Two studies of third, sixth, and ninth graders were conducted to determine whether the children made judgments about both justice and interpersonal relations in conflict situations. Results demonstrate that concerns with justice and interpersonal relationships coexist in judgments of male and female children. The ways in which these concerns are…

Human behavior is governed by assumptions and beliefs ("theory-in-use"), yet individuals commonly explain their behavior in terms of a (different) "espoused" theory. Suggests reflective practice in counseling can only be achieved by counselors identifying their own theories-in-use through critical thinking. This task also…

Describes the development and use of the Verbal Plan and Evaluation program, an instructional model applicable for free play time and based on Vygotsky's view that teachers' active involvement in children's verbalization of planning and evaluating play activities facilitates the development of their mental processes. Presents teaching strategies…

In the past, the quantitative evidences of portfolio assessment have been explored under online instruction. Liu, Lin, and Yuan provide a long-term measure of peer-self, peer-instructor and self-instructor correlation coefficients under networked innovative assessment procedures. Analytical results indicated that undergraduate students could…

This report describes a program for advancing critical thinking skills in an integrated earth science geography course. The targeted population consists of high school freshmen from a growing, upper middle class, suburban community 40 miles west of Chicago. The information on these students comes from teacher observation, colleague surveys, and…

A study investigated the relationship between formal and conversational logic. Thirty-two male and 32 female college students evaluated the conclusions of conditional syllogism and participated in an interview adapted from Deanna Kuhn's (1991) monograph, "The Skills of Argument." Students were asked to provide explanations for several…

This book offers ideas and strategies for teaching thinking in schools. Sixteen chapters and a concluding discussion, each preceded by an introductory article, are written by experts recognized in their fields. The chapters include: (1) "Reading and Thinking with History and Science Text" (Isabel L. Beck and Janice A. Dole; (2) "Developing…

Posits that schools must help students evaluate their culture and seek social change where warranted. Analyzes features of rationality in the mandate that schools provide students with tools for reasoned, logical, and unpartisan social criticism. Suggests that radical theorists have not clearly proposed to schools rational structures for…

Twenty-four third-grade students were randomly assigned to groups receiving explanations of distinctions between environmental facts and opinions or explanations as well as specific examples. Students receiving specific examples scored significantly higher on distinguishing fact and opinion. Gender did not affect performance. (MDH)

Interviewed preschoolers about straightforward exclusion and inclusion for two gender stereotypic peer-group contexts: activities and role-play. Found that all children evaluated straightforward exclusion based on gender as wrong and used moral reasons. Preliminary inclusion decisions in the activity contexts were based on stereotypic…

Teaching critical thinking, a relatively new area and concept in physical education, can take the form of problem solving--the development and presentation of physical and mental problems that challenge students to reach a solution. Providing students with conceptually well-defined and designed problems can give physical education teachers an…

Classroom techniques are suggested for teaching English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students cognitive and academic skills needed for academic success, using the reading and analysis of folk tales. Skills targeted include comparing and contrasting, evaluating ideas, supporting claims with facts and evidence, organizing and grouping ideas, and using…

Discusses the limitations in the explain-practice and active learning methods of teaching mathematics. Proposes that problem-centered learning is a teaching method that encourages student reflection, and presents examples demonstrating that encouraging reflection results in greater mathematics achievement. (MDH)

This article discusses empowering thinking skills such as brainstorming, problem solving, analysis; comparison/contrast and how to cultivate these abilities in gifted children. Examples are given of ways for teachers to model thinking skills for students. The response of a student to the ideas of the article is included. (PB)

Profiles a class exercise that teaches the importance of developing an accurate definition of a psychological construct (guilt, control, altruism). The more precise the definition, the easier it is to choose an appropriate technique to measure that construct. Discusses the Health and Psychosocial Instrument File, a recent measurement database.…