Discusses the value of writing assignments in mathematics instruction. Advocates informal, lengthy, nongraded writing as the best form of learning. Encourages the use of a learning log by students which is reviewed by both teachers and fellow students. Provides examples of short in-class mathematics writing assignments. (PAA)

Discussion of the collaborative use of computers in the classroom highlights the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom. Literature is reviewed which tends to support the generalization that the use of computers in groups leads to positive educational gains, and teacher attitudes are explored. (45 references) (LRW)

Examined is the predictive value of the cognitive variables of developmental level, mental capacity, cognitive style, short-term storage space, and numerical inductive reasoning for student achievement in college science. Included is a strategy for the development of materials which would allow students to develop problem-solving skills. (KR)

Described are ways in which some teachers have used a software package called "The Geometric Supposer." The development of inquiry skills is stressed. Recommendations for students using the Supposer are provided. (CW)

Effects of 2 cooperative conditions on group discussions and metacognitive awareness of 206 fourth- and fifth-graders were examined. Discussions for those in the strategy condition (which emphasized the connection between strategy use and learning) were more focused toward substantive task content than for those in the reward-receiving condition.…

Describes the evolution and testing of an inservice special education teacher training project in which teachers engaged in collaborative strategy instruction with small groups of severely reading-delayed adolescents. An analysis of videotaped pre- and posttest reading sessions showed significant gains in many dimensions related to fostering…

Gives suggestions to help students generalize skills so that they can use them in a variety of situations inside and outside of the mathematics classroom. Addresses uses of ratio and proportion but suggestions are also applicable to other mathematical topics. (MLN)

Contends that the best way to learn about citizenship is by discussing real societal issues that are connected to student interests. Maintains that a democratic classroom environment also provides an opportunity for practicing civic values. Provides four guidelines for establishing community service projects in the schools. (CFR)

Asserts that most teachers would like to teach about religion, especially in history, but hesitate because they are uncertain about what they can teach legally. Recommends using children's literature to point out how religions affect the way families throughout the world live in their homes and communities. (CFR)

Describes research which compared the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by (n=3) teachers and (n=29) children aged 5-8 for interpreting subtraction operations represented in numerical form. Some representations and strategies appeared to impose an extra processing load which can interfere with conceptual…

Reports on 2 studies of 48 eighth-grade students in which mnemonic devices and strategies were employed. Finds that both regular and learning-disabled students preferred mnemonic instruction to traditional teaching methods. Concludes that mnemonic methods can help improve student learning of historical information. (CFR)

Contends that instruction at the primary school level should be consistent with the child's development and experiences. Describes how geography's "Five Themes" can be taught using an interdisciplinary approach. Includes three lesson plans divided among concrete, semiconcrete, and abstract levels of cognitive development. (CFR)

Contends that secondary schools should provide instruction about the legal, social, and economic issues surrounding marriage, divorce, and other family topics. Asserts that family law can be integrated into the social studies curriculum, particularly at the ninth and twelfth grades. Provides three activities on marriage and the law, legal…

Provides a model that maps out five stages of relating library and scientific research: (1) establish an interest; (2) narrow a topic; (3) clarify the variables; (4) refine the procedures; and (5) interpret the unexpected. Provides a student questionnaire for selecting a topic and a format for general note taking. (MDH)

Explores the interaction between scientific epistemological beliefs and learning orientations in a group of Taiwanese eighth-grade students. Suggests the importance of employing a constructivist philosophy in the classroom. Contains 55 references. (DDR)