The typical introductory programming course is not an appropriate first computer science course for many students. Initial experiences with programming are often frustrating, resulting in a low rate of successful completion, and focus on syntax rather than providing a representative picture of computer science as a discipline. The paper discusses…

This paper reports on a nationwide, random telephone survey conducted with elementary school principals and human resources directors to measure the levels of competency and preparedness of students today and in the future for entry-level jobs; attitudes toward the importance of science skills in relation to entry-level employment; assessments of…

This study examined the differential effects of two instructional strategies, an explicit schema-based strategy and a general cognitive strategy, on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of mathematical word problem solving by students with mild disabilities and at-risk students. Twenty-three second, third, fourth, and fifth graders…

Knowing how people learn and why they learn in a specific manner unlocks the mysteries of good teaching. Many learning style differences are related to Piagetian stages of cognitive development. Students' stages of cognitive development may not correspond to their ages and achievements. Piaget also found that many individuals are at different…

This guide was developed for educators, juvenile justice practitioners, and others in youth-serving organizations to increase awareness of conflict resolution education and its potential for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Conflict resolution programs can help schools promote both the individual behavior changes necessary for responsible…

Every person can and should be instructed in critical thinking to the limits of his or her abilities and capabilities. No one strategy will fit all individuals at all levels, but strategies can be developed, directed by a single goal, that will be adaptable enough to respond to changing cultural conditions and educational necessities. Infusing…

This book leads the reader through a step-by-step process for creating and presenting a workshop. At each step, the book notes the important decisions workshop planners need to make, guides them in making those decisions, suggests resources that may help, provides real-world examples, and includes forms, checklists, and worksheets to make the…

This study, conducted in the Netherlands, examined the effects of a problem-solving program on students' problem-solving and metacognitive skills. The program consisted of four parts involving one or more aspects of problem solving in the content areas of proportions, geometry, numbers, and solving equations and inequalities. The experimental…

This book provides teachers with effective strategies to help encourage all students but particularly young women who are apprehensive about science. Sections include: (1) Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Success; (2) Specific Tactics for Classroom Success; and (3) Classroom Activities. This monograph features creative activities in life…

This document is intended as a resource and guide to help teachers integrate a problem-centered approach into their curricula. It outlines the typical components of problem-centered mathematics and science activities, and offers practical suggestions, examples, and resources to assist this endeavor. The first section of this document, "What is…

This paper discusses an experiment designed to determine the effects of a problem-solving approach to instruction (PSAI) on eighth grade Algebra I students. Comparisons were made of the scores from the 1991 and 1993 Subject Area Testing Program--Algebra I of skills taught via PSAI and skills taught traditionally. In 1991 (n=56) eighth grade…

Using a teacher-researcher perspective, a study assessed a preschool storytelling program designed to promote children's narrative development. The program included workshops, child-teacher conferences, and adult and child performances. A preschool class of 17 four-year-olds listened to adult-told stories, rehearsed their own stories with a…

This paper discusses whether critical thinking can be taught in the college classroom. It argues that education in general provides the tools for thinking, and therefore, improves the capability for better thinking. The Alverno College faculty, as an example, has improved student critical-thinking ability because the faculty stresses explicitness,…

Three questions were addressed in a Navy experiment in which subjects followed instructions to complete tasks involving several pieces of electronic equipment. First, two instructional formats were compared; a hierarchical menu format containing natural chunks of instruction was not superior overall to a simple step-by-step instructional format.…

This study examined achievement differences between algebra students taught with the non-traditional textbook developed by Saxon and those taught with a "traditional" textbook by Dolciani. Student absences, rate of turning in homework, and ability level were considered, as well as teachers' comments. One Algebra I section in each of…