Considers the effectiveness of using prose modeling in the composition classroom. Studies the differences in response between expert and novice writers who were asked to write essays in an unfamiliar form based on a prose model. Indicates that use of a prose model affects student response. (HB)

In mathematical research, the purpose of proof is to convince. In the classroom, the purpose of proof is to explain. Enlightened use of proofs in the mathematics classroom aims to stimulate the students' understanding, not to meet abstract standards of rigor or honesty. (Author)

Asserts that the literature on the use of writing in sociology ignores a systematic view of how writing relates to the discipline of sociology. Examines C. Wright Mills' concept of "sociological imagination." Provides suggestions for teachers who require student writing and seek to help student become better writers. (CFR)

Follows 46 unselected children with various sex chromosome abnormalities using intellectual, language, and achievement testing. Notes that, although most children were not mentally retarded, most received special education help. Finds support for the inference that learning disorders were genetically mediated in this group. (RS)

Describes the use of a "cognitive cylinder"--a cardboard tube with threads or string running through it--to help elementary school students learn to make scientific inferences. The activity requires students to employ such thinking skills and behaviors as observing, collecting, and interpreting data; predicting; measuring; hypothesizing;…

Investigated the extent to which differences in problem-solving performance of stronger and weaker novices in physics arise from differences in amount of domain knowledge, in how domain knowledge is organized, and in the strategic application of domain knowledge. Differences were observed in how 10 university physics students solved easy and…

In 3 experiments, 93, 97, and 86 college students, respectively, learned how to solve 20 verbal analogy problems and took transfer and memory tests. Results are inconsistent with active responding theory and further indicate that schema induction is maximized when the schemas are made salient and the cognitive system is not overloaded. (SLD)

Studies children's knowledge as revealed in extended conversations. Describes four types of conversations with young children who are learning science and technology. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Explored the meaning of curricular differentiation for 11 gifted elementary school students by examining responses to open-ended activities. Participants' responses differed from typical students. Differentiation occurred by participants responding in more depth, with higher level skills, and in ways that were guided by their learning styles. (CR)

This study examined the impact of three conditions on how subjects (105 college students) generated ideas about imaginary extraterrestrials. Results are discussed in terms of constraints on innovation, ways of overcoming those constraints, and the general tendency for new ideas to preserve many of the central properties of existing concepts.…

Examines ways to integrate technology into social studies, science, mathematics, and language arts. Describes model elementary and middle-school classrooms in which technology is used to investigate the concept of property, study soil porosity and the water cycle, run a student store, and promote environmental activism. (PEN)

Examined scientific reasoning and self-serving reasoning biases in 5th, 8th, and 11th graders. Found that scientific reasoning improved with age. Ratings of evidence quality and written justifications yielded mixed results regarding developmental trends in reasoning biases. Theoretical beliefs regarding religion and ego-protective motivations…

Finds that communication-skills instruction generates (using the Binomial Effect Size Display) a 44% increase in critical-thinking ability. Finds that forensic participation demonstrated the largest positive impact on critical-thinking improvement, but that all communication skills experiences demonstrated significant improvement. (SR)

Grade five students' (n=58) conceptual understanding of plate tectonics was measured by analysis of student-generated summaries and diagrams, and by posttest assessment of both the spatial/static and causal/dynamic aspects of the domain. The diagram group outperformed the summary and text-only groups on the posttest measures. Discusses the effects…

Presents evidence indicating that spontaneously generated analogies can play a significant role in expert problem solving. Focuses on an evaluation strategy known as bridging that has been observed in solutions to both science and mathematics problems. Contains 23 references. (DDR)