Describes the creation of an innovative problem-solving course for middle school teachers (based on the LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention System) intended to use a combination of logic, hands-on experience, and a modicum of trial and error to help middle school students identify the processes behind effectively solving problems. (SR)

Five camp counseling styles are discussed: punishment, guilt, the buddy and monitor approaches, and success counseling. Success counseling is preferred because it teaches campers how their emotions, needs, and behaviors are linked to outcomes and how to find a prosocial way to meet the need behind their behavior. The other methods simply focus on…

Analyzes three widely-held conceptions of critical thinking: as one or more skills, as mental processes, and as sets of procedures. Considers each a misconception and offers alternative proposals for teaching critical thinking. (CMK)

As part of a British secondary school's annual three-day special program, one day focused on outdoor problem-solving activities for groups at each grade level. Describes the themes of the day and specific problems undertaken by groups in grades 7-10. (SV)

Describes the Evening Science program, a science enrichment program for K-6 students and their parents where students and parents engage in problem-solving activities that encourage science learning for the whole family. (JRH)

Teacher teams at a new secondary school were observed during their first year working together. Based on observations, interviews, and document analysis, this article describes a crisis in teacher relations (a controversy about grading) and examines the role and effectiveness of collaboration in handling the crisis. (SM)

Deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill failed because proper implementation required large-scale societal changes. Dumping disabled kids into regular education without appropriate supports could mirror that fiasco. Inclusion can help create a sense of community through promoting acceptance and respect among classmates. The Social Awareness-Social…

Discusses special needs students from a Big6 perspective. Topics include inclusion versus mainstreaming, diverse student needs, time needed to plan, time to teach and help students, academic and social learning, and examples of possible actions that provide various options and alternatives to meet student's needs. (LRW)

Describes a project based on the book "Roxaboxen" by Alice McLerran for a multiage summer program at the Loudon Country Day School (Virginia) where children create an imaginary town. Discusses benefits of the project, including connecting children with books, illuminating the importance of play, use of imagination, and suitability for various…

Discusses collaborative classroom projects and partnerships called collaboratories which emphasize interactive, problem-solving, student-centered technology-based learning environments. Offers example of projects that include schools, universities, and businesses, and discusses the need to go beyond integrating technology into the curriculum to…

Describes an online self-organizing social system (OSOSS) which allows large numbers of individuals to self-organize in a highly decentralized manner to solve problems and accomplish other goals. Topics include scalability and bandwidth in online learning; self-organization; learning objects; instructional design underlying OSOSS, including…

Describes a pilot mediation program that offers an empowering alternative to problem resolution used by mental health consumers receiving treatment at an inpatient psychiatric center. The training program uses mental health clinicians and consumers (peer advocates) to act as assistants in mediating disputes between consumers and between consumers…

Discusses an alternate path to teaching introductory stoichiometry based on research findings. The recommendation is to use problems that can be solved easily by rapid mental calculation as well as by pure logic. (AIM)

Constructivist theory recognizes the student's value as thinker. Thinking ability hinges on the capacity to ask and consider important questions. Teachers need question-driven problem-solving strategies that are comprehensive, adaptable, discriminating, productive, and transferable. This article explains four types of situations and accompanying…

Describes a group work approach to the teaching of ethical issues in biotechnology and evaluates its impact on the acquisition of the key skills of working together, communication, and problem solving. Uses the Key Skills Confidence Scale (KSCS) to evaluate post-16 students' self confidence. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/YDS)