The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of guided discovery and concrete materials on mathematics learning. From the seventh grade of one school, 40 students were selected who were at least one standard deviation above or below the mean on two mathematics achievement tests. Five high ability and five low ability were then…

This document is a compilation of weekly reports written by the unit-based teachers in the Ypsilanti Preschool Demonstration Project. The purpose of the unit-based program is to supply preschoolers with the necessary educational and social skills to adapt readily to a kindergarten curriculum. The success of the program depends almost entirely upon…

Two issues inhibit full utilization of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The first of these issues concerns authorship of CAI programs. Should it be left with classroom teachers or given to specially trained instructional design teams? The latter approach is preferable for "mainline" systems (those systems that are specifically designed to…

Learning systems or creativity games are innovative strategies for teaching a variety of subjects with maximum rewards for teachers and students alike. By definition, learning systems are in opposition to the conventional teaching formula. They are productivity rather than procedurally oriented, and they rely on discovery rather than reception…

An alternative to teacher dominance, inquiry-based learning permits greater choices for the student and thereby encourages initiative and responsibility. Flexible modular (flex-mod) schedules that permit student inquiry can be adapted to fit nearly any teaching situation. For example, a tenth-grade history class is divided into four groups:…

When a simple game was presented as a challenge to a primary-school girl, she solved the problem, and went on to generalize her solution. (SD)

Suggests that children learn about society's history and traditions by focusing on those societal relationships which are meaningful to them personally. The school should be thought of as a laboratory for understanding, appreciating, and engaging reflectively in real-life experince. (Author/AV)

Properties of a given array of numbers are discussed and some sample activity cards involving discovery of number patterns are presented. (MP)

Numerous mathematical examples are presented which illustrate and raise questions about students' tendencies to overgeneralize. (BB)

Describes how the synthesis of urea, 150 years ago, was a major factor in breaking the artificial barrier that existed between organic and inorganic chemistry, and this contributed to the rapid growth of organic chemistry. (GA)

The effectiveness of guided and nonguided instructional strategies for teaching psychomotor skills is reviewed from the perspectives of learning theories, psychomotor research, transfer of learning, and the function and desirability of making errors in the learning process. (EVH)

Reports on a survey of 72 schools and 51 teachers who have used the Nuffield Combined Science program. The study sought to determine teachers' opinions of material suitability, discovery learning, and to describe physical characteristics of schools using the program. (CP)

Evaluates the use of meditation as a basis for a descriptive writing assignment in advanced composition. (MS)

Discusses advantages and limitations of database software in meeting the educational objectives of history instruction; reviews five currently available computer programs (FACTFILE, QUEST, QUARRY BANK 1851, Census Analysis, and Beta Base); highlights major considerations that arise in designing such programs; and describes their classroom use.…

An intuitive approach to exponential functions is described. Microcomputers are used to aid discovery of derivatives. (MNS)