Basic brain function is not a mystery. Given that neuroscientists understand the brain's basic functioning processes, one wonders what their research suggests to teachers of developmental algebra. What if we knew how to teach so as to improve understanding of the algebra taught to developmental algebra students? What if we knew how the brain…

Visual intelligence is a key element in the thought processes of the most capable and creative among individuals, and this intelligence is closely related to analogical thinking, a learner's ability to make connections between prior knowledge and newly presented information. This article describes an approach to teaching scientific inquiry at…

Cognitive theories of problem solving and suggestions made by cognitive psychologists regarding how to teach problem solving are reviewed. Theories and suggestions from creativity research are also considered. The results are summarized in terms of a description of how high levels of proficiency in problem solving are acquired and how problem…

Principles of brain-based learning, including pattern and meaning making, parallel processing, and the role of stress and threat, are explained, along with their connections to longstanding practices of experiential education. The Brain Compatible Approach is one avenue for clarifying to mainstream educators how and why experiential methods are…

Describes an activity designed to allow secondary students to practice pattern recognition using the proof-of-purchase scanning lines found on many consumer products. Provided are a list of materials, procedures, and student activity sheets. (CW)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the field of scientific inquiry concerned with designing machine systems that can simulate human mental processes. The field draws upon theoretical constructs from a wide variety of disciplines, including mathematics, psychology, linguistics, neurophysiology, computer science, and electronic engineering. Some of the…

A computer program is presented for the billiard ball problem. It can be integrated into a lesson on inductive reasoning and suggests several ways to do so. (MNS)

The problem-solving strategy "look for a pattern" is explored. The staircase problem and the region problem are discussed in detail, with varying solution procedures, and three other problem activities are outlined. (MNS)

This paper discusses the memory abilities of children during the preschool and elementary school years, and states that successful remembering does not come naturally to children. Techniques parents and teachers can use to help children improve recall memory skills are described. Differences between recognition memory and recall memory are…

Described is a project in a third grade class in which problem-solving skills are developed through activities with patterns. Activities for growing picture patterns, making number tables, and developing open sentences or formulas are discussed and illustrated. (MNS)

Although medical education currently emphasizes problem solving skills, recent evidence from psychological studies of clinical reasoning suggests that medical expertise is characterized by the gradual accumulation of experience in memory. This results in an ability to perceive, organize, and recall the extensive information given by the patient.…

Chess experts remember meaningful knowledge in the form of networks or patterns. Applied to mathematics instruction, effective classroom approaches can use investigation to identify patterns or rules. Described are a class activity and a small-group activity to investigate addition of signed numbers and linear relationships. (MDH)

This document contains the fourth volume of the proceedings of the 30th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Conference presentations are centered around the theme "Mathematics at the Centre." This volume features 59 research reports by presenters with last names beginning between Kun and…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…