The author, having had extensive experience teaching in primary schools, critically examines the "Plowden philosophy" which he finds incomplete rather than misguided or false. Specifically looks at what was to be learned, how the learner was conceived and what the role of the teacher was thought to be. (Author/RK)

Three hundred fifty-nine pupils in grades four through six were given a supplemental guided discovery mathematics program designed for Special Elementary Education For the Disadvantaged (SEED). The guided discovery group improved approximately twice as much as the control group in arithmetic computation, concepts, application, total score, and in…

Some uses of fruits and seeds to facilitate problem solving and cognitive processes in young children are suggested. (MR)

The results of this field experiment support the conjecture that when learning tasks involve the development of a mathematical structure, guided-discovery techniques involving dialectical dialogue may be a more viable alternative to conventional instruction than individualized instruction through expository or programmed packages. (MN)

Some reasons are given for the non-specialist student emerging from a statistics course having acquired a few techniques but no real statistical understanding. A cyclical problem-centered teaching approach is suggested, beginning with problems related to the students' own disciplines. (MN)

Teaching by learning activities is contrasted with teaching by objectives. Four types of learning activities are identified. (JT)

Twenty-three children in each of 2 first-grade classrooms were observed as they worked in pairs with the computer language Logo in a learning-by-discovery context. Describes children's behaviors related to planning, correction of errors, reflection, causality, and procedure-writing. (RJC)

This article outlines a series of investigations in graph theory which simultaneously gives exercises in visualization. It is argued that one of the advantages of classroom investigations is that students can be lead to an intuitive grasp of advanced mathematics. (PK)

An evaluation study of PLON, a new Dutch physics curriculum emphasizing context learning and inquiry learning, is summarized. Data from nine PLON classes (n=154) and six control classes (n=144) were used to investigate cognitive achievement, affective and attitudinal outcomes, and the classroom learning environment. (BS)

Patterns of addends are investigated. The activity is related to Dienes' learning theory. (DT)

Middle schools embrace exploration as a guiding principle across the school curriculum. Noting that the research on exploratory courses is sparse, this digest discusses what is known about exploratory curriculum in middle schools. The digest first looks at the role of exploratory curriculum, pointing out that the purpose of exploratory courses is…

Article focused on what music is and how sound materials are put together and manipulated to produce expressive forms of music. (Author/RK)

An experimental, independent study, history course is described by its designer who desired to evoke some enthusiasm for the study of history. His three basic guidelines were: (1) the library is the best classroom, (2) class activities should center around learning experiences, and (3) course content should be relevant to student needs. (7…

Adaptation of a speech given at a meeting of the New York University Education Alumni in 1972 when author was awarded the 1972 Award for Creative Leadership in Education. (DS)

Proposes a 4-part program, using the loose parts principle, to enable children to realize their creative potential. (SB)