Examines the fidelity of problem-solving implementation by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in 227 schools and the relationship to student outcomes. Ratings of student goal attainment indicated positive student change during problem-solving implementation. Statistically significant but modest correlation coefficients were demonstrated between…

This literature review of aspects of cognitive science (problem solving, metacognition, skill acquisition, situated cognition, and transfer) concludes with six principles for instructional design that enhances cognitive learning. (SK)

The relative impacts of cooperative and competitive efforts on problem-solving success were explored in a review of 46 studies. Findings from these studies were categorized by problem-solving type and subjected to a meta-analysis. Members of cooperative teams outperformed competitive individuals on the identified types of problem solving. (SLD)

This paper reviews research showing problem finding to be distinct from problem solving and research supporting the role of problem finding in intrinsically motivated creative performances. The paper concludes that problem finding represents a family of related skills, each of which seems to be influenced by cognitive and extracognitive factors.…

Discussion of learning how to solve problems focuses on instructional design models and how students construct their knowledge and learn skills. Topics discussed include conceptual knowledge; procedural knowledge and skills; knowledge representation; causal knowledge; types of knowledge and relevant skills; knowledge acquisition; prediction and…

Reviews major areas of controversy concerning creativity's definition in chronological order corresponding to the publication of each definition of significant influence. Each definition's reasons for failing to achieve widespread acceptance are analyzed, and a suggestion for a general definition is provided. (Author/CR)

Examines and discusses the principles and practices of organizational changes as they relate to efforts to bring about meaningful school reform, with an overview of a six-step model for collaborative planning and problem solving. (Author/JDM)

Examines the attributions made by depressed clients about responsibility for the causes of and solutions to their problems. University counseling center clients (N=160) completed instruments measuring attributions of responsibility, internality, stability, and controllability of their problems. Results support the hypothesis that depressed clients…

A cross-sectional study of educated men and women showed that cautiousness, as measured by perceived problem-solving ability, does not increase with age. Sex differences were nonsignificant. The results are discussed in terms of R. Schultz and J. Heckhausen's Life Span Model of Successful Aging. (Contains 28 references and 1 table.) (Author)

Examines relations among adult attachment orientations, maladaptive problem coping styles, and a composite measure of current distress within a sample of 55 undergraduates. Results indicate that each adult attachment orientation and each problem coping style measure was related in expected directions to students' distress. (Contains 39 references…

This paper reviews the literature related to the learning and teaching of debugging computer programs. Debugging is an important skill that continues to be both difficult for novice programmers to learn and challenging for computer science educators to teach. These challenges persist despite a wealth of important research on the subject dating…

The focus of this paper is on cognitive science as a model for understanding the application of human skills toward effective problem-solving. Sections include: (1) "Introduction" (discussing information processing framework, expert-novice distinctions, schema theory, and learning process); (2) "Application: The Expert-Novice…

Reviews the problems of classifying gaming techniques and suggests a heuristic approach as one solution. Definitions of simulation, models, role, and game and play are discussed to help develop a classification based on a technique called gaming simulation. (Author/LRW)

Reassesses Tallman's proposition that the optimum family structure for effective problem-solving is one that provides for open communication, centralized authority, and consensus about family roles and goals. Suggests a revised basis for Tallman's view: achieved centrality of organization, obtained when groups structure themselves as part of the…

Reviewed research with the Twenty Questions Task aimed at investigating problem solving across the life span. Research indicates use of an efficient problem-solving strategy increases during childhood and then decreases again during the later adult years. Elderly adults' performance was facilitated when the necessity of using an efficient strategy…