Structured Team Problem Solving (STePS) is a problem solving model for shared decision making. This project uses the model to discover if children can learn using this method, and what adaptations would be necessary for child use. Sixth grade students in their social studies class worked together in teams (6-8) to identify what they already think…

Through timely questioning, teachers can estimate a child's understanding of mathematical ideas. Hence, the type of question asked by the teacher must be connected to the student's present thinking about a solution. This paper illustrates and analyzes how timely questioning on the part of teachers helped third, fourth, and fifth grade students…

An instructional approach to reasoning and critical thinking which fulfills behavioral objectives and retains a general educational perspective for the development of student knowledge and skills is the "micro inductive reasoning unit." In this approach neither subject matter nor propositions are prescribed. The teacher acts as…

This monograph argues that the case method of instruction, used effectively in legal and medical education, offers unique potential for revitalizing the field of teacher education. A description of the use of the case method in two different teaching sessions demonstrates how the method can exemplify the way a teacher frames and solves a dilemma…

This paper questions both what was being tested in prior instructional media research on the educational value of film and television and the value of some of those findings. An alternative way of conceptualizing the communication process that occurs when students view an instructional film or television program is proposed, which places viewers…

Focusing on use of the computer as an object of instruction, this paper provides a rationale for teaching computer literacy and explores a variety of definitions for the term. Also discussed are various curriculum approaches that are being developed to teach computer literacy content, which include teaching the content in a separate course and the…

A theoretical model specifying the underlying knowledge and procedures whereby human subjects can generate effective initial descriptions of scientific problems was formulated. The model is prescriptive since it does not necessarily try to simulate the behavior of actual experts nor assume that their performance is optimal. The model, elaborated…

Designed to correspond with the similar topic in the American Issues Forum program, this article provides readings and discussion questions on America's role in helping to solve world problems. The readings focus on the ethical decision of whether to share our affluence with the rest of the world. (DE)

Problem solving, both theoretical and practical, is the underlying skill developed through the physics curriculum. Service-learning has been integrated into engineering curricula, but programs proposed for that field often do not fit well into the structure of physics departments. A consultant-based approach to service-learning offers physics…

A need has emerged in the curriculum for more teamwork experience, for the development of better communication and critical thinking skills, and for the acquisition of specialized knowledge. A focus on the processes by which problems are solved has served our discipline well and can continue to serve us if in the classroom we make appropriate…

A study examined the effects of controlling situational factors (i.e., instructional interventions) on reducing state anxiety level of low and high public speaking apprehensives. Subjects were 306 undergraduates enrolled in the basic public speaking course at a midwestern university during the 1988-1989 academic year. Situational factors tested…

Designed to expose high school students to an alternative method of conflict resolution, this lesson revolves around the Indian movement for independence from Great Britain and the principles of non-violence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi which helped make that movement successful. The activities presented are designed to fit into a general world…

Students who have the necessary computational skills can solve word problems in mathematics only if they can comprehend the language of the problem. In order to best teach reading comprehension of mathematical word problems, teachers should consider the following steps: (1) prepare for teaching a problem by analyzing the ways the problem can be…

Technology is changing the way literacy is being taught to adults, and it is also bringing new sets of problems and challenges for adult basic education programs. Some of the problems associated with the new technology include rapid changes in computers, leading to indecision in purchasing and uncertainty in use, and lack of appropriate software…

This report examines cooperative learning in the Central Elementary School, a special demonstration school in a cooperative project between the Snohomish, Washington School District and Western Washington State University. After reporting the research findings on cooperative learning approaches identified in "Effective Schooling Practices: A…