This book explores what can be accomplished when effective classroom techniques for teaching students to become good thinkers are combined with effective strategies to engage students in thoughtful learning of the regular secondary school science curriculum. The technique of lesson design and instruction that results is called infusing critical…

This digest paper presents strategies and activities that can be used to encourage gifted students to develop their individual talents in the language arts. Suggestions for exploring poetic language especially free verse, include ideas for creating group poems and catalysts for creating individual poems. Suggestions for exploring the elements of…

This monograph deals specifically with the challenge of recognizing or assessing creativity. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 focuses on definitions and characteristics of creativity to help clarify the nature and meaning of creativity and creative thinking, and to consider the implications of those definitions for assessment. The…

Hemispheric preferences of high and low ability, right-handed elementary school children (n=70) were investigated using the Your Style of Learning and Thinking instrument. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups on integrated responses, with the high ability group having a higher preference for integrated functioning…

Studies indicate that doctoral programs do not provide students with optimal conditions for creative scholarship in research. Understandings of the nature of creative behavior in scientific endeavors are examined and related to the practice of advising doctoral candidates during the dissertation-research phase of their work. (Author/MLW)

Demonstrates how Japanese cultural and social factors influence ways of thinking about science and carrying on technological activities. Suggests that nonlinear modes of thought using pattern-recognition rather than Western "digital" approaches and a highly formalized education contribute to the Japanese scientific method. (SK)

Describes a teaching method which forces students to gather data and draw influences in order to synthesize a description of the geological events responsible for current topography. (Author/MA)

The function of the university is shown to be not only to train people but to educate them. The importance of creativity, longevity, and humor are discussed. Short conversations with Charles A. Beard, Albert Schweitzer, Nehru, and Krushchev reveal the essence of "What I've Learned." (MLW)

The article presents the Student Interest Unit (SIU) 0-100 (an instructional strategy based on student interest) approach to motivating gifted and talented children. (PHR)

Reports on changes in the perceptions of science classes and science study of elementary, middle, and high school students in Iowa following Science-Technology-Society (STS) instruction for one semester. Results indicate that students develop positive perceptions about science classes and science in general following STS instruction. Contains 27…

Presents a problem suggested for students in grades one through six concerning the concepts of grouping, reasoning, and pattern finding. Discusses the student problem-solving process. (ASK)

This study investigated what effect divergent-thinking training focusing on a single task would have on the creative performance of 79 seventh graders on a closely related task. Students received training in poetry-relevant, divergent-thinking skills. The training was found to have a significant impact on the students' creativity in writing…

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)