Provides a set of guidelines that has been developed to aid students in meeting various reading, learning, and study needs while internalizing the fundamentals of problem solving. The code words for the steps in the suggested problem-solving process are: count, characterize, consider, collect, and create. (MKM)

Using the design and production of a ceramic container as a student activity, the authors present a method to involve industrial arts students in creative problem solving. Students are provided with a problem that requires them to inventory their industrial arts facilities and available materials to solve the problem. (CT)

Presents a six-step problem-solving process which the author has used to present creative science investigations to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. (Author/SJL)

The learning station process approach to curriculum enrichment in gifted education is considered. Key aspects of such an approach, including facilitator availability, spontaneity, flexibility, individualized and creative problem solving, and individual programing, are described. (CL)

Different approaches to the teaching of elementary science are discussed. These include discussion inquiry, the counterintuitive approach, pictorial riddles, inventions, experiments, and demonstrations. (RLV)

The inhibiting effect of symbols on the learning of mathematics is discussed. (MK)

An accessory to a principal's repertoire of techniques used in managing administrative task areas is the role of the principal as an administrative gamesman. (Author/MLF)

Suggests activities that can assist in learning how to develop hypotheses. (HOD)

Argues that objectives-based planning, the most common and most institutionalized approach to college and university planning in the United Kingdom, is inappropriate for complex or large-scale planning. Presents 10 specific criticisms of this approach, and offers problem-based planning--formulating problems and seeking to find the impediments to…

There are no quick fixes to any problems that school systems face. The best solution lies in building a common approach to solving problems utilizing an established procedure; an interactive process; and a trained team of administrators, teachers, and nonteaching staff members. (MLF)

Presents an activity to involve students in mathematical communication and creative thinking. The activity is similar to the "pass it along" gossip game in which each person in a chain adds a piece of information. The class analyzes the resulting mathematics problem using George Polya's problem-solving techniques. (MKR)

Describes the use of chess instruction to develop abstract thinking skills and problem solving among gifted students. Offers suggestions for starting school chess programs, teaching and evaluating chess skills, and measuring the success of both student-players and the program in general. (PB)

Information on writing competitions for elementary and secondary grade students is provided including the Future Problem Solving Program, the Scenario Writing Program, the Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest, and the "Kids Are Authors" contest. Summarizes four references for young authors on getting published. (DB)

The problem-solving method of teaching and learning is recommended, to provide for the intellectual and artistic needs of all students, including gifted students. The method encourages a diversity of strengths by involving children of many abilities in a shared activity. A third-grade social studies unit illustrates use of the approach. (JDD)

Discusses the integration of decision-making exercises into biology courses. (MKR)