An attempt is made to clarify the aims of critical training in academic subjects at the higher education level. Additionally, common motifs of thought in the extensive material of cognitive criticism are considered, and the material itself is synthesized. Attention is also directed to the criteria of essentiality and implications for teaching. Two…

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual basis for advocacy of an inquiry-based instructional model. Focusing on the teacher as inquirer, the paper discusses the nature of inquiry, presents its conceptual framework and describes in detail the use of question strategies in the preschool program. The definition of inquiry analyzes…

Intended for administrators, the handbook provides an overview to Project SOCRATES, a program for academically gifted fourth and fifth graders designed to expand academic capabilities for problem solving, creative thinking, evaluation, leadership, and the ability to adjust to change. Sections address the following areas: statement of philosophy;…

This manual for elementary school teachers discusses the stages of social reasoning and suggests methods for establishing a classroom and school-wide community to aid students in social reasoning and self-governance. The document contains five sections. Section one focuses on the stages of social reasoning according to William Damon: premoral…

The concept of general education, its specific goals, and its role in the college curriculum are discussed. The goals of general education appear to center around teaching students to think analytically and to synthesize ideas into a general understanding. It is suggested, however, that these objectives tend to get lost in the specifics of…

This document explores some aspects of Competency Based Teacher Education (CBTE) in the area of elementary mathematics teaching methods. The essential and distinguishing features of CBTE are examined. The following topics are discussed in detail: (1) how competencies may be identified; (2) the effects of a competency orientation on methods…

A survey of computer use was conducted in 1974 in a small, nonrandom sample of Massachusetts colleges and universities. Allowing for inflation, but adjusting for the increase in computer power per dollar, it is clear that significantly more computer power is being devoted to instruction--both "with" and "about" the computer.…

Student teachers (N=21) in elementary classrooms for mildly handicapped learners were randomly assigned to training and supervision in either databased problem-solving instructional approaches or conventional treatments. Teachers in the databased condition had significantly greater effects on reading achievement and off-task behavior control. No…

States that students who simultaneously acquire subject matter concepts and high-level thinking skills are more likely to learn, remember, and be able to apply the concepts. Provides an example for assisting faculty in developing better decision-makers. (RT)

Summarizes current developments in alternative frameworks research in science education. Covers concept maps, learning as conceptual change, classroom strategies, problem solving in physics and where research should be going. (CW)

Listening and reading comprehension are seen as problem-solving activities, which require instruction in thinking skills. An instructional technique, reciprocal teaching, is conducted as a group problem-solving activity to teach remedial and special education students to predict, question, summarize, and clarify while reading and listening to…

Article is based on the keynote address of the 1987 annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Suggests that George Polya left a legacy which has not only touched knowledge and abilities in mathematics and problem solving but also had significant effects on thoughts about teaching. (PK)

New approaches to the teaching of introductory algebraic concepts are discussed. Their use in the Approaching Algebra Numerically Project in some middle schools in Ohio is reviewed. Some implications for use in Australian schools are considered. (MNS)

Activities to extend the core curriculum through the study of the periodicity of rational numbers to help students develop calculator and research skills are presented. Four worksheets are included, to be used as discovery activities. A computer program is listed, as well as examples of periodic pictures. (MNS)

Described is a project in a third grade class in which problem-solving skills are developed through activities with patterns. Activities for growing picture patterns, making number tables, and developing open sentences or formulas are discussed and illustrated. (MNS)