An exercise is presented for the purpose of understanding and determining area which involves using a balance as opposed to algorithms or computation. (MN)

The authors present a computational skills laboratory exercise for ecology conscious students. (MN)

This paper traces the historical attention problem solving has received as a major curriculum goal from the Dewey School of 1896 to the 1970's. (MN)

The author provides a brief view of issues and developments in the field of problem solving in the light of progress made as well as implications for the future. (MN)

The author discusses the use of free-hand drawing, the modified Socratic teaching method, and the differentiation of mathematical language from colloquial usage as techniques which he has found helpful in creating a positive classroom environment for teaching problem solving. (MN)

The authors trace the growing concern over mathematics and its relationship to other disciplines in the curriculum of the secondary schools from the early 1960's. The case is then argued for a mathematics curriculum in which students become heavily involved in solving problems which are interdisciplinary and are real and of interest to them. (MN)

This study investigates "wait times" in elementary science classes-the pauses between a teacher's question and a student's answer and between a student's answer and a teacher's response. Among the findings were indications that longer "wait times" promote increased student participation in problem solving, decision making, the structuring of the…

Some one dimensional search procedures for finding optimal solutions to a unimodal function are explored. (MN)

Described is the development of a simulation, or model of an existing congested pedestrian crossing situation by elementary school students in order to conduct trials of their solutions. (MN)

Analyzed are textbook word problems that are typically used as applications of mathematics and shows some of the difficulties in making these problems realistic. A discussion and examples of sources of genuine mathematical applications in real life follows. (MN)

Examples of possible methods for unobtrusively evaluating student progress through real problem solving outcomes without formal testing are illustrated. These methods include the use of interviews, artifacts, observations, I learned statements, checklists, flow of discussion charts, and self-awareness exercises. (MN)

The authors propose that electronic calculators can be perceived as function generators rather than mere computational aids and can be used to investigate function concepts such as domain, range, composition, inverse, correspondence and so on. (MN)

This paper focuses on Islamic Art with its characteristic complex geometric patterns as an instance of mathematical constructs being used as a solution for artistic problems. (MN)

Emphasis is placed on motivating children in problem solving situations by choosing effective questions and attractive unusual materials, considering the ability and frustration level of each child, and by utilizing the help and advice that is available to a teacher. (MN)

Suggests criteria to be used in the selection of a standardized test. Analyzes 12 standardized middle school science tests according to the percentage of questions in each of Bloom's categories. (CP)