While problem identification is a key stage in creative problem solving, many gifted students may rush to begin developing solutions before they have spent sufficient time accurately identifying the underlying problem or opportunity. As a result, they may develop irrelevant or hackneyed solutions. Despite the importance of problem finding,…

Effective and data-driven math instruction can maximize student learning and achievement. This Spotlight will help analyze best practices for developing math word problems; explore how showing students both the correct and incorrect solutions can improve their understanding; investigate math 'fact fluency' and strategies for strengthening it;…

While social and emotional learning (SEL) is most familiar as compartmentalized programs separate from academics, the truth is, all learning is social and emotional. What teachers say, the values we express, the materials and activities we choose, and the skills we prioritize all influence how students think, see themselves, and interact with…

Computational thinking (CT) is considered a fundamental skill that everyone in the 21st century should have. Game-based learning (GBL) may be used to teach CT, and it's necessary to clarify how to design and implement game-based CT teaching. The literature was systematically searched for empirical studies published between 2011 and 2021.…

The ability to think creatively and self-regulated learning is very important in learning mathematics, in order to train students to develop their creativity. But in reality, mathematics learning that is currently happening has not been able to develop mathematical creative thinking skills and increase students' self-regulated learning. The…

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the components and indicators of learning skills in the 21st century of the students, 2) to study the current conditions, desirable conditions and the need for learning skills development in the 21st century of the students, and 3) to develop strategies for the 21st learning skills development of…

New York City is one of several large school districts around the country that are actively working to promote "computer science for all" students. Launched in 2015, NYC's CS4All initiative aims to ensure that all public school students learn computer science--especially female, Black, and Latinx students, who are starkly…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) opened up new possibilities for how student and school success are defined and supported in American public education. States have greater responsibility for designing and building their assessment and accountability systems. These new opportunities to develop performance assessments are critically important…

This author encourages librarians to play some video games to get ready for the upcoming school year. Games aren't just for young males--they have tremendous potential to enhance 21st-century literacies, including critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Playing games will not only help librarians see how these skills can be developed, but…

Since the founding of the Nation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have been a source of inspirational discoveries and transformative technological advances, helping the United States develop the world's most competitive economy and preserving peace through strength. The pace of innovation is accelerating globally, and with…

With the increasing attention and surge of empirical research in providing academic instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes the need to provide teachers with research-supported strategies. Using one evidence-based strategy for teaching mathematics to students with high incidence disabilities, and another for teaching…

The underachievement of students in the US is a growing and significant problem. When guided by the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice, research has shown service-learning results in increased academic achievement among middle and high school students. This study focused on identifying the impact of service learning interventions…

Policymakers and practitioners at the local, state, and federal levels have invested considerable time and energy into solving the problem of turning around chronically low-performing schools. As the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) has refined the federal effort to support states and districts to turn schools around, it has adopted…

Student learning communities (SLCs) are more than just a different way of doing group work. Like the professional learning communities they resemble, SLCs provide students with a structured way to solve problems, share insight, and help one another continually develop new skills and expertise. With the right planning and support, dynamic…

If you've ever asked yourself whether problem-based learning (PBL) can bring new life to both your teaching and your students' learning, here's your answer: Yes. This all-in-one guide will help you engage your students in scenarios that represent real-world science in all its messy, thought-provoking glory. The scenarios will prompt K-12 students…