Examples are given of how spontaneous discussions of school and home problems enabled fourth grade children to seek solutions to difficulties in an open and cooperative way. (JD)

Describes California's effort to blend geography and other disciplines in the state's "History-Social Science Framework." Since all history and societal change have been shaped by the dual influences of time and space, the wedding of history and geography is easily supportable by teachers well-versed in these concepts. Includes seven…

Recent research suggests that knowledge is stored in the learner's head as a network of concepts or constructs. Children's mathematical problem-solving strategies become increasingly abstract as they are able to engage in more abstract thinking. An experimental study using an alternative Cognitively Guided Instruction approach is described.…

Describes the application of case analysis to a learner-centered microcomputer-based instructional model. Topics discussed include the use of computer-based case analysis with adult students; case planning; and two sample cases, one a decision-making model and one a technical model. (21 references) (LRW)

This article describes a project which involved inner city elementary grade children with disabilities in writing and performing their own plays. A four-step playwriting process focuses on theme and character development, problem finding, and writing dialogue. The project has led to improved reading skills, attention, memory skills,…

Hugh D. Jascourt describes a new way to negotiate called "collaborative bargaining." Nancy E. Peace, who had a neutral role, describes her experiences with the method in five Massachusetts school districts, and provides reference sources. Responses are from Naomi R. Stonberg, a school committee attorney, and Ellen M. Suarez, a consultant…

Profiles "Odyssey of the Mind," an international competition that challenges students, kindergarten through college, to find creative solutions to bizarre problems. The unique design competition demands creative problem-solving, teamwork, and understanding of basic principles to complete projects that last for several months. (LZ)

Describes the Human Communication Research Centre Dialogue Database. The database consists of over 700 transcribed and coded dialogues from pairs of speakers aged from 7-14. The speakers are recorded over 2 years while tackling cooperative problem-solving tasks, and the same pairs of speakers are recorded over 2 years tackling 10 different…

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…

Explores former Soviet management consultants' increased use of social psychological game methods. Identifies such games as means of involving segments of client organizations in accomplishing shared tasks. Proposes a "practical" business game, designed to shape the process of formulating new management decisions at a radical level.…

Discusses the Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series, a video-based instructional macrocontext for complex mathematics problem generation and solving. A theoretical framework of assumptions about goals, learning, instruction, and learning materials is provided. Design features and typical teaching activities are described. Three teaching models…

Describes a strengths assessment process for families with emotionally disabled members. Using a systems framework, this assessment approach does not focus on problems, but rather provides a reliable means for recognizing family strengths that can be used as resources to meet the family's needs, goals, and objectives. (TJQ)

Described is an experience in assigning mathematics problems that have been purposefully selected from professional journals to assist upper level college mathematics students in developing confidence in their ability to contribute published solutions. Several examples are included. (JJK)

Lopez Island Middle and High School has integrated science and technology courses into an activity-oriented curriculum. Teaching the design process and systems approach demystifies technology and fosters critical thinking and problem solving. (SK)

Describes how to use Jean Fritz's book "George Washington's Breakfast" to teach the Big6 process of information problem solving to first graders. Six modified terms used in teaching the lesson with the first-grade classes are: task=what, strategy=how, locate=where, use=look, synthesis=show, and evaluation=well.(LRW)