Compared qualitative aspects of problem solving among suicide attempters (N=13), suicide ideators (N=16), and nonsuicidal psychiatric patients (N=31). Found less versatility, more avoidance, less relevance, more negative affect and less reference to future in solutions of suicidal patients than nonsuicidal patients and more active solutions…

Three basic orientations to problem solving are defined and related to four profiles of problem environment. The contingency between problem-solving orientations and problem environment is presented by means of three formal models that are translated to fit the students' learning environment. Implications for further studies are discussed. (JD)

A mathematics project promoting an exploratory approach to mathematical problems as well as an organization and application of mathematical knowledge is described. (JT)

Empirical validity of nonoverlapping scores of original problem solving on a lenient solution-standard predictor was evidenced in college students by high correlations with corresponding scores on stringent solution-standard criterion tasks. Findings support the construct validity of conceptualizations of original problem solving based on…

The effects of dissonant and consonant music on cognitive performance were examined. Situational dissonance and consonance were also tested and determined as the state where one's opinion is contrasted or matched with the majority's opinion, respectively. Subjects performed several cognitive tasks while listening to a melody arranged dissonantly,…

Describes students' initial thinking strategies and investigates the influence of learning environments on progress, transfer, and retention of students' thinking strategies. Results indicate that students do not use scientific reasoning when first encountering the problem, but interaction with the learning environment increases the rate of…

Presents dynamics and measurements of subjective experience of problem irresolvability (SEPI). First study describes construction and factor analysis of scale and its relationship to suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and commitment to parents. Second study presents factor analysis and association between SEPI scale and…

Comparison of the effectiveness of two computerized environments, Schemes for Problem Analysis (SPA) and Algebraic Proposer (AP), with two sixth-grade classes found that in solving easy word problems, both software systems were equally helpful, but in harder word problems, those students who learned with SPA experienced more success than those who…

Exposure to terrorism seriously threatens the well-being of children and adolescents. Israeli citizens have witnessed massive ongoing terrorist attacks during the last few years. The present research, conducted among 330 Israeli adolescents, examined coping strategies in relation to terrorist attacks. We found that adolescents utilize more…

Discussion of technological problem-solving skills focuses on a study of Israeli seventh graders' work while engaged in design tasks within an unstructured learning environment. Reports on the evaluation/modification cycles, including conceptual constituents of the cycles; students' decisions regarding the original design goals; and the…

Assesses the conceptual change of teachers who have been involved in the development, implementation, field testing, and evaluation of several modules. Points out that the intrinsic nature of the STEMS (Science-Technology-Environment-Society) curriculum requires that the teachers who teach it also be the developers of its modules. (Contains 48…

Uses case-study approach to illuminate how a retired military officer serving as the principal of a south Tel-Aviv high school engages in the deliberative process (a communal experimental process designed to examine the consequences of actions under consideration) to solve a significant problem of a rising level of violence. (Contains 26…

Solving problems by reduction is an important issue in mathematics and science education in general (both in high school and in college or university) and particularly in computer science education. Developing reductive thinking patterns is an important goal in any scientific discipline, yet reduction is not an easy subject to cope with. Still,…

This paper reports an example of a situation in which university students had to solve geometrical problems presented to them dynamically using the interactive computerized environment of the "MicroWorlds Project Builder". In the process of the problem solving, the students used ten different solution strategies. The unsuccessful…

Asserts that many economics courses teach students how to use analytical tools and solve problems, but few show them how to identify and set up problems for analysis. Describes a college economics seminar in Israel in which students help determine course content. (Author/DB)