The problem of poor learners is due less to missing experiences than to the nature of their learning experiences. Giving these students more hands-on "exposure" is not enough. Instead, teachers can develop critical-thinking skills in students by changing the nature of teacher-student interaction. Focusing on a "main idea" and…

Presents a framework for assessment of critical thinking of college students. Proposes a multimethod approach focused on assessment of three major components of critical thinking: knowledge, thinking skills, and attitudes. Notes that each component requires its own assessment. Finds this multidimensional assessment framework is a workable solution…

Argues that drama is one of the most powerful teaching strategies available in the classroom, in all subject areas. Notes reasons drama is not used much. Describes two drama activities used with seventh-grade students, and how they used it (with excitement) as a way of experiencing, thinking through and representing new understandings. (SR)

Presents examples of the types of investigations which exploit the tools now commonly featured in data-logging software. Emphasizes the importance of designing tasks that encourage pupils to think about the data and the principles which underpin worthwhile data-logging tasks. (Author/ASK)

Suggests that the differences existing between the view of algebra as a mandated course at a specified grade level and the view of algebra as a way of mathematical thinking and reasoning developed gradually over time must be positively integrated to help students develop a genuine capacity for algebraic thinking and reasoning. (AIM)

Explains the approach of integrating notions of algebra in problem-solving experiences and the design of instructional activities that integrate nonroutine, nontraditional problems. Presents some problems and students' interpretations, conjectures, and generalizations about the patterns they discovered. (AIM)

Presents a problem included on the 1992 National Assessment of Educational Progress in mathematics at grade eight in the content area of algebra and functions. Collects and examines a set of responses to this problem and discusses some examples of strategies that students used to determine the answer to the problem. (ASK)

Describes an exploratory teaching experiment carried out to test the hypothesis that it is feasible to develop a disposition toward more realistic mathematical modeling in pupils. The learning and transfer effects of an experimental class of 10- and 11-year-old students that were compared to the results of two control groups support this…

The Cognitive Training for Children (CTC) (K. Klauer, 1989) is a program that teaches thinking strategies that increase inductive reasoning. This study reviews 17 studies of the effectiveness of the CTC through a qualitative meta-analysis. Results suggest that it is neither better nor worse than available rival cognitive training programs. (SLD)

Explores the nature, importance, and development of child metacognition, arguing for the assisted development of metacognitive awareness in young children. Identifies factors that enhance metacognitive development and thus assist the transfer of learning. Suggests that metateaching strategies can help mediate the metacognitive strategies of…

Examines the effects of investigative, open-ended, and inquiry-based labs on students' ability to ask high-level and open-ended questions. Recommends combining direct instruction in questioning with increased background information to improve students' questions. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Describes the author's life experiences in journalism. Offers many stories to describe how high school journalism empowers students, teaching them to ask questions on their own and to think on their own, providing an atmosphere where students not only learn for themselves, but share their learning with others, and a place where students find their…

Describes the processes of thinking, learning, appreciation, and improvement of higher level thinking skills developed through the exploration and adaptation of Shakespeare's works at the middle school level. Offers suggestions for specific techniques, including character creation, casting, music, and rehearsals. (JPB)

The metacognitive performance of 87 Arab typically developing adolescents and 20 Arab adolescents with deafness was examined. There was no significant difference between the students in metacognitive performance, nor were there gender-based differences among students with deafness. However, hearing female students scored significantly higher on…

Examined Israeli secondary school teachers' beliefs regarding low-achieving students and instruction in higher order thinking. Interviews indicated that nearly half of the teachers considered higher order thinking inappropriate for low-achieving students. Their beliefs related to their general theory of instruction. Viewing learning as…