Cognitive development as it progresses from concrete to abstract thinking is discussed as it relates to adolescent youth and the early secondary curriculum. Piagetian tests administered to a group of freshman and sophomore high school students revealed that many had difficulty with those scholastic activities requiring formal reasoning. Three…

Using academic conflicts for instructional purposes is one of the most dynamic, involving, and least used teaching strategies. Teachers fear divisiveness and also lack fitting instructional models for structuring controversial discussions. This article discusses the controversy process and how teachers can organize and use it to enhance cognitive…

Five studies conducted in high school mathematics and science classes from 1984 to 1986 are reviewed to better understand teaching and learning processes associated with high-level cognitive learning. Factors that influence the ability to cover the curriculum in the planned time are identified and discussed. (Author/MT)

This paper was presented at the Southeast Asian Workshop on new trends in the selection of content for chemistry curricula. The chemistry curriculum project developed by the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) of Thailand was discussed. (HM)

A course is described that is designed to encourage exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion of an idea. Results are given that relate to curricular experimentation with chemistry. (SA)

Describes some of the conceptual, measurement, and methodological problems associated with evaluating science curricula in terms of their impact on students' content-free cognitive outcomes. A study of the effects of including ASEP (Australian Science Education Project) materials into a seventh-grade program revealed several significant…

Three modules on chemical equilibrium, developed as resource materials for a content-methodology course in chemistry for intending teachers and also for general chemistry courses at the senior secondary and tertiary levels, are described. The use of these modules in a methodology course showed a significant development of competence in the…

Deals with the practical assessment of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Great Britain with regard to the requirements set forth in biology syllabi. Addresses the requirements of the British National Criteria for assessment of experimental skills, the assessment framework, and the principle of positive achievement. (TW)

Asserts that a goal of social studies instruction is to help students make decisions about complicated social issues and that this goal is best accomplished through development of postformal cognitive processes. Defines postformal thought and examines two types: relativistic and dialectical. Shows how postformal thought can be promoted through two…

Discusses recent research in cognitive psychology that identifies how students are likely to respond when controversial issues are included in course content. Points out that controversial material may lead to misunderstandings and forgetting. Provides teaching ideas to enhance student learning and remembering, to deal with emotions, and to foster…

A unit designed to cover the topic of genetic engineering and its ethical considerations is presented. Students are expected to learn the material while using a debate format. A list of objectives for the unit, the debate format, and the results from an opinion questionnaire are described. (KR)

Intended for college or secondary school teachers of courses beyond the basic level in freshman English and composition, this course description treats components of composition for critical thinking, including semantics, tone, logic, and argumentation, and their application to writing critical, argumentative, and research papers. The introduction…