Noise in the form of random errors arising from choices is a common problem. Examined three different approaches for coping with noise. Found that reciprocity works, provided it is accompanied by generosity or contrition. Changing one's choice after a poor outcome was not seen as helpful. Other points are discussed. (RJM)

Progress of 26 female students aged 10 to 13 participating in 4 database-oriented activities--library research, database construction, information retrieval, and writing--was monitored through student worksheets, researcher and student logs, audio/videotapes, questionnaires, and tests. Improvement of cognitive and metacognitive skills including…

This book excerpt presents several learning activity ideas related to negotiating. Students review principles of negotiation, write about their experiences negotiating, learn about body language, find historical examples of good negotiators, practice mathematics skills in negotiating spending money for a trip, and examine the impact of humanity's…

Investigates the mathematical behavior of 30 college students in a problem situation that requires them to find the inverse of a given compound element in an environment of LOGO turtle graphics. Results from interviews indicate that, in searching for the inverse, students tend to invert the elements but not the order. (MDH)

Describes a study to determine middle school children's representational strategies to form part-whole or part-part relationships for relational numbers such as proportions, ratios, or fractions. Quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed that children prefer a part-part representation to solve relational quantity problems. (15 references)…

Provides new evidence for mathematical problem-solving abilities of preschool children. These problem-solving behaviors occurred in a study of sharing of discrete items by dealing, in which we examined the abilities of three categories of counters to solve a discrete redistribution problem. Identifies problem-solving strategies used in the context…

Raises and responds to questions about what and how to teach mathematics with the availability of calculators to all students. Discusses whether students need basic facts, mechanical skills, and knowledge of computational algorithms. Argues that students need to develop number sense and analytical skills using simple, symbolic, and graphing…

Study examined the relationship between elementary students' perceptions of instructional behaviors and use of cognitive strategy during reading comprehension. Students read, then answered questions about, strategy use and teacher behaviors. Teacher behaviors created conditions that influenced strategy use; student interpretations of certain…

Describes a series of 10 video programs and accompanying print materials that are designed to enhance citizenship education. Expresses the basic tenet that geographic learning is essential to the sound teaching and learning of history. Includes outcome goals, program content, structure, and a description of each of the 10 programs, emphasizing…

This article describes the factors to which the classroom teacher needs to attend to enhance the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students. Emphasis is placed upon the means necessary to develop the attribute of being a problem solver, rather than focusing on the goal of becoming a problem solver. (JJK)

Presents 14 distinct methods to determine the sine of the angle formed by the line segments joining one vertex of a square to the midpoints of the nonadjacent sides. Nine methods were developed by mathematics club participants preparing for mathematics competitions and the remaining five by faculty members. (MDH)

Science fiction is a good teaching tool for elementary students because it stimulates the imagination and prepares children for the idea that the world will be different when they grow up. The article presents a science fiction unit, recommending books and activities about aliens, the future, and time travel. (SM)

A sample of seventh, ninth, and eleventh graders generated self-descriptors for the role of the self in the classroom, with friends, with parents, and in romantic relationships. Findings revealed that the self becomes increasingly differentiated into role-related multiple selves with age. (GLR)

Investigates the effect that manipulation of the extent of formal reasoning required for solving chemistry problems has upon student performance, and presents a cognitive model for the qualitative analysis of that effect. Concludes that the developmental level of students is the most important predictor of problem-solving success given significant…

Presents a method to enhance the teaching of computer programing to secondary students that establishes a connection between logic, truth tables, switching circuits, gating symbols, flow charts, and pseudocode. The author asserts that the method prepares students for thinking processes related to programing. (MDH)