Describes a computer curriculum for 7- to 12-year-old children which is designed to integrate the computer into multiple subject areas and stimulate the development and sharpening of critical-thinking skills. The course is divided into eight conceptual units, each containing educational computer games or simulations and some related off-line…

Shows how to use a student-created character, Stanley Realbozo, in a highly motivating unit on character and plot development in the short story. (MM)

Dental instructors are encouraged to use questioning techniques more frequently in clinical and preclinical courses, to stimulate independent thinking. The characteristics of questioning, types of questions, reluctance to use the techniques, strategies with various student types, and strategies for awkward situations are discussed. (MSE)

Examined effect of two classroom climates (discovery and nondiscovery) on learning of science process skills and content achievement of college students (N=78). Results indicate that students in both climates achieved equally well, but students in the discovery climate achieved higher process scores as measured by the Welch Science Process…

Argues that students must be encouraged to discover their personal reactions to literature rather than to parrot the teacher's response. (MM)

Argues that there should be no equation between modern methods of teaching science and discovery methods, suggesting that the emphasis on discovery has resulted from confused thinking among science educators. Also, describes research-based developments promising better theoretical/practical perspectives for improved science teaching, focusing on…

To improve the quality of schooling, the Paideia Proposal calls for a single, required, 12-year course in general, humanistic learning, followed by any of three types of postsecondary institutions. The Paideia curriculum covers knowledge acquisition, intellectual development, and understanding of ideas but also requires improved, active teaching…

Compared direct and exploration methods of teaching overhand throwing to kindergartners. Children in the exploration treatment practiced with various balls and targets. Children given direct instruction threw only one type of ball and received specific demonstrations. The two methods did not produce different levels of throwing skill. (Author/SJL)

A series of lessons designed to promote problem-solving skills by encouraging students to write programs is presented. All samples of solutions are written in BASIC. (MP)

The relationship between locus of control and three dimensions of discovery learning was investigated. Mathematics students were assigned to treatments differing in level of guidance, inductive or deductive sequencing, or use of small groups. Aptitude-treatment interaction occurred between locus of control and small-group instruction. (Author/GK)

Compares the effectiveness of interactive free choice learning experiences to and combined with the lecture-demonstration approach in teaching sixth-grade children (N=50) to criticize and control experiments. Results contradict Piagetian theory regarding the importance of interactive experiences and exposure to materials in fostering these…

Preservice teacher education candidates need to learn a more flexible approach in teaching behavioral objectives. Modified behavioral objectives can be achieved through a creative teaching sequence. The creative teaching sequence, a set of lessons which promotes the development of students' problem solving abilities, attempts to unify the concepts…

Allowing students to use a polystyrene cutter to fashion their own three-dimensional models is suggested as a means of allowing individuals to experience problems and develop ideas related to solid geometry. A list of ideas that can lead to mathematical discovery is provided. (MP)

The roles and uses of symbols in mathematical thinking are discussed. The thinking process is further subdivided into specialization, generalization, and reasoning. (MP)

Student exploration at a secondary school level of fraction relationships using special graphs is described. (MP)