Focuses on techniques of improving interaction within groups of children engaged in a classroom science activity. The role of the teacher is discussed as well as the positive outcomes of successful cooperation between children. (SA)

Described is a simulation game concerned with the expeditious location of a sewage plant in a hypothetical urban area. Over 15 college or high school students can play the game, which involves government bargaining, citizen reaction, and side payments. (Author/AV)

"Children and Their Primary Schools" was published ten years ago this week. Here Lady Plowden assesses the impact of the Plowden Report's central recommendations. (Editor)

Examines whether an approach to teaching Logo programming that directly guides college students in use of cognitive monitoring skills and the transfer of those skills leads to increased cognitive monitoring and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates that guided instruction led to increased comprehension monitoring and contributed to the development…

Describes how a fourth-year computing elective was introduced at Monash University in 1995 with the goal of allowing students to pursue their own computing interests in a project-based subject. The course demonstrates student-directed learning and the pride resulting from such ownership. Shows how the subject can use a wide range of resources…

Discusses the dilemma case, a well-known method of case instruction in which a protagonist is thrust into the middle of a crisis and must make a decision. Enables students to gain an understanding of the issues and then suggest possible solutions to the dilemma. Develops students' critical-thinking skills and speaking abilities. (JRH)

Describes an engineering course for education and other nonscience majors. In this course, students integrate basic principles of applied physical science and engineering to solve authentic design problems. Discusses the nature of the interactive and problem-based instructional format and its effects on developing students' scientific inquiry…

This article describes the "Thinking Actively in a Social Context" (TASC) strategy of problem solving and reports on a study that demonstrated its effectiveness with 2 groups of 10 students (ages 7 and 8). TASC uses cooperative learning and emphasizes positive self-concept, the development of an internal locus of control, and use of real-life…

Both general and specific effective strategies for teaching decimals, fractions, and percents to students with learning disabilities are presented. Information is provided on the theoretical base that underlies these curricular areas, recent research, and future trends. The need for programs to be structured around individualization and intensity…

Examines the processes of science focusing on the higher-order skills and the role that relevance may play in their acquisition. Argues that an open inquiry style of instruction appears best suited to stimulating the learning of process skills because it allows students to pursue problems of genuine relevance. Contains 26 references. (JRH)

Presents an approach to explaining a relation, a - b = -(b - a), that is difficult for algebra students to understand. The approach came about as a result of discussions with students in which they provided many novel explanations. (DDR)

Describes a cooperative learning project with fourth-grade teachers and students. Discusses the K-W-D-L technique (what we know-what we want to know-what we did-what we learned) for mathematical problem solving. Concludes that having students write about their problem-solving experiences connects mathematics and communication skills and enhances…

Describes the use of supplemental instruction in an introductory chemistry course designed for freshman nursing students and explores its impact on student performance and response to the program. Results indicate a positive impact of supplemental instruction and its popularity with students. Contains 22 references. (JRH)

Describes a non-laboratory science course for nonscience majors that actively engages students in a variety of learning activities. Highlights students' positive evaluations of the course. Also describes active learning experiences incorporated into the course. (JRH)

Reports on the advances of one institution in integrating design across the undergraduate engineering curriculum. Design education is treated as a developmental process to be practiced during each year of the program. Presents examples of design work from courses in each year to illustrate the variety of design problems used to incorporate design…