems are appropriate for both pre- and in-service teachers, as well as students studying discrete mathematics. (Author/CCM)