Describes how an inquiry-based science project on the life cycle of butterflies provided a developmentally appropriate learning experience in a first and second grade multiage classroom. Maintains that the critical exchange of ideas among students made students' thinking available for inspection, and allowed students to use their talk as a tool…

How can high schools counteract deterrents to achievement that disadvantaged students face? "Project P-BLISS: Problem-Based Learning in the Social Sciences" presents "hidden" disadvantaged gifted students with a curriculum that first captures their interest and challenges them to realize their true potential. (MLH)

Illustrates possible uses of concept maps in mathematics classrooms which can show the degree of students' understanding of mathematical concepts and connections. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

Describes an evaluation project that aimed to assess the potential of two elementary science specialists, as compared to elementary classroom teachers, to realize the reforms vision for science instruction in elementary classrooms. Indicates that specialists' views and practices were better aligned with those envisioned by current national reform…

Describes a study that used the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) to assess the disposition of Israeli eleventh-grade students toward critical thinking according to school type affiliate, scientific level, and gender. Argues for establishing a baseline reference for critical thinking disposition of high school students and…

A university outdoor education teacher noted that some students were indifferent or hostile to reflecting on activities. Theorizing that low-level physical challenges, such as group initiatives, may be more difficult to reflect on, he designed activities to gradually develop students' reflection skills prior to participation in group initiatives.…

Describes a study of a range of challenging activities centered on evaporation and condensation done with elementary school children. Analyzes children's explanations in light of the existing literature. Finds that older children display a surer sense of ontological categories, greater epistemological sophistication, greater precision in language…

Explains why it is important for chemistry educators to know about metacognition, provides some examples to illustrate main points, and discusses some instructional tools that have been employed to promote metacognition in introductory science courses. (Contains over 50 references.) (WRM)

Describes a curriculum for self-management which is based on self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and positive reinforcement. Discusses how the classroom teacher administers reinforcement for appropriate classroom behavior and teaches the correct use of self-monitoring and self-evaluation procedures. Focuses on self-managing behavior and academic…

Defines "synectics" as the bringing together of diverse elements. Notes that as an instructional strategy, it depends upon thinking by analogy or metaphor. Discusses components of a synectics lesson. Presents three sample synectics lessons (on "Macbeth," friendship, and Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"). (PA)

Four typologies assessed by the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (C. Meisgeier and M. Murphy, 1987) (Extraversion-Introversion, Sensing-Intuition, Thinking-Feeling, Judging-Perceiving) were related to sex, race/ethnic group, intelligence level, and fluid/crystallized IQ discrepancy for 263 adolescents. The Thinking/Feeling index…

Advocates the use of academic controversies (student research and classroom debate on an issue with clearly defined positions). Identifies three ways that this educates students about civil justice: (1) students learn citizenship skills; (2) provides a procedure for resolving civil justice problems; and (3) increases academic learning. (MJP)

Examines ways to improve thinking about various dichotomies in teacher education and improve teacher education. Uses a Deweyan perspective that recommends providing preservice teachers with experiences and environments that allow them to conduct fruitful, stimulating debates; think differently, comprehensively, and clearly about educational…

A pilot program engaged adults aged 55-84 in mental fitness activities to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving, memory, mental flexibility, risk taking, and confidence. The changes in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes support mental fitness as a critical component of healthy aging. (SK)

Describes how various projects helped middle school students build mathematical conclusions through algebraic thinking as they used number patterns and verbal rules to explore the interrelationships of representations. Suggests some topics for projects. (AIM)