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…

A project is described that provides explicit instruction on the skills necessary for solving word problems. An informal inventory of such skills is being developed, intended for diagnostic use. It contains six sections, each keyed to the problem-solving skills of understanding the problem, representing the unknown, writing the equation, and…

Dissemination of educational research findings, according to this paper, should provide support, information, and assistance to practitioners working in the schools so that teachers may be better equipped to do their jobs. One purpose of this paper is to explore some probable causes for the lack of impact of current educational dissemination…

By enabling students to mediate their own disputes, educators may be synthesizing the finest potential in the school--the creative, constructive dynamic inherent in conflict. This article describes a mediated dispute resolution program used in several schools and offers implementation advice. (MLH)

A 1-week enrichment program at a local Comprehensive School provided 27 gifted English primary school children problem solving activities which focused on the problems that might be encountered if transported to another world. Evaluative comments of pupils, parents, and staff were overwhelmingly positive. (DB)

After reviewing several assumptions that support the future ubiquitousness of computers in society and in scholarly research, summarizes three interrelated frameworks for developing instructional computing. (GC)

This article presents a model for examining and analyzing the information necessary for the counselor to develop an accurate and complete understanding of the client's problem. (Author)

The paper describes the aims and implementation of Future Problem Solving Programs (FPS) initiated by E. Paul Torrance. It provides guidelines for teachers who wish to develop FPS in their schools and gives a list of useful resources. Stages of implementation are described and reactions of participating pupils are quoted. (Author/CL)

Examines problem-solving in selected software, considering what packages really teach and how useful they are in classrooms. Includes a table listing 21 packages with information in such categories as: suggested ages; solving standard logic puzzles; trial/error or predicting outcomes; breaking tasks into smaller parts; drawing conclusions; and…

The design and construction of models forms the foundation of first-year design teaching (totaling 18 class hours) in the three-year mechanical engineering program at the Royal Military College of Science. Lists the aims of this approach, providing examples of the types of models produced by students while solving engineering problems. (JN)

Human expert problem-solving in science is defined and used to account for scientific discovery. These ideas are used to describe BACON.5, a machine expert problem solver that discovers scientific laws using data-driver heuristics and "expectations" such as symmetry. Implications of BACON.5 type research for traditional science education…

Discusses the many complexities involved in the translation of scientific information in the social sciences into forms usable for solving problems of practice in education. Prescribes a series of stages to be followed from the advent of a practitioner's situational problem to the design of a response to it. (Author/JN)

Surveys some of the intelligent computer assisted instruction programs that have been authored and differentiates them from traditional computer assisted instruction. (Author)

A computer program has been developed in which students explore problems, invent solutions, and search for supporting data. The nine units of "Historian" are each built around a major historical problem or question related to United States history. The structure of the program and its use by students are described. (JN)

This collection of stories from a teacher's classroom highlights the problem-solving potential of very young students if they are engaged and challenged from the beginning. Arranged by month of the school year, each of these 10 stories is a suggestion for a classroom lesson. Together the stories provide a comprehensive picture of what can be…