This study addressed predictors of the development of word problem solving (WPS) across the intermediate grades. At beginning of 3rd grade, 4 cohorts of students (N = 261) were measured on computation, language, nonverbal reasoning skills, and attentive behavior and were assessed 4 times from beginning of 3rd through end of 5th grade on 2 measures…

Four students participated in a two year study (fifth- and sixth-grade) focused on the development of their understanding of multiplication of fractions. During the first year, all students received individualized instruction designed to encourage them to build on their informal knowledge of partitioning to solve problems involving multiplication…

Responds to William Bigelow's 1989 article which was being used in a fifth grade classroom. Questions the approach taken by the teacher and focuses on how children can be most productively involved in the kind of critical reading Bigelow advocates. Discusses the use of "I-Charts" (inquiry charts) to foster critical reading. (MG)

This collection is the result of a program in self expression in which 30 fifth-grade students contemplated to music every other day throughout the school year--each child completed approximately 120 thinking or contemplation periods. The procedure used in the program operated in the following way: (1) 5 to 15 minutes of music played while the…

This document describes the implementation of a practicum intervention designed to improve the analytic abilities of academically above-average fifth and sixth graders in a class that emphasized academic excellence. When students were tested on the development of complex thinking abilities, several areas needing improvement were identified. A…

Effects of the Future Problem-Solving Program on the ability of 29 gifted fourth graders and 32 gifted fifth graders to solve futuristic problems similar to those used in the program were studied. Results indicate a significant effect of the program on solution of this type of problem. (SLD)

Grade five students' (n=58) conceptual understanding of plate tectonics was measured by analysis of student-generated summaries and diagrams, and by posttest assessment of both the spatial/static and causal/dynamic aspects of the domain. The diagram group outperformed the summary and text-only groups on the posttest measures. Discusses the effects…

The view of the researcher is that students in the upper elementary to middle school range need to increase their problem-solving skills by making logical deductions and organizing and structuring their thoughts through the use of word problems. Giving children a daily word problem challenged and introduced them to the lesson. This activity…

Studies have shown that adults can recognize and recall material they have learned but not understood. When the material must be understood to be applied, however, comprehenders and noncomprehenders are not equally successful. An experiment using 63 fifth-grade students found the same pattern of results for children. (Author/TD)

A comparative study of parent-child interaction and its relation to children's intellectual achievement is presented in examining the question of cultural continuities in cognitive development. Problem-solving behavior of fifth graders with their mothers from urban settings in Peru and the United States (N=64) was videotaped. In contrast to…

The purpose of this study was to investigate students developing understanding of concepts related to rate of change. Twenty students first participated in a rate of change curriculum unit as part of an after school math and technology program. During the unit, students used motion detectors and related graphing software to create and analyze…

A research project implemented a program to increase skills in critiquing art at the elementary level. The targeted population consisted of students in fifth grade in a lower-to-middle-class community located in western Illinois. Evidence used to support the problem's existence included the local visual art assessment test, teacher observations,…

In an attempt to determine the level of questioning according to Bloom's taxonomy, generated by test items that accompany selected fifth-grade science textbooks, an analysis of the tests provided by three of the most commonly used elementary science textbooks was completed. Additionally this analysis examined the extent to which each series…

Examines the effectiveness of the Direct Instruction program "Reasoning and Writing" in improving the writing and reasoning abilities of gifted fifth-grade students. Notes significant improvement in writing skills of students using "Reasoning and Writing," yet no significant difference in reasoning skills. Provides implications…

Describes a study of fifth graders that was conducted to determine the relationship among cognitive style, the structuring of the knowledge domain as controlled by the hypermedia software, and the test performance of the learner in terms of cognitive skill levels. Hypothesis testing and results of analysis of covariance are discussed. (Author/LRW)