Presents three studies that demonstrate the efficiency of the kinesthetic conflict in promoting the understanding of three scientific concepts among children aged 5-12. Results support Piaget's theory which determines the origins of scientific thinking. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Presents a theoretical model that identifies the context in which students experience difficulties with complex multiple choice exams (MCE). Provides a structured approach that facilitates the development of critical thinking and metacognitive skills. Discusses a workshop in which participants reported increased knowledge concerning the process…

Examines the impact of one unit of a curriculum module for sixth grade from the Model-based Analysis and Reasoning in Science (MARS) project. Provides an overview of this unit on mass and discusses three aspects of the evaluation of the unit. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Discusses the value of keeping journals to promote science learning while simultaneously practicing communication skills. Suggests that writing also enhances science learning because it is a constructive, reflective process which helps students clarify scientific concepts and think creatively. Offers a list of potential journal topics. (AIM)

The purpose of this study was to determine if factors to predict success in college biology (i.e., prior knowledge of biology or reasoning ability) depend on the instructional method employed (i.e., expository or inquiry). Reasoning ability was found to account for a significant amount of variance in final examination scores, regardless of…

Considers the possibilities of critical literacy curricula in elementary classrooms. Discusses the development of children's texts; underlying principles of critical literacy; suggested starting points for developing critical literacy in the classroom; and the implications for reading and assessment of emotionally charged texts. Argues for…

Considers the design of instructional materials to help adult learners use higher-order thinking skills, especially for future multimedia instruction. Topics include learning processes, self-directed learning for adults, effective and efficient learning, funding for adult education, and instructional technology. (LRW)

This article presents a strategy to teach young children with developmental delays how to interact cooperatively and effectively on their own initiative. Based on metacognitive research, this social skills training program, called social metacognitive strategy training, is designed to help students generalize social skills from one activity to…

Mathematical problems generated by 509 middle school students who were given story-problem descriptions and asked to pose questions that could be answered using the information were examined for solvability, linguistic and mathematical complexity, and relationships within the sets of posed problems. The multiple-step data analysis scheme can be…

Presents a methodology designed to strengthen the cognitive effects of using graphing calculators to solve polynomial equations using pattern matching, searching, and heuristics. Discusses pattern matching as a problem-solving strategy useful in the physical, social, political, and economic worlds of today's students. (DDR)

Discusses computer mediated communication in education and reports findings from a study of a teacher training program in Singapore that examined the quality of message ideas, thinking, and interaction in an asynchronous CMC environment. Topics include participation and quantity of individual messages; interaction with peers and lecturers; and…

Studied the effectiveness of a teacher training approach in which preservice mathematics teachers conduct and analyze one-to-one mathematics assessment interviews with primary-aged children. Findings from interviews with five teachers and a focus group of six indicate teachers are more aware of the strategies children use including their variety…

Shares broad classroom strategies for enhancing academic achievement for all students and discusses the nature and scope of each strategy. (KHR)

Introduces the All The News critique project in which students use the Internet to critique the information they view and develop an understanding of why some information may not be credible, scientifically valid, or methodologically sound. Includes a sample project with learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and related science standards. (KHR)

Suggests the use of Internet-based inquiry lessons to explore water quality. Acknowledges that inquiry occurs along a continuum ranging from open to structured. Uses river water quality data from the website, Water on the Web. (DDR)