Examines how results of research on the brain and learning can be applied to the education of middle level students. Considers neural, experimental, and reflective intelligence and the importance of emotion in learning. Suggests ways to use natural curiosity to enhance learning by introducing engaging problems and reflecting on the problem-solving…

Presents activities on problem solving, mathematical induction, proof by induction, and use of the phrase "without loss of generality." Provides a computer application illustrating recursive and iterative functions using C language. (ASK)

Details how a spreadsheet with graphics capabilities can be used to illustrate enzyme kinetics and explain how computer simulation of a reaction mechanism is accomplished. (DDR)

Details an activity in which students are challenged to consider real-world problems. Students collect and organize data on two fish species, examine the data mathematically, draw conclusions about the organisms with which they work, and extrapolate the results to other environments. (DDR)

One Swedish university designed a program based on problem solving to make student teachers more reflective about mathematics teaching and learning. Student teachers work cooperatively in small groups, with teacher educators facilitating. Preliminary evaluation suggests the program helps student teachers develop insight into the complexity of…

Illustrates how the details of a real-life traffic accident may be analyzed with simple physics to prove that evidence can be enough to convict a motorist of a serious offense. (DDR)

A former superintendent explains the value of teamwork for solving problems involving bus passes, budgets, and faculty attrition. His continuous-quality-improvement initiatives sparked creative impulses while underscoring the importance of redesigning work procedures and giving people the time and encouragement to be inventive. (MLH)

Presents a graduate course targeting the improvement of teaching and learning with regard to professional development. Argues that practicing teachers need opportunities to interact with one another and other individuals in the research community. Examines how private research and development works. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Discusses the need to motivate students to make information literacy programs successful and demonstrates how a middle school library media specialist used Small and Arnone's Motivation Overlay for Information Skills Instruction to build a set of customized toolkits to improve student research that includes the Big6[TM] approach to library and…

Introduces a Storm Trackers unit that uses actual hurricane data to track hurricane movements. Uses an inquiry-based teaching approach in a cooperative learning environment. (YDS)

Addresses the importance of social context when students are learning music and how social context may affect learning styles. Focuses on how teachers should respect students' different learning styles, presenting Harvard Project Zero as a program in which the learner is central to the educational process. (CMK)

The Applications in Biology/Chemistry (ABC) curriculum is a real-world approach designed for the middle 50% of secondary students who may not learn in a predominantly abstract way. Stressing contextual and cooperative learning, ABC features 10 laboratory exercises and other hands-on, problem-solving activities involving visits to job sites and…

Guidelines for implementing a problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics concepts and skills to students with mild disabilities include: establish connections to daily life; use visual presentations; use manipulatives; use peer-mediated instruction; provide models, cues, and prompts; teach self-management techniques and learning strategies;…

This paper summarizes basic research on response effort in diverse applied areas including deceleration of aberrant behavior, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oral habits, littering, and problem solving. The paper concludes that response effort as an independent variable has potent effects, and research exploring the applied benefits of…

This article defines collaborative consultation and teaching and discusses key skills for successful collaboration. Sample forms include a rating scale to evaluate team communication, a checklist to review roles and professional expectations, a lesson plan form, a form for identifying setting demands and classroom expectations, and an…