Background: Real-world problems are important in math instruction, but they do not necessarily trigger students' task motivation. Personalizing real-world problems by (1) matching problems to students' shared living environment (context personalization) and (2) asking students to pose their own problems (active personalization) might be two…

This paper reviews the literature relating to the factors that contribute to the difficulties in learning of computer programming. Programming has been a difficult subject to learn and master even at the early stage of education. It has been a global problem and continues to worsen at the local level. Although, there are many education tools…

Two dimensions of Carl Jung's psychological system (preference for information and choice of decision making processes) are applied to creativity research. Examples of four personality types (sensing- thinking, sensing-feeling, intuition-feeling, and intuition-thinking) are represented by prominent social scientists. A systems model of science is…

Presents a survival expert's model of survival. Characterizes survival in terms of being prepared for a crisis, escaping the immediate threat, avoiding disorientation and fear, and the survival routine, which includes hope, flexibility, and humor. Notes the impact of posttrauma situations and the need for continued vigilance. (RJM)

The author reviews research and theory about the role of incubation (a period in which there is no apparent activity toward problem solving but some progress toward a solution occurs) in creative thinking. Note: For related information, see EC 120 233-238. (CL)

Studies on resilient youth have yielded some intriguing patterns. This article surveys the findings and discusses how professionals can benefit from lessons offered by the findings. (Author/MKA)

This review of the literature examines three aspects of creative thinking and production: (1) metacognitive processing; (2) the knowledge base; and (3) personality variables. It is concluded that all three are essential elements, they operate interactively, and the results of creative thinking and problem solving are best assessed through…

Exploratory studies of the role of hemisphericity in creative functioning were made of graduate students. Results from instruments assessing hemisphericity, creative style or personality, and creative ability or level indicate that measures of creative style are positively related to the right hemisphere style of information processing. (CJ)

Reviews current research topics relating to computer simulations in German-speaking countries that emphasize problem solving and decision making. Topics discussed include the number of independent variables; studies that focus on personality characteristics; studies that focus on situational characteristics; and suggestions for further research…

This paper examines cognitive capacities and dispositional characteristics that contribute to creative problem solving, including relationship generation skills, expertise, adaptability, and wisdom. The paper argues that programs for gifted and talented students should develop the beliefs, values, and motives that will encourage students to apply…

The decision-making process becomes maladaptive through the use of avoidance and delay. The irrational decision maker will try to remove him/herself from an uncertain situation by ignoring, postponing or shifting the responsibility for the problem. Personality and environment affect the process. (JAC)

Cognitive Flexibility (availability in the individual's repertoire of various strategies and ability to select those most effective to the required task) is suggested as an important individual-difference variable. Some methodological problems in the assessment of cognitive flexibility as related to human memory are discussed. (Editor/SJL)

Argues that the typical school psychology approach of solving problems one student at a time will not be successful in impacting the big problems of illiteracy, technological and mathematics deficiencies, writing, and problem solving. Proposes that the need to build academic competence and resilience through early intervention and prevention…

The discovery of penicillin is cited in a discussion of the role of serendipity as it relates to scientific discovery. The importance of sagacity as a personality trait is noted. Successful researchers have questioning minds, are willing to view data from several perspectives, and recognize and appreciate the unexpected. (JW)

Discusses teacher burnout and stress management. Describes characteristics of individuals susceptible to burnout, such as charisma, idealism, perfectionism, and goal-orientation. Presents common negative coping strategies for stress. Discusses effective stress management strategies such as changing the situation, taking a proactive role to gain…