5th graders (n=527) were randomly assigned to self-explain worked examples (WE) or solve problems during a yearlong study. WE students learned more algebra skills when given algebra worked examples on an end-of-year transfer measure. Comparing attempts, conceptual, and mechanical correctness by condition, results demonstrated that the condition…

Being part of the German didactic tradition, reflective thinking was first coined by Wilhelm von Humboldt two-century ago. Reflective thinking helps individuals to develop strategies in order to overcome the problems that they encounter. Investigating the reflective thinking skills of students for problem solving is important to identify students…

When implementing large-scale educational computing initiatives (e.g., One Laptop Per Child) it is vital to allocate resources for training, support, and device deployment judiciously. One question that arises is how learners' engagement with online educational resources is affected by receiving a new computer; do the benefits justify the costs?…

Research shows that U.S. students continue to lag behind in science and mathematics internationally (Fleischman, Hopstock, Pelczar, & Shelley, 2010; Provasnik et al., 2012). A recent study found there is a direct link between students' mastery of academic subjects and their ability to collaboratively problem solve, a critical 21st century…

Using memorized rules and algorithms without coherence and understanding is a perennial problem for teachers and students especially in the teaching and learning of fraction operations. I present data in which prospective middle school teachers explain a commonly used rule for fraction division--keep-change-flip. I argue that using both strip…

The aim of the research was to explore the levels of cognitive loading induced by certain tenets of constructivist pedagogy namely self-directed learning complex questions and zone of proximal development. The study also sought to investigate the associations between these constructs and with cognitive loading and complex questions. Data for the…

Prior work has found benefits of interpersonal closeness, or rapport, on student learning, but has primarily investigated its impact on learning outcomes, not learning processes. Moreover, such work often analyzes the direct impact of dyadic features like rapport on learning, without considering the role played by individual factors, such as…

To gain insight into complex sustainability problems and acknowledge complexity is essential and can be achieved by creating an overview of the entire system, including interaction between variables. Therefore, systems thinking is recognized as a vital cognitive skill required to grasp complex global problems. Nevertheless, the implementation of…

Reflective self-questioning arises within the workplace when people are confronted with professional problems and situations. This paper focuses on reflective and "situated reflective" questions in terms of self-questioning and professional workplace problem solving. In our view, the situational context, entailed by the setting, social…

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the SCAMPER technique in raising awareness among science students regarding the collection and utilization of solid waste. The participants included a total of 65 third-year students. According to the study results, the science students described schools and visual media as their main source of…

Counterfeiting and adulteration of prescription drugs, herbal products, and food supplements are a global challenge, causing serious economic loss to drug marketers and health implications for humans. Accordingly, accurate determination of the purity of pharmaceuticals is critical for the quality assurance of prescription drugs. Herein, the first…

Subjective cognitive load (CL) rating scales are widely used in educational research. However, there are still some open questions regarding the point of time at which such scales should be applied. Whereas some studies apply rating scales directly after each step or task and use an average of these ratings, others assess CL only once after the…

Linear programming (LP) is an application of graphing linear systems that appears in many Algebra 2 textbooks. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, linear programming blends seamlessly into modeling with mathematics, the fourth Standard for Mathematical Practice (CCSSI 2010, p. 7). In solving a…

This analysis of a problem that is frequently posed at professional development workshops, in print, and on the Web--the coffee-milk mixture riddle--illustrates the timeless advice of George Pólya's masterpiece on problem solving in mathematics, "How to Solve It." In his book, Pólya recommends that problems previously solved and put…

Today's working life is increasingly characterized by entrepreneurial challenges. Entrepreneurial challenges start at an individual level with the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities, which is acknowledged as one of the key competencies for lifelong learning. Since the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities relies heavily on…