Describes how students develop proportional reasoning through problem solving. Identifies the essential components of proportional reasoning and includes recommendations for instruction. (YDS)

Describes the use of paper folding to create a rich environment for discussing algebraic concepts. Explores the effect that changing the dimensions of two-dimensional objects has on the volume of related three-dimensional objects. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Applies mathematics teaching techniques to the teaching of general problem solving skills for students in all subjects. Offers ways in which every teacher can use these problem-solving techniques in their day-to-day teaching of any subject. Provides a generic framework, rubric, and scoring guide for school-wide use. (Contains five references.) (NB)

Describes "World Class Tests in Mathematics and Problem-Solving," developed with the belief that creativity is worth nurturing and can be nurtured. (KHR)

Presents a study that investigates participating (n=70) teachers and (n=940) students' perceptions of physics. Reports that students have the most difficulty with magnetism but the most interest in electricity, optics, and motion. Discusses the possibilities for making physics more attractive to students. (YDS)

Reviews the origin of problem based learning (PBL) and variations of PBL. Suggests that PBL is simply one way of case study learning. (Author/KHR)

Business schools have made efforts to inject critical thinking into programs by adopting critical management pedagogy or teaching managerial decision making. A more comprehensive approach would include critical thinking and decision making but also address other managerial thinking tasks and challenges. (Contains 79 references.) (SK)

Describes a technique called interactive auditions. Notes that the goals of this type of auditions are: to build a working relationship between the director, stage manager, and actors; and to create a cooperative environment. Suggests that this technique gives the actor a less fearful view of the audition process. (PM)

Discusses the nature of color vision defects as they relate to reading instruction. Suggests ways that teachers can adapt instruction to help provide maximal learning opportunities for the color deficient child. (RS)

Comparison of the relative effectiveness of part versus whole teaching strategies for students (N=24) with moderate and severe mental retardation found positive (but not significant) effects favoring the part method. Students taught by the part method exhibited less excess behavior than did students taught by the whole method. (Author/DB)

Describes the NO circle, used in the classroom to relieve tension and anxiety, after viewing slides on pornography and listening to women tell stories of individual brutalization. Provides teaching techniques, and claims that the NO circle helps women find empowerment, overcome denial, and gain distance from the problem. (NL)

This review defines contingency contracting and describes its theoretical basis, examines empirical studies using contingency contracts to improve various school-related behaviors, discusses potential advantages and problems, provides recommendations to assist school personnel in effectively using contingency contracts, and suggests areas in need…

This paper presents an outline of questions intended to help teachers analyze their classroom behavior management methods and styles. The questions focus on ways in which teachers can prevent negative behaviors, keep students on task, deal with developing behavior problems, and practice effective classroom management. (PB)

Sociodrama is presented as a structured, yet flexible, method of encouraging the use of creative thinking to examine a difficult problem. An example illustrates the steps involved in putting sociodrama into action. Production techniques useful in sociodrama include the soliloquy, double, role reversal, magic shop, unity of opposites, and audience…

Student evaluation of instructors is less a valid way of measuring teaching effectiveness than a measure of student satisfaction or instructor popularity. Factors that increase student ratings--nonthreatening environment, less rigorous objectives or testing, entertaining classes--may detract from quality of student learning, whereas challenging…