Discusses the extent of students' difficulties with spatial structuring in volume and packing problems. Explains how to help students develop more powerful ways of thinking about such problems. (ASK)

Argues that interactive geometry computer software connects visual justification and empirical thinking to higher levels of geometric thinking with logical justification in formal proof. Presents classic geometry activities using The Geometer's Sketchpad interactive software. (ASK)

Describes some basic difficulties in early algebra and their causes and presents some strategies for overcoming them. Lists five areas as being essential foundations for learning algebra: (1) seeing the operation, not just the answer; (2) understanding the equals sign; (3) understanding the properties of numbers; (4) being able to use all numbers;…

Research on students' causal reasoning was used to design a sequence for teaching electricity. Students' responses suggest that several students, when they construct microscopic mechanisms to explain electrical phenomena, may envision transient states and employ a specific type of causal chain--the iterative one--in addition to simple and linear…

Considers the role anthropology can play in addressing multicultural issues in education. Maintains that through the study of various cultures students can build respect and value for diversity, understand that human behavior is influenced by culture, and create an understanding of the similarity of human experiences and concerns. (MJP)

After reviewing 50 educational software titles produced by 21 companies to assess how thinking and thinking skills were developed, the author found most had similar methodological drawbacks. Describes the algo-heuristic methodological position and outlines drawbacks of current software. (PEN)

Describes a study conducted at an 8000-student Catholic university to determine whether critical thinking (CT) skills increase after four years of undergraduate education. Examines seven categories of CT: (1) truth-seeking; (2) open-mindedness; (3) analyticity; (4) systematicity; (5) CT self-confidence; (6) inquisitiveness; and (7) maturity of…

Develops a rationale for integrating technology with the social studies. Uses five principles of powerful teaching and learning in social studies (social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active) as a framework to review the research literature related to social studies and technology. (CMK)

Focuses on the importance of building four capacities in students: disciplinary knowledge, thinking skills, commitment to democratic values, and citizen participation. Examines the use of learning communities to develop these capacities. Discusses the application of brain based learning research to the classroom, such as immersion within the…

Distinguishes between lower and higher order thinking in education. Offers guidelines for higher order thinking approaches in the art classroom, such as using generative topics. Discusses a lesson on drawing portraits that uses higher order thinking. Considers ways to include higher order thinking in the curriculum. (CMK)

Controlling for such factors as precollege cognitive ability and academic motivation, ethnicity, gender, exposure to college, work responsibilities, and the pattern of courses taken, students (n=2,416) reporting that the first-year instruction they received was well organized and prepared tended to demonstrate greater general cognitive…

Examines whether the "foreign language effect", that is, a temporary decline of thinking ability during foreign language processing, is larger when similarity between a foreign language and a native language is less. The results of two divided-attention experiments indicate that this effect was larger when the native tongue was less…

By using visual tools corresponding to thinking processes, students can organize their ideas on paper or by computer and improve their reading, writing, and thinking skills. After the brainstorming process, eight types of thinking maps (circle, bubble, double-bubble, tree, flow, multiflow, brace, and bridge maps) are useful graphic organizers.…

Discusses international cooperation in addressing educational issues. Topics addressed include global changes; the impact of technology on society, including changes in organizational structures; changes in educational practice, including higher order thinking skills and school organization; cultural differences; and activities of the…

Suggests that early childhood teachers should eliminate boring, repetitive activities from their curriculum and engage students' minds in activities that stimulate thinking and reasoning. Instead of making paper snowflakes, for example, children might discuss and examine the characteristics of snow, study weather, and engage in other creative…