Discusses definitions of problem solving, various theories related to teaching problem solving, and how they relate to teaching problem solving to engineering students. (MLH)

Describes the nature and use of a "strategy", an organized approach that breaks down the overall mental task of problem-solving into stages, providing details of the McMaster Six-Step Strategy. Also provides instructions for working through a Whimby pair series of problems and the Schoenfeld management approach. (JN)

Discusses research into problem-solving skills that have caused the theoretical methods of teaching and learning problem solving to evolve rapidly. Presents issues and questions that still need to be explored. (PR)

Describes challenges to presenting a course in problem solving. (SL)

Discusses activities involved in a six-hour workshop program on creativity. Also describes: (1) sources of background information on creativity; (2) ways to evaluate skills in creativity; (3) articles and ideas on creativity and problem-solving, including predictors of problem-solving success; and (4) how to find time to teach problem-solving. (JN)

The implications of the interaction between knowledge acquisition and problem solving are discussed. Options for the teaching of problem solving are listed including: giving students the opportunity to solve many problems, facilitating students' exploration of the mental processes used to solve problems, and providing explicit training in the…

Discusses the use of self-directed learning in a large group class. Describes a workshop for developing group communication skills. (YP)

Presents: (1) a list of ideas for teaching problem-solving; (2) a review of a problem-solving book used in medical education; and (3) a discussion of an approach called problem-based learning. (DH)

Describes an attempt on the part of an engineering faculty to develop problem-solving skills in its undergraduate students. It includes a course description in problem solving. (SA)

Suggested are ways that problem solving can be integrated into existing college courses. Modification of assignments, reduction of class examples, developing the structure of knowledge, finding time to teach process skills, and developing student awareness are discussed. A self-assessment form for students is included. (CW)

Summarizes research that contrasts the approaches and attitudes of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Supplies a categorized list of problem solver characteristics. (RT)

Describes the interactions and applications of three models of learning: Bloom's taxonomy, the Jungian or Myers-Brigg's Typology, and William Perry's model of attitude toward learning. (PR)

Describes problems in teaching problem solving and summarizes research in this area. Presents Guided Design or Guided Decision Making as a problem-solving approach in which groups of students work their way through a model of the problem-solving process as they wrestle with a discipline-specific situation. (PR)