The dictionary definition of constraint is one-sided, solely restrictive. The problem-solving definition is two-sided. Constraints come in pairs. One retains its restrictive function, precluding something specific; the other directs search for its substitute. The paired constraint model is applied to both domain and classroom. I discuss the…

Small-group communication is defined and its benefits to students, advantages, disadvantages, and use in the business education curriculum are examined. (CT)

Briefly lists the major issues which will affect organizations in the 1980s. Also looks at an evolutionary adaptation of quality circles appropriate for management, the "verteam" or vertical team circle. (CT)

Social problem-solving (SPS) skills training addresses primary prevention and competence-building designed to promote children's abilities to resolve interpersonal conflicts, and their adjustment. The Rochester SPS training program for second- to fourth-grade students is described, attentive to curriculum, structure, and SPS training. (Author/CE)

Debunks five misconceptions about improving creative thinking. To encourage students to think creatively, instructional techniques should reflect an integrated set of mental skills, use materials mimicking real-life situations, consider students' beliefs and tendencies toward creative thinking, show metacognitive sensibility, and foster a creative…

In one Colorado fifth grade classroom, math period begins with Mathematician's Chair, an activity allowing students to share their problems with entire class. Using this technique, students became adept at writing math problems, solving their own and peers' problems, using math-related writing as important medium of social discourse, and making…

As four recent events in the Denver area show, parents' rights and society's needs sometimes collide, with battles often fought in public schools. This issue should be explicitly recognized in school policy. Policymakers should address disputed facts; develop guidelines for including parents in determining outcomes, solutions, and evaluation…

Cooperative learning needs three key requirements to be successful: the development of new curriculum materials; ability to treat status problems arising in small groups; and availability of collegiality and strong organizational support. Stanford University's Program for Complex Instruction involves each group in different problem-solving tasks…

The article discusses the characteristics of expert systems (computer programs designed to replicate human expertise in a variety of areas), describes recently available expert system development tools, suggests applications within the field of special education, and reviews recent efforts to apply expert systems technology to special education…

District-level supervisors perform critical functions for enhancing teaching and learning systemwide. This case study found that district supervisors divided their time among the district, district departments, and the school. At all three levels, central office administrators were engaged in two focal activities: resource management and problem…

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

Presents three current areas of research in human relations at Harvard University which may help solve the problems professionals face due to widespread introduction of new information technologies into the work environment. These include organizational learning, information mapping, and principled negotiation. (CT)

This paper describes the experience of one primary school--Biraban Public School in Toronto--whose graduates had difficulty in finding jobs because of the poor academic preparation they received in primary grades. Parents were the first to express concern at the standard of education in the school, particularly in basic subjects. Their action led…

The author describes search conferences designed to allow participants to scan the broad environment of the elderly and to generate recommendations on key issues identified. He also comments on the process and content of the seminars and discusses and comments on some of the theoretical assumptions of searches. (CT)

Two major factors have shaped writing research from the cognitive processing viewpoint. The first factor contains the strategic decisions about the course of such research, suggesting what is interesting and how best to proceed. The decisions made in regard to writing as a cognitive process have been to focus on the act of writing, to seek a…