Input must be both contextualized and natural if it is to be coterminous with actual communication, in which interlocutors participate in a cooperative and dialogic process. However, when input becomes decontextualized, discourse shifts to a superficial plane. As is commonly the case in theater, verbal act meaning in the classroom setting is…

Presents a model that can be used by social scientists to formulate and test choice alternatives to select the most ethical course of action when values are in conflict. Graduate students in psychology, education, and medicine have used the model to recognize and resolve ethical problems. (RM)

Describes two methods to resolve common difficulties in solving problems. The first is used when the solver becomes stuck with a problem and no idea seems to come to mind. The second is suitable when the solver is trapped in a loop and goes in circles around the problem. (JN)

Discusses some central ideas emerging from a systematic approach to teaching scientific problem-solving skills. Areas considered include: insights derived from naturalistic studies; effective problem-solving methods; problem-solving procedures; characteristics of the knowledge base (focusing on functional conceptual building blocks, knowledge…

Outlines Action Counseling, a normological, problem-solving method, which capitalizes on the strengths of poor families for solving family problems and improving their situation. Steps include setting a theme, identifying and clarifying positively stated goals, designing mutually agreed upon action plans, overcoming obstacles, obtaining…

Explains why nonmanagers need management training and identifies some specific types of management training particularly useful for nonmanagers. The suggestions included are applicable to education, government, business, and industry. (JN)

An inservice program entitled The Team Approach to Educational Decision-Making: Inservice for Multidisciplinary Teams is described. It provides instruction in team theory, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques to create more active and effective team participation in the Individual Education Program decision-making processes to meet…

Describes the development of a curriculum to improve problem- solving ability when faced with uncertainty by (1) encouraging students to examine their thought processes, (2) presenting fallacious arguments, and (3) providing better tools for decision making. Relevant psychological research, some problems of teacher training, and a small-scale…

Describes a course which focuses student activities on the preparation of an environmental impact statement. The course provides undergraduate/graduate students with an intensive field ecology experience which exposes them to scientific principles of biology, environmental analysis, and quantitative sampling methods. Includes course format,…

Guidelines to use when solving complex design problems and two illustrative examples were presented in Volume 16 (No. 1), page 12 of this journal. Two additional examples are presented, focusing on ASCEND-II, a flowsheeting system to help "design" a computer model for a process. (SK)

Discusses areas related to teaching science-related, value-laden, real-world problems. These include potential/limitations of science and scientific method, how science-based information fits in with other kinds of information, how preconceptions about problems/issues affect scientific problem solving, and utilization of different educational…

Discusses three avenues of problem-solving research: misconceiving natural laws, processing information, and constructing solutions. Suggests that the change in emphasis from problem to problem solver and the key role of "physics" problems are unifying aspects of the research. (JN)

Describes the Nehru Science Centre in Bombay (India). Includes comments on the cultural/social factors considered during development of and types of activities/exhibits at the center. The activities and exhibits (focusing on all areas of science and technology) were designed to foster experiences with inquiry and problem-solving. (Author/JN)

Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

"Alinsky methods," designed for confrontation, can include packing meetings, requesting marathon sessions, and using dramatic advertising. Developed by Saul Alinsky for oppressed people, the methods can be mitigated by 10 administrator actions, including building openness and trust, having good legal and public relations advice, and…