The papers and conference proceedings recorded in this monograph are from a conference on effective mathematics teaching. In addition to acknowledgements, foreword, introduction and participant list, the following articles are included: (1) "Teaching for Higher-Order Thinking in Mathematics: The Challenge for the Next Decade"; (2)…

This book combines suggestions for the teaching of problem solving with activities and carefully discussed non-routine problems which students should find interesting as they gain valuable experience in problem solving. The over 300 activities and problems have been gleaned from a variety of sources and have been classroom tested by practicing…

A model for the development of scientific reasoning in adolescents was formulated largely upon the basis of Piagetian theory. Included as potential determinants of scientific reasoning were experience, age, locus of control, field independence-dependence (FID), rigidity/flexibility, intelligence quotient (IQ), and sex. Causal relationships between…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the achievement of some abstract concepts in "molecular genetics" and prior knowledge, formal reasoning ability, and sex. The major findings of the study were: (1) prior knowledge had a high significant correlation with the achievement of abstract concepts; (2) the…

The nature of program changes taking place in undergraduate general education and factors that affect curricular change were addressed in a survey. A sample of 272 colleges and universities that were conducting serious review or revision of their undergraduate general education programs were sent questionnaires, and 139 responses were received.…

While the purpose of this project was curriculum development, long range benefits are contingent upon a radical reorganization and upgrading of public school systems throughout Appalachia. Subjects in the pilot assessment consisted of 80 children (3 1/2 to 6 1/2 years old) and their mothers from each of Monongalia and Upshur Counties, West…

The purpose of this study conducted by the Wisconsin Research and Development Center for Cognitive Learning was to develop, implement, and evaluate an experimental preschool education program based on Piaget's theory of cognitive development. A second purpose was to examine Piaget's theoretical assumptions and postulated cognitive developmental…

To meet the sociological, psychological, and linguistic needs of disadvantaged children in teaching the language arts, both special teacher preparation--involving field experiences and mastery of the subject matter as well as teaching strategies--and effective language programs are necessary. Various teaching methods and materials have met with…

A study conducted in four Wisconsin secondary schools attempted to measure student abilities in evaluating verbal argument and to determine the grade level at which verbal argument concepts and skills should be appropriately taught. Seven tests, known as the Wisconsin Tests of Testimony and Reasoning Assessment (WISTTRA), were administered to 3000…

A desirable approach and sequence for the presentation of rhetorical principles to students of junior high school age is outlined. Principles of invention, logical ordering, strategy, and style are discussed with special reference to writing models, developing skills of observation, audience consideration, and precise diction. Specific objectives…

Discusses the claims that experiences in computer programming enhance performance on conditional reasoning tasks. Describes three experimental studies designed to address that hypothesis using three different populations of students. Results of all three studies indicate nonsignificant treatment effects. (TW)

Five studies examined the effect of dysphoric mood on perceivers' subjective unitization of an observed other's ongoing behavior into discrete meaningful actions. Dysphoria generally reduced unitization rate (i.e., number of actions discriminated). Additional evidence indicates this reduction results from failure to initiate a higher (more…

Investigates cognitive strategies that Hispanic elementary school students use in critical thinking social studies problems. Describes a survey examining the use of 12 cognitive strategies and the analysis of task completion. Concludes that students need to learn specific cognitive strategies in higher level tasks. (KO)

Examines two concepts: subjective theory and teacher-as-researcher. Two research models (the subjective to scientific exchange approach and action research) are applied to two case studies of teachers participating in an inquiry-based INSET course to test the usefulness of theoretical change concepts for the understanding of individual change…

In an attempt to devise a methodology for characterizing children's intuitive theories of drug action, 217 children in Grades 1 to 6 were interviewed about how two substances, alcohol and cocaine, cause behavioral changes in their users. Measures tapped both structure (Piagetian complexity of causal reasoning, coherence, and construction of a…