Reports the results of a self-assessment questionnaire containing higher-order-cognitive skills types of questions administered to biology majors (N=71). Results indicate that the majority of students in the study rate themselves as capable of self-assessment. Contain 41 references. (DDR)

Spreadsheets have become popular tools for exploring mathematical patterns and building conceptual understanding of variables and functional relationships. Presents examples of students' work to illustrate multiple paths of inquiry, generalization, and mathematical reasoning. Supports effective investigation of patterns and functions for students…

Argues that conscious reflection is still necessary in an interactive learning environment and that a challenge facing developers of the virtual-language classroom is how to combine the processes of conscious reflection with those of spontaneous interaction. Examples of computer-mediated communication exchanges are examined that were generated…

Presents a mathematics activity that introduces proof by contradiction in a nonformal setting. This activity has the added benefit of helping students gain a greater understanding of the electoral college. (ASK)

Presents information on a project to promote young students' mathematical thinking in which teachers attempt to explore ways to foster students' mathematical development by watching a CD-ROM containing student interviews. Discusses the role that technology might play as a catalyst for teachers to reflect upon their teaching experiences against the…

Argues that integration of computer experiences into a visual communications course and a computerized publications design course engages students' higher cognitive skills. Describes a unit on informational graphics, and uses three theoretical perspectives (cognitive apprenticeship, seven principles of good practice, and Bloom's taxonomy) to…

Reviews studies designed to teach students to be more able thinkers in particular subject areas. The interventions reorganize thinking by teaching strategies, metacognition, thinking dispositions, distributed cognition, and transfer of learning. Students are provided with psychological resources to think better across a range of contexts. (MMU)

Examines the use of mental, written, and calculator strategies of numerical computation by 56 upper primary students. Finds that students introduced to a "calculator-aware" curriculum make greater use of mental computation, particularly multiplication strategies based on distribution and compensation. Notes implications for models of…

Colleges can create conditions to maximize the learning that occurs in an environment with a diverse student population. Studies indicate that students who interact with diverse peers demonstrate more complex thinking linked to both cognitive and to social development. Research literature provides strong support for institutional commitment to…

Explains the use of FLIP it! worksheets that are frameworks for learning activities in school libraries and classrooms that promote innovative thinking. The format includes focus topics; links or likely sources of information; input, or information needed; and payoff, or product format and presentation. (LRW)

Examined performance of first through sixth graders on conditional-inference task, using causal conditionals and a generation of alternatives task. Found a steady age-related increase in uncertainty responses to two uncertain logical forms and an increase in production of disabling conditions for "modus ponens." Individual differences in inference…

Describes a study that investigated whether scientific and nonscientific understandings in the same content area are linked. Finds that students' (n=107) explanations indicate that they were using an "if-then" type of reasoning which linked scientific and nonscientific conceptions. Contains 39 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes the use of literature analysis with a social decision-making (SDM) paradigm in the English classroom to build problem-solving and decision-making skills among middle grade students. Provides an annotated bibliography of appropriate books, describes how to use an SDM paradigm to analyze literature, and answers common questions about the…

Emphasizes the need to teach probability and statistics to elementary school students. Explains that it will help them think more logically about arguments and enable them to explain their thinking with numerical information. Describes different exercises that will allow students to learn about statistics, probability, and data collection and…

Issues in the design of nursing problems for problem-based learning are as follows: problems must support the underlying educational philosophy and desired outcomes; they should use material from actual cases; and they should be constructed so students take responsibility for learning and control the learning process. (SK)