A Life-Planning Program addresses the transitional needs of secondary-aged learning disabled students via a process of problem solving, goal settings, and goal implementation. Among seven guiding principles of the program is that life planning is taught as a cognitive process, the program is student managed, and instruction is limited to short…

Provides a short list of integral triples for the design of problems employing unit fractions (so solutions will be positive integers). Also presents an algorithm whereby both primary and imprimitive sets of triples can be easily obtained and shows how to extend the algorithm to solve three-variate unit fraction equations. (JN)

Presents (1) several activities on problem solving; (2) tips on creating a classroom climate favorable for problem-solving performance; and (3) a source of background materials for teachers. (JN)

Role-playing games and simulations offer revolutionary ways to learn and solve problems. Some games/simulations that can be used to explore and evaluate possible futures are described. The future of educational games is also discussed. (RM)

Discusses the geometry, algebra, and logic involved in the solution of a "Mindbenders" problem in "Discover" magazine and applies it to calculations of satellite orbital velocity. Extends the solution of this probe to other applications of falling objects. (JM)

Discusses issues related to how students should use computers in schools. Indicates that using computers as tools leads to further experimentation and new discoveries and that skills learned in the computing process can be used to find innovative ways to solve new problems. (JN)

Teachers can aid students in solving problems by developing self-help groups in the classroom. As group facilitator, the teacher has students identify their problems, respond to problems, develop action plans, and then follow up on progress. (DF)

The president of the Toledo Federation of Teachers discusses how experienced teachers in that city oversee the professional development of new teachers and provide assistance to veteran colleagues experiencing severe problems in the classroom. He also describes the role played in this plan by the union. (CMG)

Describes the development and implementation of a group on "Responding to Loneliness" for the elderly. Focuses on building positive self-esteem; learning social and personal skills; managing stress and anxiety; developing problem-solving strategies; and building a social network. (Author/JAC)

Describes instructional development process applied to the design, production, implementation, and evaluation of a computer simulation designed to provide troubleshooting practice for individuals who maintain and install large digital telephone switches. The major organizational benefits resulting from use of the simulation are discussed. (MBR)

Describes a textbook study system designed for math or applied math courses in which students focus on solving problems, consulting the textbook and reading for well-considered purposes. (AEA)

Describes use of quality circles (QC)--small groups of employees who meet regularly and voluntarily to identify, solve, and implement solutions to work-related problems--as a form of participative decision making, highlighting QC concept, establishing a QC, introduction process, management support, benefits, evaluation, and shortcomings. Thirteen…

Four computer programs are reviewed. Programs emphasize problem solving in science, visual and spatial thinking, word processing, and health awareness. Hardware requirements, recommended grade levels, manufacturer, purchase agreement, and current price are included. (JN)

Describes a thinking skills program in Oklahoma that has brought about a significant rise in achievement test scores. Teaching strategies are based on the premise that students learn new things based on the resemblance between new and familiar words and ideas. (TE)

In the 20 years since the first computers were installed in Japan, roles of systems engineers have changed. As a result, two leading educators developed a new method which has been successfully used for eight years. The development and use of method for solving engineering systems design problems is described. (JN)