Discusses definitions of problem solving, various theories related to teaching problem solving, and how they relate to teaching problem solving to engineering students. (MLH)

By popular demand, Dr. B. P. Pen returns with additional techniques for healthy handwriting. (Editor)

Presents examples of direct modeling and invented strategies of students for problem solving. Teachers are encouraged to capitalize on children's abilities to use these invented strategies and in time guide the student toward a standard, more efficient strategy. (AIM)

Instead of teaching his fifth-graders a formula, a teacher leads them to discover an important mathematical concept on their own. Learning through discovery is probably the very essence of meaningful understanding and retention. (Author/MLF)

Presents a problem solving approach which follows a pathway allowing students to visualize patterns, have an overview of the problem, and clarify the connections. Investigates the quality of student constructed pathways and reports greater success with the approach on difficult problems rather than easy ones. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Presents a series of questions designed to help convince students that mathematics is useful, current, and newsworthy through solving systems of linear equations in real world contexts. (KHR)

Endorses the projects approach to learning as helping students acquire contextual, personal knowledge rather than learning only isolated bits of content information. Describes the five-step process for doing projects which includes productive thinking or generating ideas, the planning or organizing of ideas, decision making, communication or…

Suggests a practical proposal for dealing with language learning problems labeled "misconception analysis." Draws on findings from cognitive psychology that emphasize learners and their learning needs. The approach is motivated by the fact that in foreign language learning, formal instruction is the primary source of input and consequently can be…

Presents data from 10 years of teaching using Peer Instruction (PI) in calculus- and algebra-based introductory physics courses for non-majors. Results indicate increased mastery of both conceptual reasoning and quantitative problem solving upon implementing PI. Discusses ways to improve the implementation of PI. (Contains 34 references.)…

Describes teaching methods and student-created methods for conceptualizing multiplication with rational numbers. (YDS)

Study compared students' achievement gains and attitudes using traditional (lecture-based) teaching methods and problem-based learning (PBL) techniques in an addiction studies class. Results showed students did not respond well to PBL and preferred a lecture-based format. Pretest mean scores indicated the PBL group entered the course at a higher…

Operations management problems were taught to 41 students with same-day reinforcement and to 67 with rolling reinforcement (a day after teaching). Rolling reinforcement resulted in 71.4% mean score compared to 55.4%. Use of two reinforcements had a positive but not significant impact. More reinforcement helped significantly more students achieve…

Many problem-solving activities include mathematical principles but students do not use them during the design and experimentation phases before creating a prototype or product. Restricting the amount and/or type of materials available to students will require them to calculate and requisition the materials needed. (JOW)

Describes the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) into specific courses of the Samford University nursing education program. Discusses its usefulness and indicates that PBL has had a positive effect on students and has exceeded expected outcomes. (Contains 25 references.) (JOW)

Investigates issues of mathematics instruction of problems in blocks. Discusses the best way to construct mathematical problems with connections to one another as parts of a coherent whole and how to reflect on the types of connections that can arise between them. (Author/KHR)