Describes oral activities that help middle and junior high school students develop decision-making skills. The activities, based on Gary Paulsen's novel "Hatchet," focus on struggling for survival. Recommends "Hatchet" as a vehicle for observing the maturing process and for teaching skills that students can apply to their own…

Proposed is a scheme for concept development in teaching the topic of energy. Levels within the scheme are described, as well as their interrelationships and their relation to the student's own world. (KR)

Surveys research on middle schools to discuss the best instructional strategies for this level. Discusses prevailing and preferred instructional practices regarding mode of presentation, instructional format, use of textbooks and materials, nature of classroom activities, and questioning, critical thinking, and problem solving. (SR)

Asserts that students need opportunities to solve problems by making concept connections from many disciplines. Integrating mathematics and social studies can help. Includes 20 class activities and a chart recommending which grade levels are most appropriate for each activity. (CFR)

Presents the experiences of a Russian mathematician teaching in Russian and American Universities. Topics discussed include what was taught, the importance of grades, cultural and parental factors, mathematicians' attitudes toward teaching, and some problems in elementary mathematics. (MDH)

Proposes a science competition that stimulates student thinking and creativity in which groups of 4 students solve as many problems as possible in 30 minutes. Problems require students to make tools using only the materials provided. Provides materials in a sample tool kit, competition rules, and sample problems. (MDH)

Suggests that disinterest in physics occurs because students and adults can apply everyday concepts to solve problems without understanding the underlying physics concepts. Proposes Wagenschein's Exemplary-genetic Method to teach physics and illustrates the method with examples taken from history. (MDH)

Examines the presence of two factors, cooperative learning training and problem-solving computer-based instruction (CBI), in 23 studies which compared cooperative CBI (C-CBI) and individual CBI (I-CBI). Results provide more evidence that cooperative learning and problem-solving CBIs are important factors in increasing achievement, group…

Studied the use of a problem-posing model in health education. The model based on the ideas of Paulo Freire is presented. Four innovative experiences of teaching-learning in environmental and occupational health and patient education are reported. Notes that the problem-posing model has the capability to transform health-education practice.…

Analyzes undergraduate general-chemistry laboratory manuals (n=10) and identifies illustrative verbs representative of the types of cognitive skills given in Bloom's Taxonomy. Finds that, although the majority of the manuals are similar in their lack of promoting higher-order cognition, a few newer manuals possess the requisite activities for…

Compared the effects of three cooperative-learning environments on Israeli seventh graders' mathematical problem solving (metacognitive training, direct strategy instruction, and neither). Pencil-and-paper testing assessed students' problem-solving abilities. Results indicated that students exposed to metacognitive training significantly…

Discusses science education reform and changes in teaching and learning processes. Compares higher order cognitive skills to lower order cognitive skills in learning, and gives rationales for advocating higher order cognitive skills. (Contains 38 references.) (YDS)

Integrating nutrition into elementary mathematics curricula can help students develop skills for healthful food choices that will prepare them for healthy adult life. Nutrition science incorporates numerous mathematical concepts and procedures. Curriculum integration provides a framework for children to apply knowledge from several disciplines and…

Two aptitude-treatment interaction studies involving 61 college students examined comparative effects of metacognitive strategy training in self-questioning within cooperative group learning and traditional direct instruction on the acquisition of computing competence, learning anxiety, and positive cognition. Results support including cooperative…

Guidelines for implementing a problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics concepts and skills to students with mild disabilities include: establish connections to daily life; use visual presentations; use manipulatives; use peer-mediated instruction; provide models, cues, and prompts; teach self-management techniques and learning strategies;…