Described are a discrete group of isometries that fix a line but do not stabilize a point. Each type is accompanied by an example of their representation in concrete form which served as material on which young children could operate. Pupil responses to each situation are provided. (CW)

The reliability and validity of a procedure to measure diagnostic-reasoning and problem-solving skills taught in predoctoral orthodontic education were studied using 68 second year dental students. The procedure includes stimulus material and 33 multiple-choice items. It is a feasible way of assessing problem-solving skills in dentistry education…

Discussed is the performance of college students on the task of solving chemistry problems involving Lewis structures. Difficulty of the task and of individual problems is described. A taxonomy of skills associated with Lewis structures is presented. (CW)

Proposes a model of critical thinking in science with affective (dispositions), cognitive (knowledge, basic skills, and higher order skills), and behavioral (contextualized or generalized behaviors) components. Describes the links and mutual influences between the environment and these components. Emphasizes the role of affectivity in the…

Describes four aspects of the 1990 Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology and Education Act Amendments and indicates their importance. Basic funds may be spent to integrate academic and vocational training using a job-skills training context and to provide needy students with supplementary services ensuring their participation. Includes…

This article identifies physical, psychological, and social obstacles that may block students' thinking ability. Guidelines are provided to help teachers uncover and overcome hidden obstacles. A glossary of thinking skills terms is included. (IAH)

A Holt, Michigan, high school's recent shift toward conceptual understanding and demonstrated performance inspired one math teacher to develop a panel performance-assessment process. For their midsemester and semester exams, students in algebra II and precalculus discuss before a panel of judges the solutions to complex problems. Panel assessment…

A practical definition of "people skills," or interpersonal competence, that is grounded in linguistic and management theory is offered, and ways of incorporating development of such skills into the business curriculum are suggested. A view of people skills that complements the traditional emphasis on analytical skills in management education is…

Describes a model-centered, computer-supported semester-long science curriculum (Model-based Analysis and Reasoning in Science) for middle school students designed to encourage conceptual understanding and to foster the development of model-based reasoning skills. (ZWH)

The importance of balancing content instruction with instruction in higher level thinking skills for gifted students is emphasized. The article recommends providing students with sophisticated content, relating that content to essential underlying generalizations and principles, and then concentrating on thinking skills. (SW)

It is argued that study of philosophy in medical school develops better physicians by teaching salient views of ethical, social, and conceptual problems arising in medical practice. Students learn to examine assumptions, broaden perspectives and gain self-knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, generate tolerance and skepticism about dogma,…

Uses the Science Process Skills Inventory (SPSI) to analyze student efforts at writing experimental designs. Results indicate that explicit, incremental development of the science process skills of formulating hypotheses and identifying variables, together with model examples, may be a means to facilitate student success in designing science…

The seven chapters of this special issue explore problems in how to better understand the reasoning process that is used to establish evaluative conclusions. The many unanswered questions about reasoning should stimulate further investigation of the meaning of sound evaluative reasoning. (SLD)

According to Stanley Pogrow, creator of HOTS program to teach disadvantaged students higher order thinking skills, strong curriculum and pedagogy should accompany every technological marvel. Pogrow believes education departments let schools down by producing philosophy, rather than tools teachers need. His next invention is SuperMath, which will…

This paper addresses methods of training special educators in the skill of reflective thinking during immediacy situations in the context of a structured intervention at Haifa University (Israel). Discussion considers D. Schon's reflection-in-action model of decision-making and problem-solving modes and R. Eisikovitis's Ethnographic model.…