Mathematical problems generated by 509 middle school students who were given story-problem descriptions and asked to pose questions that could be answered using the information were examined for solvability, linguistic and mathematical complexity, and relationships within the sets of posed problems. The multiple-step data analysis scheme can be…

Two experiments investigated kindergarten through fourth-graders' and adults' ability to evaluate the certainty of deductive inferences, inductive inferences, and guesses, and explain the origins of inferential knowledge. Findings indicated that children rated their own deductions as more certain than guesses, but when judging another person's…

A study of 348 Canadian students (grades 6-8) identified as gifted by domain-general criteria, investigated whether the students would score at similar levels on linguistic, logical/mathematical, and social/emotional measures or whether their scores would indicate domain-differentiated patterns of development. Results indicate the students had…

Investigates uses of interactive geometry software to enhance students' understanding and reasoning about two-dimensional shapes. Describes basic principles that underlie high-quality geometry instruction. Presents examples that illustrate how appropriate use of dynamic software can enhance students' geometric reasoning. (KHR)

The theory that the rationality characteristic of the intellectual tasks performed by scientists is linked to the ways they organize their professional lives is extended to science teaching. It is proposed that the forms of rationality typical of scientists' thinking may be irrelevant or even invalid in the college classroom. (MSE)

Effective deliberation in teaching relies upon situational appreciation. This article examines some of the central issues and confusing claims in the current debate over the notion of practical arguments as a way of better understanding how teachers think when they deliberate about what to do in the classroom. (IAH)

Describes how to develop students' communication skills, regular study habits, basic mathematics skills, and a talent for logical thinking in a calculus class. Eight references are listed. (YP)

Describes opportunities for inquiry-based science learning which can be found in a picture, a set of comparative data, a table, an article, or a phenomenon that illustrates a space/time relationship. Provides a general model of inquiry. (RT)

Assesses the role of science topic instruction combined with logical reasoning strategy instruction in teaching high school students about blood pressure problems. Reports positive effects of the combined instruction compared to science topic instruction. (Author/YP)

Describes a course in critical thinking, or practical logic, that was developed at Athabasca University for distance education students. The course emphasis on critical writing is explained, students' problems are discussed, a four-step method for analyzing and evaluating arguments and theories is described, and future course revisions are…

Proposes three framing assumptions for the study of thinking, involving situated cognition, personal and social epistemologies, and conceptual competence. Outlines evidence consistent with these assumptions, and discusses topics in the psychology of thinking in relation to the assumptions. (Author/BJV)

Summarizes research that contrasts the approaches and attitudes of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Supplies a categorized list of problem solver characteristics. (RT)

An optimistic view of the potential of evaluation to be a force for social improvement is presented. The most important unfinished task for evaluation may be to expand the logic of value judgments. In addition, the social usefulness of evaluation will depend on its credibility and the professionalism of evaluators. (SLD)

Described are the variations found between the western and African versions of the same logic puzzle. It is demonstrated that mathematical ideas are of concern in traditional non-Western cultures as well as in the West. (KR)

Children's analogical reasoning has traditionally been measured by classical four-term analogy tasks or problem-solving tasks. Current theories of analogical development and the evidence on which they are based are reviewed. It is concluded that structural views of analogical development are wrong, and knowledge-based accounts of what develops are…