Discusses the need for children to become fluent in logical argument and systems dynamics. Examines the "create an embedded environment and support classroom teachers with visiting experts" strategy in music and technology education. Describes the distinction between meaningless activities with computers and computer literacy. (AEF)

A model for teaching proof writing to college mathematics students is presented. The model has six phases: (1) open (understanding the theorem by reading it, listing, and writing it out); (2) brainstorm; (3) instantiate (perception of the chain of inferences linking hypothesis to conclusion); (4) convince; (5) reflect; and (6) extend. Strategies…

Defines creativity, recognizing both developmental continuities and discontinuities. Also distinguishes between creative interpretation and cognitive restructuring, emphasizing transformational abilities, and between perceptual and discretionary cognitive processes. (DR)

Three studies used interspecies adoption stories to examine children's understanding of the role of birth in determining animal properties and species identity. Found that most 4- to 7-year olds could reliably judge that babies would be of the same species as birth parents, but were unable to attribute properties of adoptive parents. (Author/KB)

Using young women with eating disorders as examples, this article examines how misdirected critical thinking can become very non-productive. The negative side of the characteristics of critical thinkers (precise, reflective, analytical, and reasonable) are described in these adolescents, and key steps to addressing misdirected thinking are…

Analyzed is the role of formal logic in the development and investigation of science education. Investigated are the use of logical relations in the learning of abstract concepts and the development of efficient cognitive processes in the context of science curricula. (Author/YP)

Examines comprehension of sentences with multiple negations among 71 monolingual Anglo and bilingual Hispanic undergraduate science and engineering majors. Finds that both groups misused rules of logic and natural discourse; similar groups benefited from training to eliminate inappropriate reasoning strategies, but only Anglos retained the…

Because most schools do not have courses in formal logic, teachers must teach this topic as it comes up naturally through class discussions in algebra, geometry, or general mathematics. This article shows how teachers can capitalize on students' ways of thinking to lead them to a greater understanding of logical relationships. (PK)

Examines Japanese and American children's styles of processing computerized geometric matrices. Hypothesizes cultural differences for response latencies. Finds no difference in accuracy between the two groups but significant differences in response times for second- and fifth-graders. (MW)

Argues that liberalism is strong enough to sustain a moral consensus if its logic and psychological bases are understood. Rejects ideological positions, emphasizing the value of rational discourse for reaching consensus. Encourages liberal educators to make clear their commitment to a liberalism that avoids both authoritarianism and paranoia. (CH)

Described is an interpretive tour of an ecology exhibit that was integrated with lessons designed to improve Hispanic students ability to observe and make inferences. The study methods and results are presented. (CW)

Clarifies the idea of prediction in science teaching by distinguishing between the two extremes of guessing and making logical deductions. Discusses the use of predictions in testing teachers' and students' explanations. (MDH)

Responses of 322 university sophomores (education majors) on an evolution problem "How could the bat have evolved wings?" are analyzed and classified. Concludes that misunderstandings are logical. (PR)

A study investigated reasoning processes of medical students in schools with different curricular formats, a conventional curriculum with basic science taught before clinical training and a problem-based curriculum with basic science taught in the context of clinical problems. Strengths and weaknesses of each curriculum type emerged. (Author/MSE)

Explores the meaning of distributive justice and considers the importance of teaching the concept in social studies classes. Delineates characteristics of reasonable arguments for treating people differently to bring about justice. Presents situations to generate classroom discussion of the concept of justice. (NL)