The role of communication in John Dewey's major philosophical themes is investigated in this paper. A description of Dewey's concept of the ideal communication setting is provided, emphasizing how individual and social personalities are developed according to vital, interactive processes. This is followed by a discussion of possible impediments to…

This document provides abstracts of 20 research reports. Topics covered include: children's comprehension of simple story problems; field independence and group instruction; problem-solving competence and memory; spatial visualization and the use of manipulative materials; effects of games on mathematical skills; problem-solving ability and right…

The extension of computer based communication to the more task-focused communication required by groups involved in joint problem solving is discussed in this paper. Specifically, it addresses three areas: (1) the aspects of the joint problem solving that are most suited to computer based communication support, (2) the computer based communication…

This paper discusses the theoretical problem of matching and abstraction of concepts as the processes occur in human minds, and the structures used to represent these processes for use in automated, knowledge based systems. A basic premise of the paper is that hierarchies play a crucial role in structuring knowledge and in solving problems. Data…

Examines brainstorming as an aid to creative group problem solving. Presents a history of its practice, a survey of empirical studies, and theoretical explanations for the superiority of individual over group brainstorming. (PD)

Discusses Foster McMurray's critical retrospective essay, included in the second edition of Arthur Bestor's "Educational Wastelands: The Retreat from Learning in Our Public Schools." Disagrees with McMurray's conception of liberal education and maintaining the centrality of the academic disciplines. (PS)

This article focuses on two approaches to teaching reasoning and problem solving. One emphasizes the role of domain-specific knowledge; the other emphasizes general strategic and metacognitive knowledge. Many instructional programs are based on the latter approach. The article concludes that these programs can be strengthened by focusing on domain…

Discusses the impact of computer programing instruction on cognitive skills and suggests two mechanisms of transfer--low road, from practice, and high road, from generalization. Previous research that tried to measure transfer from programing is reviewed, six categories in which transfer might occur are presented, and 71 references are provided.…

Discusses the special information needs of the building industry, attributes of existing expert systems that support building design and construction, and current research to further develop the application of expert systems to this area. An annotated listing of related expert system developments is appended. (49 references) (CLB)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Describes some of the key intellectual actions that underlie the process of revision in writing and that most affect its practice. Provides a working model of revision and discusses diagnosing problems and devising solutions. (HTH)

Overview of expert systems (intelligent computer applications that use data, a knowledge base, and a control mechanism to solve problems) highlights history of expert systems; construction (human element, knowledge acquisition and learning, system architecture); limitations; issues and trends; and implications for information science. Thirty-three…

Reviewed about 300 1984 publications on vocational behavior and career development. The counseling psychology perspective is used to review articles on career development, decision making and problem solving, women, minorities, special groups, assessment, and intervention. The industrial/organizational perspective is used to review personnel…

Over 50 phases and sub-steps common to decision-making processes are discussed in an effort to create a clearer view of individual, group, social, and political decision making. The discussion is intended to encourage social studies teachers to use an action-oriented approach to teaching decision-making skills. (Author/RM)

This literature review on teaching thinking skills examines information from the British Education Index, ERSDAT, and ERIC database. After discussing whether thinking skills can be taught, it describes what science says (e.g., there is much to learn about the working brain, and much of the growth in human brains occurs in early childhood),…