Discusses the value of using case studies for instructional purposes with adult learners, presents a taxonomy for developing cases, and suggests methods for using three different levels of case materials. The use of case materials for assessment and formal testing is discussed, and research oriented case materials are suggested. (15 references)…

An Elmira, New York, elementary school resolves its playground disputes by allowing students to settle most of their own disagreements with the help of upperelementary students trained as conflict managers. Adult supervisors stop fights and give disputants a choice: discuss the problem with the principal or the conflict managers. Kids invariably…

Discussion of the preparation of knowledge for problems appropriate for expert systems focuses on relationships among problem attributes and their solutions through the creation of a solution matrix. Two examples are given, one for wine selection and one for decisions that an automobile manufacturer's sales force might have to make. (LRW)

The article presents a model of problem solving in supervisory interactions in public school speech-language-hearing programs. Specific principles of supervision and related recommendations for collaborative problem solving are discussed, as are continued professional growth of both supervisees and supervisors, interdisciplinary team functioning,…

Describes a problem-based learning strategy which helps train principals for an increasingly demanding job. Conceptualizes problem-based learning; provides a rationale for this strategy; and uses a real example from a course in problem-based learning taught at the University of Georgia. (RS)

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…

Teachers from 20 schools in Spring Independent School District in Houston, Texas, are attempting to solve students' learning difficulties by using a study-team process. Teams are changing instructional practices to motivate students to read, addressing individual student cases to improve language expression, and assessing different methods to help…

Describes three simple games that do not involve numbers and that can be used to teach children problem-solving strategies and math skills. The games are Tick-Tack-Toe; Jest, a game that uses a blocking strategy; and Nim, a game that uses a capturing strategy. All three games force students to plan ahead and calculate possible outcomes using…

Discusses use of student newsletter to teach problem-solving skills to elementary school students. Describes Listeners Newsletter, largely devoted to advice column similar to advice material appearing in local newspaper, and training of sixth-grade students to help in addressing schoolwide problems through the newsletter. Includes examples of…

Reports observations of the use of mental aerobics with 48 adults whose median age was 70. Provides examples of the group puzzles and logic, math, and word problems used to enhance cognitive functioning and creative thinking. (SK)

To help users develop a long-term strategy for software acquisition, this article outlines two rules: (1) "Know exactly the nature of the problem you want to solve"; and (2) "If you can't try it, don't buy it." Use the sharpest precision software tool you can find to solve your problem and keep a constant look out for something…

Discussion of performance assessments that test for higher-order thinking and problem solving focuses on research by the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) that assessed student problem solving using networked computers and the Web, where both performance and process data could be reported back to…

Considers a general problem of combining the classifications or predictions of local information systems into a single system. Introduces a new approach for solving an aggregation problem where a decision maker needs to classify an observation based on group-membership predictions coming from multiple experts, and describes results from empirical…

Proposes activity theory as a framework for student project work that is a form of open-ended contextual activity-based learning emphasizing problem solving as a collaborative effort. Topics include project work from a Vygotskian perspective of activity theory; and the design of a prototype for Web-based project work. (LRW)

Explains scaffolding as temporary steps in the learning process where higher skills build on mastering more simple skills, often with the help of an expert. Topics include elaboration theory; joint problem solving; promoting self-regulation; Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD); and inner speech and external speech. (LRW)