Various examples of open-ended problems and ways to obtain them are presented. Suggestions for incorporating open-ended problems and some of the benefits and difficulties encountered by teachers and students are discussed. Examples are from courses on mass and energy balances, communications, kinetics and ideal reactors, and reactor design. (KR)

Presents a model that relates Polya's ideas on problem solving to teaching practices that help create a mathematics learning environment in which students are actively involved in doing mathematics. Illustrates the model utilizing a high school geometry problem that asks students to measure the width of a river. (MDH)

This article discusses the advantages of using computer-assisted composing (CAC) to teach composition to elementary and secondary school students with learning problems. It also describes the effects of CAC on student writing and offers several caveats for teachers who plan to use CAC in their classrooms. (JDD)

This article, written in French, describes and evaluates the first phase of a program to prevent drug addiction among 110 fifth-grade girls with behavior problems in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). Evaluation of the instructional program showed positive results for student knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors and supported program continuation…

Student problem-solving behaviors are analyzed using a four-dimensional framework with related detrimental factors identified for each dimension. General approaches and specific techniques developed to address negative factors are reviewed. Examined are means of developing the components of problem-solving teaching. (KR)

Four high school students, including one with mild mental retardation and one with learning disabilities, completed a driver education curriculum that used direct instruction and precision teaching by peer tutors. Peer tutoring was associated with immediate increases in correct responding and a simultaneous and rapid deceleration of errors.…

After describing deficiencies of psychometric tests in identifying disadvantaged gifted youth, this article presents a system of dynamic assessment and cognitive intervention. The program's theoretical rationale is based on systematic thinking and metacognitive skills. Objectives for program implementation are offered in terms of cognitive,…

A technique for studying various properties of soap bubbles subjected to deformation, accompanied by some representative experiments to illustrate the versatility of the method, is presented. The measurement of the change of force that occurs when a bubble is stretched is calculated. (KR)

The soliciting-and-reacting-moves questioning technique used in science classrooms is described. The importance of using both higher-order and lower-level questions during a lesson is discussed. An example of a dialogue between a student and teacher using this technique is included. (KR)

Study compared the effects of classroom management instruction emphasizing technical skills versus instruction emphasizing reflective and constructive processes on 67 preservice teachers' reasoning and problem solving. Participants receiving reflective instruction used strategies more often to solve problems, provided more reasons for decisions,…

Discussed is an alternative to the traditional lecture-homework-quiz method of instruction. Innovative techniques applied in a statics class are described. A comparison between the innovative course and the same course taught traditionally is provided. (KR)

Provided are the activity sheets for students and the teaching guide for this middle school geometry activity. Materials, prerequisites, objectives, and procedures are listed. Extension activities are suggested. An answer key is included. (CW)

Outlines a strategy for using popular films in a sociology course to demonstrate the international nature of selected domestic social problems. Details two films, "El Norte" and "Cry Freedom," in terms of their storyline, preparatory lecture materials, sociological issues, students' reactions, and practical matters of use. (DB)

Reviews current research in the application of the Neo-Piagetian theory of Pascual-Leone and shows how it provides the science teacher new implements. Hypothesizes that the role of the environment and creativity, if emphasized adequately, can help make science instruction more effective. (Contains 45 references.) (PR)

A primary math activity teaches students counting and classifying using a book about a mother and child who tour a farm at midnight. An intermediate math activity teaches logical reasoning through a story problem in which students must use information from a story to figure out an answer. (SM)