The design of a cognitive tool to support problem-solving performance for external representation of knowledge is described. The limitations of conventional knowledge maps are analyzed in proposing the tool. The design principles and specifications are described. This tool is expected to enhance learners problem-solving performance by allowing…

Examines a report, The Assessment of Performance in Design and Technology, that attempts to assess problem-solving abilities in the field of design. Describes pilot projects, an extended project, and some test projects. Summarizes a research project on identifying when and where design appears in the school curriculum and discusses developing…

These two issues of a newsletter address the use of computers in developing complex thinking skills. The first issue, for May 1986, includes articles on: environmental science computer applications; computers and higher order thinking in Mineola, New York; a description of case study research identifying effective uses of computers in developing…

Community education (CE) is discussed as a process and program for community improvement. A three-dimensional dynamic program design called "The Cube," which serves as a model for CE evaluation, is presented. (Author/JOW)

Describes the sociocultural theory motivating strategy "transformative communication" as well as a specific dialogue sequence that can be used as a cultural tool for accompanying such interaction. Illustrates the utility of the dialogue sequence in four key episodes within and inquiry-based high school earth science class. (Author/SAH)

Describes the recording of protocols of student problem solving, some of the problems arising in this approach, and the difficulties faced by the researcher. (Author)

Discusses results of the first year of a project that used a cooperative team approach with eighth- and ninth-grade science students to solve discrepant event problems (situations whose outcome is inconsistent with what one would expect). (SR)

Describes how experts create and use "bundles"--organized, highly selective collections of information--to help solve problems and maintain situation awareness. Based on fieldwork in an intensive care unit, five examples of bundles are described that illustrate the variety of bundles in use. A summary of bundle properties is given. (AEF)

This report describes SpaceGraph, a new computer-driven display technology capable of showing space-filling images, i.e., true three dimensional displays, and discusses the advantages of this technology over flat displays for use with the instructor/operator station (IOS) of a flight simulator. Ideas resulting from 17 brainstorming sessions with…

Describes an NCTM Standards-based high school mathematics curriculum that involves application, technology, cooperative learning, and open-ended problem solving and compares student attitudes and achievement with a traditional class. Results indicate significant attitude improvement in the mathematical confidence of students in the experimental…

Shows that negotiation provides an effective model for teaching public relations professionalism. Describes how two professors in a public relations class used a negotiation model to teach students to simultaneously balance the two components of professionalism: ethical considerations and pragmatic, problem-solving measures. (SR)

Describes the nature and existence of both model-data fit and conceptual problems in science, then examines two curricular projects--one in genetics and one in evolutionary biology--that attempt to integrate these problems into classroom instruction. (Author/SAH)

Two teams, each comprised of teachers, a researcher, and a trainer/developer spent fifteen and a half months implementing the Interactive Research and Development on Teaching (IR&DT) strategy, a specialized educational research medthodology stressing interactive rather than linear communication between teachers and researchers. These teams are…

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)

Suggests secondary parasuicide prevention is the most viable path for future research. Aggressive case findings and primary prevention approaches have failed to reduce suicide attempt rates. A secondary prevention model, based on factors predictive of parasuicide, was developed. Stress reduction and cognitive restructuring were primary goals of…