The Test of Logical Thinking in Science and tape recordings and notes from a scientific inquiry lesson were used to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the regular and new science programs in developing scientific thinking among elementary school pupils. The findings, limited by sample size and short-term experimental design, indicated that the…

The problem of this research was to construct a list of behaviorally specifiable objectives for secondary school teachers to use in teaching the higher cognitive skills (ie., problem solving, rational thinking, and discovery) as well as subject matter. Process, as contrasted with content, was the focus. The specific Thought Process Objectives are…

Investigated the effects of the reading and logical thinking abilities of average and below-average students in urban high schools on learning outcomes of using the Intermediate Sciences Curriculum Study (ISCS) level and materials. (HM)

Discusses a study which compared differences in ratio construction made by high school freshman and junior students. Reports that more freshmen than juniors selected solutions involving one variable, whereas juniors chose solutions that coordinated two variables in a mathematical or verbal rule. Reviews implications in problem solving and concept…

This study was developed to provide advice to teachers on how to use rules in teaching experimental design in science classes. A review is presented on the use of rule in science teaching and the effects of instructional treatments are assessed on Canadian high school students' skills of experimental design. (ML)

Discusses several themes that are basic to thinking about the potential impact of technology on learning. These include learning by doing, enhancing students' abilities to play with ideas, students' mental processes of reasoning and problem solving, and motivating students to learn. (CT)

Argues that many interventions for introducing Aboriginal children to literacy continue to be based on "language deficit" models. Examines whether there is indeed a mismatch between the nonstandard spoken language of some Aboriginal children and textbook language. (RAE)

The author addresses two types of classroom activities: strategic games and games of conflict. It is suggested that each has an important role to play in many areas of mathematics. In addition to providing examples of games, the author reflects on the processes involved in using the activities. (PK)

The psychological and methodological bases of the Agassi teaching method are described to provide a context for evaluating the theory. A brief history of Selzian psychology and Popper's methodology is given. The Agassi method, which stresses learning through questioning, is detailed. (JL)

Examines some of the assumptions associated with attempts to define the "engineering method." Critiques a previously stated definition of this method, and offers an alternative definition that attempts to include the ideas put forth in the previous definition. Discusses the use of engineering heuristics in both definitions. (TW)

Reviews for three software packages are given. These include "Equation Math," consisting of three programs for exploring graphs of the equations; "Recycling Logic," instructing students in the basics of reasoning; and "Turboplot-3D," intended for university-level mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer courses. (PK)

Presents a variety of examples through which kindergarten and primary grade children can engage in significant problem solving. The suggested activities use materials in a problem solving context to permit children to experiment, to create, and to make measurements. (PK)

Dartmouth Medical School offers a problem-based internal medicine clerkship structured to give students an opportunity to think critically through real patient cases with unknown diagnoses and allow faculty to evaluate students' problem-solving skills, clinical judgments, and reasoning without the influence of residents. (MSE)

Would-be lawyers would be well served by undergraduate study of the humanities. Law is by nature a humanistic discipline, and a law student who studies the humanities thoroughly could acquire the discipline to find the riches of value and meaning in law because he will have brought those riches to the law. (Author/MSE)

Approaches to developing the college curriculum and teaching techniques to cultivate or enhance the student's capacity for abstract logical reasoning are discussed, and their implications for testing and faculty development are explored briefly. (MSE)