Two studies examined abstract conditional reasoning. Findings indicated an increase in use of formal justifications with grade, and that abstract reasoning was facilitated by realistic context. Findings supported the idea that such reasoning may represent a qualitative change in reasoning abilities and that its development relies on appropriate…

Investigated the effects, on 7th graders' mathematical reasoning, of: cooperative learning embedded within multilevel metacognitive training (MMT), cooperative learning embedded within unilevel metacognitive training (UMT), and whole-class learning with no metacognitive training. Students exposed to MMT significantly outperformed students exposed…

Compares textbooks and trade books for elementary grade levels. Recommends integrating trade books into hands-on science during the introduction of terms and examples. Points out the role of book content on elementary students' concept formation. Makes recommendations for selecting the right books for teaching science. (YDS)

Examines the role of executive function, or the ability to maintain the appropriate problem-solving set for attainment of a future goal, in academic success. Describes causes of executive function deficits, common manifestations, methods for assessing the problem, and strategies for remediating related problems. (26 citations) (MAB)

A five-step model intervention called "Sensational Thinking," which incorporates readiness, reception, reflection, revelation, and re-creation activities, was evaluated with four kindergarten classes. Experimental groups showed increased creativity over control groups in solving paradoxical problems. The study is seen as supporting the premise…

Recommends the use of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) project which gives thinking skills lessons to students ages 11-13 to increase their general thinking ability. (DDR)

Contends that online courses enrich and extend the core curriculum, and inherently support the acquisition of Internet-related skills. States that quality threaded discussions are the single most critical aspect of online education--they support interactive conversations that help students analyze, synthesize and evaluate in response to questions…

Provides a six-lesson, upper elementary life skills curriculum that can be implemented by physical education teachers and coaches. It targets life skill development through introduction of, and practice with, intrapersonal skills in physical education classes or youth sports settings. The article highlights three of the six lessons, with the other…

Describes research that focused on the acquisition of critical thinking skills by vocational education students in Further Education colleges in the United Kingdom, and in particular on the development of the skills of reasoned argument via practice. Discusses the use of modeling and peer-based critiquing exercises. (LRW)

Suggests that certain mathematics and science concepts known to be difficult to teach can be learned using spatial-temporal reasoning methods and that music instruction can enhance the "hardware" in the brain for spatial-temporal reasoning. Discusses spatial-temporal and language-analytic reasoning, the Trion model of higher brain function, and…

Discusses and provides historical background on the Michigan state content standards intended to improve social studies education. Addresses the role of statewide assessment in educational reform and the challenges in assessment. Considers (1) teacher preparation to support the standards and assessment and (2) the focus upon higher order thinking…

Examined the shifting nature of the cultural practice of basketball as players moved from middle to high school play and related shifts in players' statistical evaluations linked to play. Observations of and interviews with African American basketball players indicated that the practice of basketball differed at the two levels of play…

Explains the importance of student teachers performing the learning tasks they assign to their students in order to understand the nature and purpose of each task and its unique demands on teachers and students. The paper recommends guiding student teachers to develop their own abilities and view their teaching roles as nurturers of their own…

While graduates must be effective critical thinkers, they must do more than just think critically for its own sake. College coursework should encourage collaboration and invite the kind of sophisticated, cross-disciplinary, flexible perspectives necessary in the workplace. (MM)

Argues for a paradigm shift to consciously developing, nurturing, and applying critical thinking skills in counseling supervision. Suggests supervisors will benefit from the intentionality of the paradigm, supervisees will benefit from the mentoring and the modeling, and clients will benefit as the supervisors progress in their delivery as…