In this paper, we report on a series of algebra classes with a group of low-income, African American mothers of elementary-aged children who had limited and negative formal experiences with algebra. We drew from United States reform-oriented elementary mathematics curricular materials in the classes. The women initially arrived to the class out of…

According to the NCTM reform suggestions, when teachers are orchestrators of student interactions, students adopt a more active role in explaining and learning mathematics. This research, which mapped the nature and role of meaningful mathematical discourse, provides insights into discursive practices that lead to rich mathematical interactions.…

The mathematical behaviors of a group of seventh grade students were observed as part of a longitudinal study of how children build mathematical ideas. The children, having built representations of their solutions to a combinatorics task, were challenged by their teacher to explain and discuss their ideas, and to extend them to similar situations.…

Since 1991, the National Science Foundation has conducted a series of annual competitions for awards to states under the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) program. This document reports on the progress of 21 SSI initiatives through the 1992-93 academic year. In chapter 1, "Introduction," a framework for assessing systemic reform is…

A study examined whether the technique of having students ask "active questions" (in the form of "I understand that...but I don't understand...") enhanced critical thinking and overall performance in the classroom. Subjects, 164 students in six tenth-grade biology sections and four junior-senior astronomy/geology sections,…

This pamphlet discusses the use of questioning in the college classroom and its contribution to learning. Starting with a brief examination of the ways children question, discussions cover: (1) the effects of linguistic and socio-linguistic characteristics in questioning; (2) questions in psychotherapy, law, and opinion polling; (3) classroom…

Questioning is one of the most popular modes of teaching, but it has the capacity to turn a child off to learning if done incorrectly. This digest provides teachers with information on the types of questions and questioning behaviors that can facilitate the learning process and on the types of questions that are ineffective. Good questions foster…

Race-relations training is primarily an interpersonal process based on developing understanding between two or more individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The use of a question and answer format in race-relations training can encourage better cross-race understanding and interaction. Race-relations trainers need to develop the capacity…

The purpose of this paper is to present classroom teachers with a succinct, practical explanation of how to teach reading comprehension. An approach to the systematic teaching of comprehension which is based on practical interpretation of current research and theory is presented. Examples are given that will assist any teacher who is responsible…

Author attempted to outline a concept of logic that involves standards of correct reasoning as well as some idea of how these might be carried out in a classroom. (Author/RK)

Describes a lesson that utilized inquiry to teach the students a scientific concept and to emphasize the fact that they shouldn't jump to conclusions. (LS)

Describes 10- to 14-year old children's responses to open-ended questions about political leaders in Britain, France, and United States in light of political socialization literature. For journal availability see SO 504 327. (ND)

The notion that student generated questions or instructor generated questions of a recalled prose passage will better aid learning is examined. (DEP)

Various classroom questioning techniques are examined. Emphasis is placed on using questions that require higher cognitive operations by the student. This journal is available from 307 Peabody, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514.