The ecological issues of pollution, overpopulation, and conservation can be explained in the classroom through the use of creative play, problem solving, and discovery methods among groups of young children. Activities for teaching the topics of air, water, land, and noise pollution; overpopulation; and conservation are suggested. (DG)

Briefly describes ERIC documents and journal articles that pertain to teaching in elementary and middle school. Teaching methods and characteristics of successful teachers are described. (DG)

Two aspects of instructional practice in mathematics are discussed: the process of developing instructional activities and the importance of engaging students in mathematical discussion. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards are evaluated based on this discussion. (CW)

Reviews a debate among Roman rhetoricians over declamation, an early case study method. Appraises contemporary concerns about the value of case study as a stimulant to problem-solving skills, its ability to imitate realistic circumstances of business and technical writing, and its emphasis on persona and audience along with its deemphasis of the…

The paper examines the nature of creativity and educational changes which have placed greater emphasis on creative problem solving and creative expression. Specific focus is on: (1) production of curriculum and instructional programs to facilitate creative thinking, and (2) development of procedures for measuring creative thinking abilities. (JDD)

A. M. Gentile's four-step, cognitive process approach to skill acquisition is proposed as preferable for learning movement skills, when compared to the traditional behavioral approach. Five positive outcomes of the cognitive approach are identified, focusing on opportunities for students to engage in skill analysis and creative problem solving.…

Described is automata theory which is a branch of theoretical computer science. A decomposition theorem is presented that is easier than the Krohn-Rhodes theorem. Included are the definitions, the theorem, and a proof. (KR)

Discussed is the use of magic squares as examples in a first year course in linear algebra. Four examples are presented with each including the proposition, the procedure, and a proof. (KR)

Presented is a method of interchanging the x-axis and y-axis for viewing the graph of the inverse function. Discussed are the inverse function and the usual proofs that are used for the function. (KR)

Discussed are the vital properties that an operator must have to be called a derivative and how derivatives work. Presented is an extension of the derivative that uses least squares to find the line of best fit. (KR)

Described is a way to illustrate cyclic and dihedral groups through symmetry using corporate logos and hubcaps. Examples of the different kinds of symmetry groups are explained in terms of Leonardo's Theorem. (KR)

Presented is a way of extending the list of rotation groups to include all finite subgroups of symmetries of the sphere, up to conjugation in its full group. Included is Klein's method for enumeration of the finite subgroups. (KR)

Described is an approach to teaching algebra in a meaningful context by using problem solving to motivate students and increase their retention. Examples of this approach are given. (CW)

Discusses ways in which metaphors and metaphorical language can be used with student teachers as heuristic devices to increase reflection and encourage reconceptualizing of problem situations. Two examples are given: metaphor used as an instructional method and metaphors reflecting student teachers' concepts of teacher roles. (JD)

Interest in mathematics can often be generated by seemingly nonmathematical items. A card trick from a course in recreational mathematics for middle school students is described. It involves several important mathematical activities: problem-solving analysis, making a conjecture and testing it, discovering, and verbalizing. (MNS)