PATN is a design for a machine problem solver which uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent planning knowledge. In order to explore PATN's potential as a theory of human problem solving, a linguistic approach to protocol analysis is presented. An interpretation of a protocol is taken to be a parse tree supplemented by semantic and…

This paper describes the instructional design activities used to create ThinkAbout, a video series meant to teach fifth and sixth graders skills essential for learning, i.e., inquiring, analyzing, synthesizing, seeking alternatives, and creative problem solving. Two basic tenets or underpinning statements served as guidelines for the development…

This catalog, the fourth edition issued by the U.S. Office of Education, provides current information on the state facilitator projects presently operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is designed especially for use by state facilitators and developer/demonstrators in the National Diffusion…

Educational Objectives and brief course descriptions for the social studies program, grades K-8, Montgomery County Public School, Rockville Maryland, are presented. The document is organized into two sections. Section one outlines the K-6 Social Studies Design approved by the Council on Instruction in April, 1977. The design should be implemented…

This collection of notes for novice conference planners provides information explaining the process of planning and implementing a statewide conference on families. Topics such as building preparation, exhibits and displays, finances, interpreters, keynote speaker, lunch and coffee breaks, funding and personnel as well as program scheduling and…

This paper describes the experience of one primary school--Biraban Public School in Toronto--whose graduates had difficulty in finding jobs because of the poor academic preparation they received in primary grades. Parents were the first to express concern at the standard of education in the school, particularly in basic subjects. Their action led…

This report describes a practicum designed to plan and implement a training model that is intended to change inservice education and, subsequently, to prepare teachers to individualize instruction. The motivation necessary for planned change, an innovative problem solving design, the implementation of that design, and the results of the…

Life Skills are problem solving behaviors appropriately and responsibly used in the management of one's life. This book is a collection of papers on the theory, practice and evaluation of Life Skills, and an expanded version of the fifth edition of "Life Skills: A Course In Applied Problem Solving." It includes essays on the purposes and…

Project SAVE (Student Action for Valuing the Environment) encourages a team approach to solving environmental problems. SAVE suggests that students initiate, create, and implement practical approaches to solving community environmental problems. Included in this publication are descriptions of 13 exemplary programs that include elementary schools,…

The article provides an example of a project in physics concerning clocks in which gifted pupils engage in high-level problem solving while developing technical knowledge and appropriate scientific methodology. Drawings illustrate the principles taught by the project. (Author/DB)

The goal of problem-solving education should be to develop tools for thinking that will constitute a shell or framework of action procedures that can be applied on an ever-changing database. These tools come in the form of heuristics that can be modified and adapted to new situations. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the historical and conceptual framework of quality circles, presents a brief case history of circles initiated by the University of Maryland Office of Admissions, and provides a summary of implications. Emphasizes implications for student affairs administrators. (Author/ABB)

Methods to help students develop the ability to plan, organize, and control are suggested. These include a simulation in which an office procedures class plans, organizes, and holds a meeting and involves such details as selecting and reserving rooms, scheduling speakers, preparing agendas, planning budgets, preparing name tags, and arranging a…

This article identifies some behaviorial approaches for teaching economics at the pre-college level, including contiguity, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning. The cognitive school of thought is also considered. Implications of research on problem-solving are drawn. (CB)

Analysis of two high school economics courses illustrates generalizations that could help guide design of other high school courses involving: (1) high-ability students; (2) introductory economic principles in high school courses; (3) personal and societal economic problems; (4) juniors' and seniors' interest in economics; and (5) emphasis on…