The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a problem solving based instructional model on earth science students' achievement and alternative frameworks. Students' opinions toward the instructional method were also investigated. The investigations employed a pretest/posttest control group design to detect any significant change.…

Critical thinking in the fine arts is defined as a reasonable and reflective thinking that is focused on what to believe and to do in relation to the fine arts. It is a process designed to help students develop awareness, appreciation, and understanding as they think clearly and critically about the arts and learn to express their ideas in a…

This ERIC Digest discusses issues relating to teaching about U.S. foreign policy in the changing international environment following the end of the Cold War era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The document treats: (1) the need and rationale for teaching and learning about current foreign policy issues; (2) main themes in foreign policy…

The purpose of this study was to use three public school action research teams to identify the most desirable, feasible, and effective system-centered strategies, peer-centered strategies, personnel-centered strategies, and child-centered strategies for promoting a sense of belonging. One hundred and sixty four strategies were examined. Eight…

This article discusses the Cognitive Enrichment Network Model (COGNET) of elementary school instruction developed at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. This model is largely based on the theory of mediated learning experience (MLE) developed by Israeli psychologist Reuven Feuerstein, which posits that learning is closely connected to…

The research base on cooperative learning was examined for its applicability to academically talented students. Common types of cooperative learning are described with highlights of the model characteristics as they apply to academically talented students. The models include: Teams-Games-Tournament (TGT); Student Teams Achievement Divisions…

This study examined the impediments a new private secular school with students working at above grade level encountered in it implementation of a project-based curriculum within the context of constructivist theory. Examined were the intended or formal curriculum, its implementation, and effects on the implementation. Data were gathered by…

The purpose of this investigation was to identify and describe the differences in the methods used by experts (university chemistry professors) and nonscience major introductory chemistry students, enrolled in a course at the university level, to solve paired algorithmic and conceptual problems. Of the 180 students involved, the problem-solving…

A 2-day training session on interventions for use with secondary students who have behavior problems is presented. The first section is a participant's workbook, which contains 23 training activities. For each activity, the workbook indicates the relevant section of a companion guide "Ecole et Comportement: Un Guide d'Intervention au…

This document highlights some of the major issues of concern to the labor movement, particularly those that have pending legislation. This instructor's guide offers suggestions on how unions might educate their members on these issues during scheduled union meetings, seminars, or workshops, or in conjunction with specialized campaigns such as a…

The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that new and highly effective computer-based learning tools can be designed by adhering to a simple principle: Good learning tools conform to and support the processes and structures that comprise learning. The paper first discusses the processes involved in learning cognitive skills, then describes…

This review of the literature and annotated bibliography summarizes the available research relating to teaching programming to high school students. It is noted that, while the process of programming a computer could be broken down into five steps--problem definition, algorithm design, code writing, debugging, and documentation--current research…

A research project explored the idea that reasoning develops in distinct phases of thinking as individuals journey from simplistic learning of facts to highly proficient consequence predicting of integrated relationships. These results were derived from a study that examined the thinking processes and problem-solving actions of 13 students and…

The relationship between cognitive development and problem-solving skills is discussed. One approach for improving students' problem-solving skills rests in the application of cognitive development theories to instruction. Instructional strategies that facilitate cognitive development can be categorized into two groups: instruction that challenges…

Focusing on the question that is being discussed in a mathematics lesson is suggested as an approach to teaching developmental mathematics at the college level. Ways in which students can be involved with the question are described. First, some contagious cliches that are used by students are given. Then a few antidotal aphorisms and educational…