Describes activities that have been successfully implemented by an expert during a mathematical problem-solving course. Focuses on the identification of the qualities of these problems used to promote the development of student strategies and values that reflect mathematical practice in the classroom. Contains 17 references. (ASK)

Tools for Change, a new course in problem-solving, consists of a series of units, each dealing with a subject area based on a set of heuristic processes or strategies. It assumes that: 1) there is an identifiable and useful set of heuristic processes in problem-solving; ) a language of process will improve communication between problem-solvers; 3)…

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

The academic needs of gifted students are qualitatively different from those of regular students. This document describes a course that is differentiated for gifted students in the areas of content, process, learning environment, and product. Emphasis is placed on higher order thinking skills through independent study dealing with real world…

Describes a high-school theater-arts course which adapts a traditional children's story for presentation at local elementary schools. Participation is based on interest and commitment and results in an awareness of the rights and needs of others, development of diverse approaches to problem-solving, and reinforcement of personal responsibility.…

Describes the Solutions model used at Shelley High School in Idaho which gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience while tackling community problems. This approach is built on the three fundamentals of an integrated curriculum, a problem-solving focus, and service-based learning. Sample problems include increasing certain trout…

The three problems approaches outlined for an introductory, interdisciplinary course provide opportunities to apply the methodological tools and perspectives of the social studies. Organization of each course, advantages and disadvantages, unique objectives, approaches, and methodology for a social problem approach, case study approach, and a…

A problem-solving component for the junior high school mathematics curriculum is described. A sample worksheet of routine problems is included, and suggestions for working with nonroutine problems are given. (MNS)

An introductory Natural Science course with a focus on the laboratory is described. The main function of the course is getting students prepared for required individual projects in science. A copy of the syllabus, a description of laboratory experiments, and the context of the course are included. (KR)

Illustrates how one mathematics department has added courses to widen pupils' views of mathematics and to improve their problem-solving ability. (PK)

The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium's (INTASC's) (1992) standards for beginning teachers and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' core propositions highlight the importance of collaborative problem solving for teachers. They suggest teachers work together with other school professionals, parents, and…

A working knowledge of futurist perspective is becoming essential to educators. While global education acquaints students with their responsibilities as members of a group extending beyond their personal and local boundaries, futurism awakens students to the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Although debate exists over whether it is…

This is a guide for use in semester-long courses in Elementary Functions and Analytic Geometry. A list of entry-level skills and a list of approved textbooks is provided. Each of the 18 units consists of: (1) overview, suggestions for teachers, and suggested time; (2) list of objectives; (3) cross-references guide to approved textbooks; (4) sample…

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)

This publication is designed to show how computers can be used effectively in secondary school mathematics curricula. Section I provides a description of the various types of software that could be incorporated into the secondary school mathematics curriculum. Procedures for evaluating the software and using it in a classroom or laboratory…