Provides seven answers to the question: "What is the most persistent and troublesome problem you deal with in your English classroom?" Discusses student motivation, class size, critical thinking, self-esteem, and student interests. (PRA)

Examined moral reasoning and identity development of Greek and non-Greek men and women. Controlling for entering first-year levels, Greek men scored lower in Confidence component of identity development than did Greek women and non-Greeks. Covarying for entering first-year students' moral reasoning scores, sophomore non-Greek women scored higher…

The testing of a formal causal model of thinking about motion is described using a matching-pairs paper-and-pencil task. Subjects were asked to distinguish between examples of stereotypical motions by the similarity or difference of causes of pairs of motions. The results suggest that responses can be predicted by the model with the addition of an…

Reports a study comparing Illinois high school band and choral directors' grading systems with systems proposed by principals. Concludes that principals placed more value on cognitive criteria and performance technique but less on concert attendance and behavior than did directors. Suggests that music educators develop course and grading systems…

Describes steps in a method for transferring critical thinking skills during a regular history lesson plan. Calls upon the instructor to ask how the skill to be transferred is a part of the lesson, when it can be used, what examples can be given, and how students will reflect on their practice. Emphasizes the necessity of consistent terminology.…

The liberal arts develop the basic intellectual competencies necessary for leadership in modern society and, as highly reflective disciplines, also develop integrative thinking. In addition, a caring and committed undergraduate campus community offers a wealth of practical experience in exercising responsible leadership. (MSE)

Examined postformal reasoning of young and older adolescents and young adults. Problems known to reflect issues relevant to adolescents, adults, and older adults were presented to 105 subjects. Three age groups differed with respect to perception of problem relevancy. Perceived relevancy appeared to disrupt postformal reasoning among youngest…

This response to Norman Bray (EC 609 160) analyzes the methodology and findings of the original study and concludes that studies of strategy production must look at not only the mentally retarded child's cognitive capacities in problem solving but also the social and contextual conditions that affect the child's representation and use of…

This paper describes how secondary teachers can use the Purdue Three-Stage Model as a framework for instruction that facilitates talent development in both heterogenous and homogenous classrooms. In the first two stages, students master the core content of a discipline and practice thinking creatively and critically about the content. In the third…

Assessment of 15 students with learning disabilities (ages 9-13) found that their ability to answer comprehension and synthesis questions was poorer than that of their peers, but their ability to answer knowledge, analysis, and application questions was commensurate with age peers. Findings suggest that individual assessment of levels of…

Ethnomathematics is a program that looks into the generation, transmission, institutionalization, and diffusion of knowledge with emphasis on the sociocultural environment. By drawing on the cultural experiences and practices of individuals and of communities, ethnomathematics allows for an easier flow of scientific ideas with children, reducing…

Argues that teachers should encourage critical thinking among primary school students. Asserts that readiness exercises can help students develop the mental reasoning skills necessary for critical thinking. Suggests (1) posing questions that elicit reflective responses; (2) encouraging students to ask questions to obtain information; and (3)…

Recommends a technique designed to foster creative thinking in the business communication classroom. Describes an approach that incorporates several different communication tools, including analytical letter reports, oral presentations, and the use of computer-based technology in an ill-structured problem situation. (KEH)

Dialogue journals called learning logs were written by hearing-impaired students and responded to by their math teachers. The logs were used to monitor classroom behavior, check for math comprehension, assess attitudes, predict performance, discuss student progress, and reinforce positive math behaviors. (JDD)

Summer programs and workshops for high school students at Simon's Rock College of Bard (Massachusetts) are discussed, with descriptions of the Writing and Thinking Workshop and the Foreign Language Institute and commentary from participating students and faculty. Opportunities for educational enhancement and student life around the campus are also…