Presents an evaluation of a correlational reasoning module using content from a variety of topics implemented in 12 grade 9/10 classrooms. Among the findings are that performance on a multivariate correlational task increased substantially and the average treatment student scored higher than 99% of those in the control condition. (PR)

Suggests that critical thinking assessment is difficult to do well, but it is possible. Notes that difficulties and possibilities vary with the purpose of the assessment and the format used. After examining published critical thinking tests, the paper explains how to create customized tests. (SM)

Examines the nature and attributes of reflective practitioners, necessary characteristics of reflective practitioners, and the role of university faculty in educational foundations and philosophy of education in preparing reflective practitioners. Argues that reflective practice in schools is philosophy of education at its best. (SM)

Examines the role of cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational skills in problem solving. Cognitive skills include instructional objectives, components in a learning hierarchy, and information-processing components. Metacognitive skills include strategies for reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. Motivational skills include motivation…

Reviews research on children's ideas about floating and sinking. Describes the Model-Assisted Reasoning in Science (MARS) project curriculum and student responses to a question about helium balloons. Contains 61 references. (DDR)

Describes a study that examines the extent to which effective thinking skills are incorporated in faculty teaching goals across nine academic disciplines--mathematics, the sciences, and humanities. Indicates that effective thinking skills are included in all faculty goal statements except for those in the romance languages. (3 tables and 33…

Presents suggestions for creating a classroom environment where young children's thinking and reasoning processes are supported. Discusses organizing time blocks for predictability and flexibility and organizing the physical space, including providing access to work spaces and access to materials. (KB)

Presents findings from an analysis of classroom discussions aimed at constructing shared knowledge. Demonstrates how students build up new concepts by renegotiating and sharing meanings and ideas during argumentative exchanges. Suggests that collaborative discourse-reasoning can support students' gradual mastery of discursive practices…

A study involving 58 seventh graders in same-gender dyads in three mutual peer tutoring conditions demonstrates that tutorial interaction can be structured so that same-ability age mates can scaffold each other's higher order thinking and learning. Scaffolding is not necessarily restricted to situations in which one partner is more knowledgeable…

Presents educational games to promote mathematical reasoning and problem solving in the primary grades. Children take charge of their learning and create exciting challenges for one another. (ASK)

Makes use of Michael Faraday's ideas on learning, focusing on his attitudes toward the unknowns of science and the development of an attitude that improves scientific decision making. This approach acknowledges that there is an inner struggle involved in facing unknowns. (DDR)

Describes procedures for a demonstration that features an exploding can. This demonstration prompts students to critically analyze the release of energy in an exothermic reaction, the work done in such a reaction, and the enthalpy. (DDR)

Examines the attitudes of physics instructors on how and when students should be allowed access to textbook problem solutions. Presents a detailed analysis of 249 survey responses from U.S. and Canadian universities which conveyed a wide range of opinions and comments. Discusses the need to rethink strategies regarding access to solutions. (AIM)

Describes a model for increasing the impact of peer tutoring beyond the specific subject matter tutored. Peer tutors were taught to also be study-skills coaches, sharing the secrets of learning and studying that allowed them to succeed. They tutored high-risk students during study halls. Evaluation indicated that the study-skills component…

Reviews literature on critical thinking and physical education. Suggests that students in physical education classes are predisposed to critical thinking, but only in an environment that is carefully structured. Argues that teachers must shift from teacher-centered to more student-centered lessons. Discusses the role of the teacher, cooperative…