A new conceptualization of perceived control was used to test a process model describing the contribution of these perceptions to school achievement for 220 third through sixth grade students. Twelve teachers also participated. Three sets of expectations have implications for theories of perceived control and enhancement of student motivation.…

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

Presents suggestions for teaching math word problems to elementary students. The strategies take into consideration differences between reading in math and reading in other areas. A problem-prediction game and four self-checking activities are included along with a magic password challenge. (SM)

Six articles help elementary teachers cultivate students' critical thinking skills across the curriculum with activities like examining past predictions and future forecasting, exploring science via ice and snow, strengthening critical reading through visual clues, discussing prediction using mathematical patterns, and studying vision with a…

This study examined the effects of a monthly calendar of homework activity on the attitudes of 129 elementary school students and 5 beginning teachers. Results showed that attitudes of students using the homework calendar improved significantly from preassessment to postassessment; teachers were positive toward the program. (SM)

Discusses the concept of a "literacy of thoughtfulness" for all students, characterized by the ability to think critically and creatively, to solve problems, exercise judgment, access, assimilate, and apply information, and communicate effectively with others. Suggests that thoughtfulness is inescapably bound up with culture. (KEH)

Examines three ways (whole class, cooperative small groups, and individuals) to organize classrooms to meet the goals of content area instruction. Uses the experiences of students to illustrate how different grouping arrangements foster particular kinds of learning. (MG)

Following a short introduction on the rationale and purpose for using algorithmic structures in the teaching of algebra, two topics from elementary algebra are presented in relation to control structures from computer programing, specifically: the multiplication of polynomials defined in terms of nested loops, and the distributive property…

An experimental class in introductory statistics (n=40) using simulation software at American University was compared to a traditionally taught control group (n=36) with respect to achievement and accrued beliefs about the benefits of the simulations. Results indicate significantly higher achievement scores for the experimental class with about…

Described is a research-based instructional technique for teaching analogical reasoning by the use of guided LOGO programing activities. An example worksheet is provided illustrating the use of the Sternberg's four-step analogical reasoning technique (encode, infer, map, and apply) with LOGO programs. (Author/MDH)

Probability theory can be developed from a theoretical or experimental probability approach. The problem, "The Gambler's Ruin," is used to study whether students are naturally sensitive to learning probability from an experimental probability approach through simulations. Results indicated that use of simulations can contribute to…

Presents experimental data on how to form learning motivation. Discusses the influence of the content of teaching materials and of learning methods, the motivational structure of the lesson, and the type of assessment made by the teachers. Urges teacher to observe recurring attitudes of the students toward learning and promote optimistic student…

Nineteen fifth and 11 sixth graders given preliminary instruction about a computer-based problem-solving game received additional problem-solving training, problem-solving and self-monitoring training, or no further training. The beneficial impact of the monitoring training is discussed as evidence of the importance of the monitoring strategy in…

A question-answering strategy for problem solving is described, and the effects of instruction in that strategy on student learning are examined in a computer-assisted context involving 46 fifth graders. The reasons students trained in guided questions performed better are discussed. (SLD)

Information acquisition and processing skills of 661 Finnish vocational education students were studied through students' writings, including an open-ended test. About 20 percent were assessed as self-directed learners, but the majority could search for and transmit information in a text. Results are discussed in light of demands of further…