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…

Outlines the evaluation pressures that prevent teachers from focusing on the main goal of education: stimulating students to think. Students are under their own pressures that detract from real learning. Definition of the word "think" (to exercise the mind otherwise than by passive reception of another's thoughts) is used to illustrate examples of…

Describes a two-week instructional unit for ninth-grade gifted students which emphasizes development of ethical thinking and decision-making skills using a structured group-discussion methodology. Students formulate discussion questions through a multi-step process. Unit guide sheets, brainstorming examples, and activity schedules are included.…

Argues that epidemiology, the study of disease in populations, is an ideal upper-level course for undergraduate liberal arts curricula because it offers a forum for learning and applying critical-thinking skills, as well as other skills important for the liberally educated student, such as analysis of political, social, and demographic contexts…

Offers identifiable milestones to help educators effectively use the Web to engage students in advanced thinking. Highlights include finding interesting Web pages, human connectedness that the Web makes possible, supplementing the current curriculum, designing goal-based Web activities, using new knowledge to promote higher-order thinking, using a…

Proposes and analyzes game design as a learning environment for students and teachers to build upon and challenge their existing understandings of mathematics,to engage in relevant and meaningful learning contexts, and to develop connections among mathematical ideas and real-world contexts. Contains 55 references. (Author/ASK)

Three studies examined the relationship between specific forms of preschoolers' social and pretend play and divergent/convergent problem solving. Naturalistic and experimental designs were used to provide clearer account of relationship and to challenge assumption of single direction of influence. Results support complex reciprocal causality model…

Investigated a secondary student's development of geometric thought during instruction using dynamic computer software. Clinical interviewing determined his predominant level of thought and highlighted the developmental process of geometric reasoning. Four learning stages were identified in terms of symbol, signal, and implicatory practices. Using…

Argues that students are apprehensive about theory courses, in part, because they require abstract, detailed reasoning skills. Presents a puzzle exercise developed to allow students to break through their "theory anxiety" without minimizing the complex thinking skills necessary for theorizing. Discusses preparation and implementation, and…

Examines dissertation requirements and assessment procedures in 10 environment-related undergraduate and postgraduate programs using a "framework" approach. Hypothesizes that each level should reveal differences in development of deep thought. Finds that each dissertation occupies a distinct place along a progressive development of a…