Discusses the differences between problems and exercises, the levels of thinking required to solve them, and the roles that algorithms can play in helping chemistry students perform these tasks. Proposes that students be taught the logic of algorithms, their characteristics, and how to invent their own algorithms. (TW)

Compares processes used to investigate issues in consumer chemistry to the solving of a puzzle in a mystery story. Suggests using similar methods to teach problem solving in consumer chemistry classes. Describes how such a process might progress. (CW)

Responding to criticism that teaching thinking places a misguided emphasis on process at the expense of curricular content, this article contends that teachers should focus on how to relate both content and process for meaningful learning, because the value of any knowledge or skill depends on its context. (TE)

Suggests criteria to be used in selecting problem-solving activities and criteria to be considered in choosing media, exercises, and problems for the development of problem-solving skills. Provides perspectives on developing creativity and includes a chart on how thinking and attitude components relate. Also lists related reference materials. (ML)

Principles arising from aspects of Vygotsky's ideas for the development of self regulation and from cognitive social learning theory are discussed. It is suggested that present methods of teaching mathematics are not adequate and that the use of instructional technology is needed to overcome the shortcomings. (JAZ)

Empirical and theoretical evidence is presented to support the conclusion that improvement of learning ability is an important and viable educational goal. The improvement of learning ability necessitates development not only of specific learning skills, but also an executive control mechanism that automatically accesses and combines learning…

Reports that microcomputer use will help six year-old children solve some types of problems better but will not improve their general learning and thinking abilities. Logo programing resulted in higher creativity scores and in children's ability to monitor their own thinking, but revolutionary changes in cognitive development were not found. (DH)

The undergraduate curriculum in differential equations has undergone important changes in favor of the visual and numerical aspects of the course primarily because of recent technological advances. Yet, research findings that have analyzed students' thinking and understanding in a reformed setting are still lacking. This paper discusses an ongoing…

We report a study of 10-14 year old children's use of additive strategies while solving ratio and proportion tasks. Rasch methodology was used to develop a diagnostic instrument that reveals children's misconceptions. Two versions of this instrument, one with "models" thought to facilitate proportional reasoning and one without were…

This activity book encourages students to think like inventors by employing ready-to-use materials, a timeline game, and topics from social studies, mathematics, science, language arts, and art. The first section explains the definition of invention and explores accidental inventions. It is followed by a section that examines the effects of…

This study examined the effectiveness of a conceptual change teaching strategy over the traditional method on high school students' (N=152) attitudes towards learning biology. The study employed a two-group experimental control design. The experimental group was taught using a conceptual change teaching strategy. A 21-item instrument that is…

This paper proposes the use of specific coaching strategies to facilitate students' use of expert-like problem-solving strategies while analyzing and solving instructional design case studies. Findings from an exploratory study, designed to examine changes in students' problem-solving skills as they analyzed case studies, suggested that students…

Children in primary education often encounter mathematics having picked up a general fear of mathematics from the society around them. This results in lack of confidence, avoidance of non-standard thought processes, weakness in problem solving strategies, and other negative consequences. This study offers an alternative approach: presenting…

This book is a compatible instructional component to any algebra textbook and was developed by University of Hawaii under the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Improvement Act. The tasks align with the content and instructional approach used in daily classes that emphasize standards-based teaching and learning. The tasks…

Massively parallel programming languages, like StarLogo, provide a rich environment for introducing differential equations to students with an unsophisticated mathematical background. This paper describes the basic software for stimulating and monitoring various population dynamics. Simple differential equations that describe the observed dynamics…