A cognitive or internal representation refers to an organized system of information which reflects certain, but not all, of the information about reality being represented. This paper considers various opinions, controversies, and debates about what representation is, how it comes about, and what forms of representation can be distinguished. The…

This paper discusses the cultural-historical school founded by Vygotsky, Luria, and Leontiev as the theoretical background of Russian educational psychologists who have been studying how children learn to reflect. Two approaches to reflection are examined within the cultural-historical tradition: first, reflection--like other higher psychological…

The pursuit of a science of mind has been marked by persistent conceptual tension. At one pole, exemplified by Piaget, the mind is characterized in terms of overarching principles. At the other end of the continuum, theory is more concerned with modeling particulars, as represented by the information processing model. This paper explores the…

Although college mission statements related to promoting a sense of responsibility in students, fostering the desire to learn, and promoting critical thinking sound good, few people actually think about what the words mean or help teachers understand what practices might actually achieve those goals. Thinking skills taught in classrooms can vary…

The performance-based assessment was developed to assess students' higher order thinking skills in real-life problem-solving situations in Alberta, Canada. These tasks assess aspects of science that cannot be measured easily by regular paper and pencil tests. The purpose of this document is to provide teachers, administrators, students, and…

This resource book presents cooperative learning activities which relate to our world and the social studies. The book is divided into three sections: (1) "Preparation," to help make cooperative learning part of the curriculum today; (2) "Activity Units," focusing on world culture, natural history, governments and leaders, and contemporary…

This study compared critical thinking skills of 98 college freshmen as measured by the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal instrument during their first week in the course with their final grades in a freshman course. Results indicated that there were significant differences among the three groups on the three subtests of Inference,…

Noting that attitudes and habits formed very early in life can have an impact on a child's decision to use drugs or remain drug free later in life, this packet of materials introduces preschool children to the important skills and attitudes they will need to avoid drug use later on. None of the materials provided for children directly addresses…

This paper is intended to assist teachers in examining and altering their own teaching practices and in transforming the classroom from a place of "dull sameness" to an environment where excitement reigns and student growth is at the forefront. The teaching strategies outlined were chosen for three criteria: active student involvement,…

Providing a low-key, nonthreatening way for teachers and parents to build partnerships for kids, this book presents short, concrete activities in English and Spanish to foster communication between teachers and parents and between parents and children. While the activities in the book are designed for grade 1, none of the activities have…

This paper describes part of a study undertaken to examine the relationship between dispositions to critical thinking, procedural knowledge in science, and formal reasoning. Three tests were administered to 346 grade 7 students at the beginning and at the end of the school year: California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory, Group Assessment…

This book, published in 1987, provides open-ended activities to extend the imagination and creativity of students and encourage them to examine their feelings and values. Williams' model of cognitive-intellective and affective-feeling domains are addressed. Nearly 60 pages of exercises focus on the future, asking students to predict future…

A recent conference on statistics education recommended that more emphasis be placed on the interpretation of research (IOR). Ways for developing and assessing IOR and providing a systematic framework for creating and selecting instructional materials for the independent assessment of specific IOR concepts are the focus of this paper. The…

In 1994 the Governor of California directed the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to conduct a study of teacher preparation programs to assess the extent to which these programs prepare candidates for teaching credentials to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills in elementary and secondary schools. With assistance from…

This collection of papers attempted to explicate Howard Gardner's theory of artistic intelligences; argue implications of the theory for arts education; offer methods of implementation; and discuss implications for general education. The topics covered political challenges to implementation; standardized testing in the arts; blueprint models of…