Investigates problems called "cranium crackers" and focuses on number sense, logical reasoning, data analysis, geometry, measurement, and algebraic thinking. (Author/NB)

Studied the effects of calculator use on performance on the Scholastic Assessment Test I through a questionnaire completed by 202,391 examinees in 1996 and 215,034 in 1997. Use of calculators was associated with higher performance, but the more able students were more likely to have calculators. Overall, the effects of calculators were found to be…

Discusses a team-oriented formal testing method used in a mathematical modeling course taught during the Alma College intensive spring term. Asks the question, If a collaborative teaching method is used, how does one assess students' acquisition of problem-solving and mathematical-thinking skills? (Author/MM)

Describes three teaching approaches to help students transition from high school to college: (1) remedial or developmental instruction; (2) learning centers and tutoring; and (3) supplemental instruction. Discusses the main reasons that students experience problems in college introductory biology and investigates students' achievement in…

Investigates what mathematical thinking is, what sorts of tasks might encourage mathematical thinking, and what the teacher can do to promote mathematical thinking. Illustrates mathematical thinking and includes a summary table. (KHR)

Describes the idea of teaching as active learning and defines direction in mathematics teaching as action and perception. Presents an example of a mathematics classroom activity in which students are centered. (KHR)

Explains the importance of problem solving and critical thinking for scientific literacy and discusses assessment strategies to evaluate student problem solving. (YDS)

Investigates a way to assist students with learning differences. Considers mathematical connections appropriate in middle grades through college mathematics centered around the words "and" and "or" within the fields of logic, set theory, algebra, number theory, and probability. Teachers and students should be encouraged to investigate mathematical…

Investigated the relative importance society places on various cognitive skills using data from 1902-13 Ohio high school entrance examinations and Ohio 9th-grade proficiency tests of the late 1990s. The earlier exams demanded deep declarative knowledge of culturally valued information but only simple interrelations between facts. The modern exams…

Business education students (n=100) rated 14 job skills identified by the Secretary's Commission on Necessary Skills. The top characteristic identified was interpersonal skills followed by critical thinking. Other skills included teamwork, problem solving, computer literacy, and multitasking. (JOW)

Forty third graders divided into average and below average reading skill groups were given a story comprehension task that consisted of two conditions, listen through and think aloud. Average readers generated significantly more explanatory inferences and comprehension performance as measured by story recall was significantly better for both…

This article discusses the nature of critical thinking and ways to teach children to be critical thinkers. The need to model critical thinking is stressed and guidelines are presented for evaluating the credibility of a source (investigating clarity, expertise, objectivity, and accuracy record), and for evaluating the quality of evidence. (CR)

Examines children's understanding of temporal order as depicted on television through three techniques: canonical sequencing, reversed sequencing, and time leaps. A study of four-, six-, and eight-year olds is described, and findings suggest that cognitive skills associated with the ability to comprehend liquid conservation contribute to…

This article suggests ways of teaching critical thinking skills that won't strain crowded schedules. Several curriculum-related ideas and brain teasers are listed. A number of activities are appropriate for odd moments in the school day, such as while students line up for lunch or as they come in from recess. (IAH)

This article outlines basic concepts of three prominent instructional approaches: cooperative learning, direct instruction, and learning styles. The relationship between each model and developing student thinking skills is explored; an organizing framework for assessing and synthesizing instructional models is examined; and implications for…