Increased interest in mathematical problem solving and in the development of problem-solving ability have demanded that mathematics educators give greater attention to problem-solving instruction. A four-step model for solving problems is followed by sets of suggestions for instructional use. (MP)

Describes an instructional strategy to develop creative thinking. Students learn what information scientists had prior to formulation of an idea and attempt to devise their own solutions to the problem. However, no experimentally verified solution to the problem is known. Advantages to this approach are discussed. (Author/JN)

It is concluded: (1) elementary school students enjoy doing problems, but have trouble thinking them out; (2) students need to work on a variety of types; (3) calculator use can definitely help students become better; and (4) students need experience in group work. Details of the instructional approach used are provided. (MP)

Examines the implicit, possibly unintentional, meanings embodied in some technical writing assignments. Discusses the conventions of plain technical writing, which underestimate its potential for communication. (HTH)

Points out that much research has shown that punishing incorrect behavior in children results in faster learning than does reinforcing correct behavior. Suggests nonphysical punishments for classroom use. (FL)

Describes a technique that can be used to help students become better listeners. (FL)

Too many approaches to mathematics instruction at the elementary level focus only on the production of correct answers rather than on the development of mathematical thinking skills. Author urges encouragement of children's own thought processes. (Author/PGD)

Techniques have been described for using celestial spheres as data-generating devices. Descibes a variation, capitalizing on students' interest in activities related to Stonehenge. Following a movie, students determine whether or not astronomical alignments found at Stonehenge and related structures could arise by chance. Local buildings are used.…

The problems many students have on the senior high school mathematics functional literacy test in Florida are discussed. Instructional exercises designed to improve students' reading comprehension of word problems are noted, and prototypes of some of the exercises viewed as more useful are provided. (MP)

Ethical instruction should be a distinct component of training programs for educational administrators. Ethical competence should be nurtured by an inductive approach in an educational administration problem-based way, using humanistic literature as supplementary rather than foundational material. (Author/CM)

The usefulness of operant conditioning for the special physical educator in managing behavior problems is pointed out, and steps to follow in applying operant conditioning techniques are outlined. (SB)

Contains six lesson plans and student materials for a unit on global food distribution and the problems of world hunger for secondary social studies classes. Students study nutrition, population distribution, poverty, the causes of hunger, and economic development, and generate personal actions to solve the hunger problem. (AM)

The following ideas are included: (1) solving a quadratic equation geometrically by completing the square, which helped a class of secondary physics students understand the formulas; and (2) a way of teaching factoring of quadratic trinomials that is based on the behavior of odd and even numerals under addition and multiplication. (MP)

Educational programs that mainly teach present and past knowledge about energy and the environment are limiting and weak. Stressed is the need to use a problem-solving approach as a base for energy and environmental education and several possible teaching strategies for achieving this goal are suggested. (DC)

Geared to intermediate-grade classroom teachers, a general framework for solving problems is promoted that has the following steps: (1) Get to know the problem, (2) Choose what to do, (3) Do it, and (4) Look back. Ways of using the framework and suggestions for problem-solving resources are included. (MP)