Discusses the artificial-intelligence-based microworld DiBi and MULEDS, a multilevel diagnosis system. Developed to adapt tutoring style to the individual learner. Explains that DiBi sets up a learning environment, and simulates elastic impacts as a subtopic of classical mechanics, and supporting reasoning on different levels of mental domain…

Illustrates how electronic outlining is an easy way to empower students through the use of technology. Discusses how electronic outliners provide students with a dynamic medium for recording and organizing their ideas prior to writing. (MG)

The differences between drill activities and practice activities and the reasons why there are differences are discussed. Two games that uses playing cards to provide students with untimed opportunities to practice their facts are described. (KR)

Misconceptions about thinking skills instruction are that it will make students "smarter," raise achievement levels, and create better citizens. Reasonable expectations are that thinking skills instruction should be measured by short-term goals, a changed classroom atmosphere, concrete behavioral criteria, and the improvement of specific task…

Discusses the application of critical thinking skills to teaching about the Columbus quincentenary. Suggests having students explore multiple perspectives on the event and examine coverage in textbooks and other books. Urges teachers to assess critically their own teaching practices and whether they foster racial justice. (WYN)

Provides the transcript of an interview with Dr. Lev Landa that addressed issues related to his algorithmico-heuristic theories of learning and instruction, called Landamatics. Highlights include teaching thinking versus knowledge; algorithms; instructional design; improving training and performance in industry, business, and government;…

(MDH)

Argues that contemporary society requires new and more sophisticated ways of thinking. Reviews several approaches to teaching new cognitive processes in schools. Includes lists of characteristics that inhibit and promote higher order thinking skills. (CFR)

A series of articles provides suggestions on using classroom libraries. One article suggests filling the library with genre books to inspire critical reading, critical thinking, and learning across the curriculum (folktales, fairy tales, tall tales, historical fiction, biographies, and autobiographies). Another article presents information on…

Authentic achievement relies on three restructuring criteria. Students construct meaning and produce knowledge, use disciplined inquiry to construct meaning, and aim their work toward producing discourse, products, and performances possessing value beyond school success. Five standards for rating instruction involve degrees of higher order…

Conducted a read-and-recall procedure with 40 individuals in Japanese courses, 20 native readers of Japanese, and 16 native readers of English. First language readers recalled high coherence texts (HCTs) better than low coherence texts. Advanced L2 readers showed a similar advantage for HCTs in their second reading. Texts used in the study are…

Five elementary teachers share their favorite books for storytelling, offering strategies to help children bring them to life. The article presents techniques for acquainting students with different stories and includes an annotated list of books recommended for expanding a storytelling library (myths, fairy tales, folktales, contemporary stories,…

Describes the methodology for teaching cognitive self-direction (CSD) to preservice teachers, presenting an overview of the CSD model. The CSD curriculum model includes productive strategies such as modeling plus self-verbalization (goal-setting, guiding, and reinforcing behaviors). Benefits to preservice teacher education include improved lesson…

Computer technology, like older technologies such as writing, maximizes its potential for enriching intellectual performance when the individual is consciously engaged in the mind-machine partnership. Some change in performance occurs only in interaction with the tool; other change is more generalized and longer lasting. (CJS)

This article reviews the research on components of problem solving including two mechanisms for fostering transfer of problem-solving strategies, low-road transfer and high-road transfer, and two types of content (domain specific and higher order thinking). Exploratory research on low-road transfer of higher-order thinking is summarized.…