From investigations of cognitive development, intellectual ability, and learning strategies, representative examples of research are used to highlight dilemmas which attend the use of the terms "stages,""levels,""styles," and "strategies" to describe different aspects of human thinking and learning, especially in adolescents and young adults.…

A word problem concerning weights of a pail containing different amounts of nails appeared in January 1997 issue of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. Teachers were invited to try the problem with classes and submit examples of students' work with a brief analysis. This article contains three student solutions. Argues that posing such…

Demonstrates how teachers can move their students from the novice into the expert range of problem-solving strategies. Utilizes a problem-solving model that follows how such skills develop. (DDR)

A study of interactions among Swedish intermediate-grade students as they solved a nonstandard mathematics task confronting the phenomenon of infinity shows that the children can reach a considerable understanding of the problem by contextualizing the problem in different ways. The collective orchestration of problem variations results in enhanced…

Methods for teaching problem-solving strategies for word problems to students with learning disabilities are described in the context of the 1989 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Examples are given for using the specific strategies of diagrams, ratio equations, tables, and inverse operation…

Describes four chemical terms that students with well-considered reasons use in a way that is not accepted in chemistry. From 4300-7500 senior high school students completed a series of multiple choice tests while other groups of students participated in discussions about the problem situations. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Examines instructional design theories and elaborates principles about when learning is promoted, i.e., when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems, when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge, and when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner, applied by the learner, and integrated into the learner's…

Two approaches for teaching a student how to define a problem, acquire pertinent data, generate possible solutions, and optimize them for the patient are described: guided design, originating in engineering education; and problem-based learning, which has roots in medical education. (Author/MLW)

Two individuals with severe mental retardation, participants in a supported employment program, were taught to use self-instruction in combination with multiple exemplar training to solve work-related problems. Use of the combined strategy resulted in generalization of self-instruction statements and correct responses to untrained problem…

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.…

Two representations useful in teaching transmission genetics are described. Details of the representations and problem solving using these instructional aids are discussed. The importance of developing representations which help remedy specific difficulties that students commonly encounter is stressed. (CW)

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)

Presented is an analysis of think-aloud protocols of graduate students solving several different tasks in organic chemistry. The systems used by these subjects were classified. It was reported that the methodological system was most often used. (CW)

The nature of cluster analysis and dendograms, subjects, tasks, and results of this study are described. Categories for problems were based on assumptions about the methods used by novice and expert problem solvers in a physics context. (CW)

Reports a study which identified different problem-solving strategies among Hong Kong high school chemistry students. Finds that student experts employed a recognition plus a working forwards strategy, whereas student novices attempted a means-end analysis to create a solution procedure. Comparisons were made with problem-solving in physics. (GG)