A math teacher describes an approach to help special education students solve addition and subtraction problems through a system involving finger counting. The systems for subtraction and addition solve the problem faced by students unable to memorize facts and unable to use their fingers when numbers exceeded five. (Illustrations of the approach…

Discusses the nature and role of visualization in the study of mathematics. Also includes a list of seven broad methods (often referred to as the design spectrum) by which individuals solve problems. (JN)

Describes a case study in which group process techniques were used to help a national volunteer problem-solving task force be more effective. Includes a group process checklist to assist other groups in thinking through group process needs and activities. (JAC)

A special summer course for mathematically gifted eighth graders used a problem-centered approach to develop abilities to hypothesize and carry out informal deductive proofs. Students responded well to challenging problems and worked best independently rather than in groups. (Author/CL)

A successful three-day enrichment course that introduced primary gifted students to microcomputers involved teamwork on problem solving and basic information on programing. (CL)

Describes an exercise designed to demonstrate the effects of personality on problem formation and problem solving. Participants are provided a supportive environment in which to discover for themselves their personality/problem solving style and compare it with that of others. (LLS)

An inventor, who is also a patent lawyer, has developed a step-by-step process to teach students to invent solutions to problems. (MLF)

Solving scheduling problems related to declining enrollments. (LD)

Discussion of performance analysis and improvement focuses on a performance system that is regulated by feedback from both internal and external sources. Discusses human performance technology (HPT), which focuses on the goals of the organizational structure; and explains the macrosystem, including metrics and standards; the microsystem; and…

Discusses the differences between training, which usually focuses on more specific job skills, and teaching, which is usually more concerned with acquiring declarative knowledge. Suggests training should be made more like teaching, focusing more on understanding, emphasizing intrinsic goals of learning, problem solving, and subject-specific…

Discusses the concept of differentiating between legitimate needs (gaps between current and desired results) and wants (the customer's preferred solution for meeting needs). A case study from a human resources development group is presented, including a proposed solution, the performance technology compromise, and impacts on design and evaluation.…

Proposes the notion of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) as design in order to engage ITS development with more rigor. Topics include engineering design versus ITS design; systems approach; design as problem solving; a hierarchy of paradigms; the emergence of an agent-theoretic approach; and the need for an ITS design notation. (Author/LRW)

Presents an activity that demonstrates to students that, when they use the Big6 information problem-solving process, it does not have to be in linear order. The students' own problem-solving process is written down and then compared to the Big6 steps. (LRW)

Discusses how to train teams in problem-solving skills. Topics include team training, the use of technology, instructional strategies, simulations and training, theoretical framework, and an event-based approach for training teams to perform in naturalistic environments. Contains 68 references. (Author/LRW)

Considers meaningful learning as the prime goal of education. Discusses characteristics of meaningful learning, including active, constructive, cumulative, goal oriented, and self-regulated; memory and organization of knowledge; problem solving ability; and models of instruction and learning theories, including novice versus expert. (LRW)