Relates how Charles Martin Hall discovered the method of making pure aluminum metal in 1886. Retraces the events and steps that led to the process of aluminum purification. Includes diagrams of the apparatus used in the investigations. (ML)

Today, because of the problem-solving skills necessary for successful 21st century living, students must be taught higher-order thinking skills. Principles intended to stimulate discussion about the appropriate means for teaching higher-order thinking are examined. (RM)

On-the-job experience is commonly regarded as the prime prerequisite for proficiency. This paper presents findings of a study that compared the ways in which a group of practicing elementary principals (n=31) and aspiring principals (n=25) thought their way through a case study. The study was conducted as part of the Cognitive Approaches to School…

Recommends a freshman year curriculum of one course each in quantitative and qualitative reasoning. The decision-making skills acquired would enable each student to assess his abilities and chart the course of his education. (WM)

Effective decision-making depends upon true communication among decision-makers. Futurists should develop fundamental thinking skills such as the ability to formulate good questions, consider alternative points of view, and set short- and long-range goals. By example and through education, the "tools of futuristics" can be employed usefully in…

Describes a study undertaken to determine why citizens who endorse democratic procedural norms in the abstract are unable to apply these norms to unpopular groups or actions. Findings indicated that principled thinkers surpass nonprincipled thinkers in applying democratic principles and that educators should work to facilitate development of civic…

Presents an overview of the four component parts of the activity of problem solving. These are the types of problems to be solved, the necessary prerequisites, the strategies, and the elements used in applying the strategies. (HM)

In studying the effects of different teaching methods on preschoolers' language abilities it was found that the productive training condition produced more generalized responding on other kinds of tasks. (Editor)

An innovative English teacher arranges a telephone interview with Mary Hemingway to inspire the class in their study of the works of Ernest Hemingway. (JD)

Urges that college composition students' critical thinking skills be refined so that they may analyze and reject the influence of mass culture. (DD)

A survey of 98 college professors regarding their creative writing habits and productivity found that creative productivity was significantly correlated with the use of forced incubation (deliberate time delay to allow naturally unenhanced incubation of ideas to occur). Professors who intentionally set aside manuscripts for a period of time to…

Lists nine strategies that help students move from being an "unreflective thinker" to a "master thinker," discussing in detail the last five strategies: reshaping character; dealing with egocentrism; redefining the way to see things; getting in touch with emotions; and analyzing group influences on life. (PGS)

Educators agree that a student can display gifted behavior and learning disabilities (GLD) simultaneously. Some of these students thrive when exploring advanced level investigative projects which require higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and creation of an original product. This article presents a GLD case story as an example of successful…