Demonstrates through the writing of one second-grade student how some of life's crises can be successfully worked out through the writing process. (HTH)

A written clinical simulation exercise known as patient management problems (PMP) developed by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry is discussed. The new PMP format is considered standardized in the sense that the "visible" portion of the problem will be identical. (MLW)

Because of drawbacks to the traditional lecture method, general chemistry lectures were stopped at appropriate times to allow students to complete prepared worksheets on problems related to current lecture material. Discusses rationale for and mechanics of the approach, including sample-problem worksheets used. (JN)

Discusses a generalized approach to societal problems, consisting of a series of questions that can be asked as problems are investigated. Questions focus on nature of problem situation, what problems are, situational/historical contexts of problems, possible solutions, consequences of solutions, ways of testing proposed solutions, and what…

Describes an instructional strategy to develop creative thinking. Students learn what information scientists had prior to formulation of an idea and attempt to devise their own solutions to the problem. However, no experimentally verified solution to the problem is known. Advantages to this approach are discussed. (Author/JN)

Describes a preliminary investigation in which students were taught BASIC programing using deliberately bugged programs, with program descriptions and photographs of screen as it should look if programs were running correctly. Includes educational issues involved, constraints of the investigation, sample programs, subjective/statistical analyses,…

Techniques have been described for using celestial spheres as data-generating devices. Descibes a variation, capitalizing on students' interest in activities related to Stonehenge. Following a movie, students determine whether or not astronomical alignments found at Stonehenge and related structures could arise by chance. Local buildings are used.…

In N-solution problems, students identify N solutions using only the materials themselves as reagents. Students who solved N-solution problems as a practical examination were asked to solve hypothetical N-solution problems on a paper/pencil test. Results indicate that students can solve these problems and still have gaps in knowledge of…

Computer-enhanced simulation of models permits students to become subjectively involved in interaction with the computer. A method for developing a computer simulation is described, and three examples of computer simulations are given. (JN)

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

To develop scientific thinking in students, the history of science should be integrated in school curricula. This would present conflicting theories, within and outside of science, that would help to develop the students' abilities to compare and criticize. (CJ)

Problem solving assessment complements traditional testing of students by providing information on how learners move to appropriate solutions. In the problem solving assessment, the examiner may participate fully since the interaction between adult and child and not the ceiling is under examination. (SW)

The following ideas are included: (1) solving a quadratic equation geometrically by completing the square, which helped a class of secondary physics students understand the formulas; and (2) a way of teaching factoring of quadratic trinomials that is based on the behavior of odd and even numerals under addition and multiplication. (MP)

An exploration of a problem called solving quadratic congruences modulo p is detailed and is built around an alternate method of deriving the quadratic formula. Three practical pedagogical values that have been experienced by students and instructor when the material was presented to classes are noted. (MP)

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)