Proposes using instructional games as a means of reaching students with varying learning styles. Describes several games involving problem solving, role playing, and simulations. The games incorporate aspects of Sternberg's theory that intelligence can be conceptualized as analytic, creative, or practical. (MJP)

This study examined the perceptions of teachers and parents of preschoolers in Hong Kong regarding what constitutes thinking skills, the importance of thinking skills in children's lives, strategies they use to foster thinking skills in young children, and their perceived roles in facilitating thinking skills. Responses revealed the need for more…

Described is how using LOGO tools for manipulating embodiments of geometric objects helps students construct more abstract and coherent concepts. Discussions are included on developing verbal definitions versus constructing concepts, tasks for integrating turns and angles, group discussions, and maze tasks. (KR)

Discussed is the use of a program called MathCAD which allows students to solve higher order polynomial equations and geometry problems. The use of cooperative learning is emphasized. Included are graphs and part of a printout generated while solving problems with MathCAD. (KR)

Applications of generalizations of both arithmetic and geometric progressions are presented. The first-order difference equation is used in solving seven examples from finance, business, and medicine. Detailed directions are included for each example. (KR)

Identified are some of the problems experienced by students when learning about organic chemistry reaction mechanisms. Strategies are suggested which may be used by students to facilitate understanding of these mechanisms. (KR)

Discussed is whether, and to what extent, science teachers critically and spontaneously attend to the logical structure of situations, and whether they need prompting, or completely fail to do so. The relationship between the results of this study and science teachers' pre- and in-service education is discussed. (Author/KR)

Described in this article is a problem-solving activity which integrates the application of microcomputers with the learning of physical chemistry. Students use the program with spectroscopic data to calculate the thermodynamic properties and compare them with the values from the thermochemical tables. (Author/KR)

Presents the Two-Level Cooperative Group Learning Model, a small-group instruction technique, developed at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and based on the Jigsaw II approach. Outlines a sample unit, showing how student expert groups teach their home teams. Demonstrates the technique's benefits: greater student motivation and interaction,…

Proposed is a way for teachers to distinguish between rich, challenging material that encourages mathematical thinking and material that is unsuitable. Included are multistep problems that encourage a broader understanding of mathematics. (KR)

Described are four classroom activities that may be interspersed into a curriculum or offered as homework. Systematic procedures, alternative strategies, and trial and error are emphasized in these counting exercises. (KR)

Questions must be raised about the nature, value, and use of academic discourse in the national debate on reforming the canon, acknowledging diversity, etc. It is proposed that students be involved in authentic work by immersion in reading, writing, and language and by having opportunities think critically about the material. (Contains 25…

Highlights the crucial role of language in child development, including intellectual development and the development of the brain. Describes the types of messages children receive from their parents' words, the importance of talking with children and exposing children to words without pictures, and ways schools can help parents develop children's…

On Fridays, rather than changing classes, the students at one middle school spend all four team periods with one teacher/adviser as they pursue intensive, independent quarterly learning projects in either science, math, social studies, or English. A program evaluation showed improved student engagement, independent learning, thinking skills, and…

Argues that the role of economic reasoning can provide a powerful tool for understanding U.S. history. Lists six principles that articulate important aspects of economic reasoning that can be used in teaching U.S. history. Uses the Homestead Act of 1862 to illustrate how these principles can be used in the classroom. (CFR)