Abstract: "Middle school students lack efficient problem solving skills due to several factors. The writing
process has been linked to the development of students' problem solving skills. The present study
investigated the impact of the writing process on the mathema
tical problem solving skills for middle
grades students. N = 96 students participated in a six weeks, after school STEM program, and they
were randomly assigned into two groups: one focused on the writing process with mathematical
problem solving and the o
ther on homework/high stakes test preparation with mathematical
problem solving. In this quantitative study, the results provide evidence that the students from the
writing process group were more likely to generate and apply better problem solving skills
as
compared to the control group. This study further contributes to the support and importance of
integrating different subjects across the generalized learning realm"
Part of a series considering options for college-bound students, this column emphasizes the importance of quantitative skills across the curriculum and workforce.
From the abstract: "this study investigated how the perspectives of the non-computer science educators changed after learning game-programming and how it could be fitted into the K-12 curriculum. Fourteen non-computer science educators and/or administrators in the K - 16 educational systems who made up a cohort at Sam Houston State University, Master of Education/Instructional Technology Program participated in this study. The participants were required to learn two free Web 2.0 game-programming applications and reflect on an article related to reviving interest in math and science as part of their program. Qualitative data consisted of online reflections, and peer-review processes through Facebook. A quantitative component was added to the analysis. The findings indicated that: (a) the perspectives of the participants changed from negative to positive as they reflected on their own game-programming learning experiences; (b) participants came to understand how game programming could build up students' logical concepts and critical thinking skills improving performances in math, science, and other subjects; and (c) due to the benefits of logical concepts and critical thinking skills game programming could have immense benefits if built into the K-12 curriculum."
An oped by the executive director of the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications and a Brown University professor argue that different math skills are needed for different life applications and high school math curriculum should be adjusted accordingly.