Maintains that traditional science education presents students with scientific facts to be memorized and then regurgitated on tests. In problem-posing science education the emphasis lies on understanding rather than on memorization; on attitudes and skills rather than on retained knowledge. Three sample lessons are given. (Author/BC)

Forty-three preschoolers learned the concept of one-to-one correspondence by matched discovery, expository, or observational learning. The groups did not differ on short-term recall and near transfer, but the discovery group excelled on far transfer and delayed recall. The effect of guided discovery on broader learning outcomes was also discussed.…

Proposes new approaches to engineering education. Adaptability is central to the idea of developing flexible adults able to cope with a changing world. Stresses the need to educate students for a continuous, life-long education. This is seen as the role of the university. (MA)

Explains a unified approach to using the computer as a teaching tool for helping students discover concepts and principles involved in geometry. Describes the Geometric Supposer series which allows students to develop constructions and measure angles, areas, and circumferences. States that supplemental materials are also available. (RT)

Argues that exploring a familiar topic or examination question in a novel manner is a useful way to find topics for mathematical investigation in the classroom. The example used to illustrate the premise is a quadratic equation. (PK)

Logo creator Seymour Papert discusses ways Logo can be improved to accommodate different learning styles and strengthen word processing and list processing capabilities. In an interview, Papert discusses computers' influences on learning, Logo's underlying concepts, teacher use of Logo, Logo's discovery learning approach, and development of Logo…

A useful approach for developing insights and discovering patterns is to examine numbers in relation to the number of their divisors. A teaching procedure for this approach is presented, with questions, answers, and homework suggestions. (MNS)

Argues in favor of the lecture method of presenting information to students. (FL)

Students from suburban Boston schools were participants in a survival trip program. Accompanied by adults, the students were taken blindfolded to areas across town. Their goal was to find their way back to the school. To do this, students had to make full use of their environmental resources. (MA)

Teaching art at the elementary level provides the student and the teacher with the opportunity to develop artistic skills and enhance awareness of the world and its varied cultures. Art provides the chance to gain an appreciation of the various styles of art and artists. Art education allows for students' individual growth; unique, valuable…

Creating a nonthreatening atmosphere, drawing out introverted participants, and relating the lessons of programmed activities to everyday life are a few of the challenges of quality processing (debriefing). At times, alternative methods of processing open doors when straightforward questioning does not. In some instances, alternative methods serve…

Spatial dynamics is an instructional strategy whereby students create large scale models that capture the details of a historic event. This Digest discusses classroom floor models and papier mache models. Floor models are best suited to elementary classrooms and middle schools. Papier mache models, appropriate for high school social studies…

Effective argumentation is the distinguishing feature of a classroom that employs discovery teaching and student inquiry methodologies. In the long term, the objective of the program is to understand how to design learning environments and curriculum, instruction, and assessment models that promote student self-reflection. The study evaluates the…

This book presents a collection of essays on building collaborative communities in which democratic principles of education may be recognized, focusing on learning and teaching through inquiry. After (1) "The Development of a Community of Inquirers" (Gordon Wells), there are three parts. Part 1, "Inquiries in the Elementary…

A study investigated students' perceptions about their interactions while using a Literacy Play Center geared toward social studies with a "time machine" theme. Subjects, 19 fifth-grade students in a suburban elementary school in central New Jersey, were interviewed about their experience and video taped while interacting in the play…