This paper outlines a model of learning and problem solving based on ideas derived from information processing models of memory and Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning. The model explicitly deals with the cognitive processes that are required for learning, and defines the conditions necessary for learning as the existence of relevant…

An analysis of the regulatory activity of eight neurologically impaired/multiply handicapped children and eight normally learning children in two age groups (means 3 years 8 months and 5 years 9 months) was made. The children attempted to resolve conflicts that arose while balancing two wooden blocks, identical in appearance, except that one…

This research is part of a series of studies, in which the long term objective is to use computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to teach students how to solve nonroutine problems, i.e., problems in which the problem solvers must generate their own strategies. The subjects were 93 first and third graders who tried to solve a novel reasoning problem on…

The effects of meaningfulness of the stimulus materials and the presence or absence of contextual cues on problem-solving behavior were investigated. Third-graders (N=80) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions and their performance in a series of discrimination problems was observed. Subjects in Conditions I and II responded to stimuli…

The purpose of this study was to determine if children's performance in solving verbally stated arithmetic problems varied when word clues were included or omitted. The sample consisted of 382 fifth-grade children enrolled in four schools of one school system. Twelve sets of problems were so constructed that each set contained two similar problem…

The purposes of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of audio-tutorial (A-T) instruction and (2) to identify, classify and study differences in problem solving approach using a theoretical framework derived from the ideas of D. P. Ausubel. Seventy of 420 students taking a college introductory non-calculus physics course used A-T…

In positively assessing Johnson (1978) (AA 529 124), this research proposes that the basic purpose of normative models of selection strategies is the development of continuous quantitative measures of problem-solving efficiency, while descriptive models determine degree of correspondence between formal normative models and actual behavior.…

Advances the thesis that philosophical questioning should precede or accompany children's participation in science activities in the elementary grades. (CP)

Children use creative thinking processes when teachers assign ambiguous rather than specific problems. Suggestions for developing questions that encourage experiential and metaphorical thinking are offered. (DF)

Reports on research examining the effect of linguistic presupposition on the solving of three-term series problems. (Author/RM)

Without teacher change, a successful educational reform is either incidental or superficial. Therefore, it is very important to understand the nature of teacher change for science educators. Mezirow's transformation theory, a constructivist theory, provides a theoretical basis for both teacher learning and teacher change. This paper presents an…

Imagine a wooden cube painted and cut into "unit cubes." A typical activity consists of predicting the number of unit cubes with exactly three faces painted, two faces painted, etc. This article presents extensions of this activity designed to help students develop analyzing abilities and powers to generalize. (JP)

A theory put forward by Reginald Archambault is that moral education can be fostered through the study of other subjects - he suggested history and literature. Article examined this theory in relation to art. (Author/RK)

Describes a study designed to determine the effects of Science: A Process Approach (SAPA) on kindergarten children's ability to conserve on six tasks. It was concluded that the rate of attainment of conservation skills is affected at least in part by the experiences made possible by SAPA. (JR)