Defines the engineering method by: (1) giving a preliminary definition and examples of its essential term (heuristics); (2) comparing the definition to a popular alternative; and (3) presenting a simple form of the definition. This definition states that the engineering method is the use of engineering heuristics. (JN)

Points out that one of the most serious problems facing American business is the technical illiteracy of its managers and executives, indicating that few have the skills to solve real-world problems. Comparisons between Japanese and United States executives and their training are provided to illustrate issues considered. (JN)

Notes that practicum and internship programs in a counselor education department may encounter two basic types of problems: those which require structural change and those which do not. Presents the Practicum-Internship Problem Solving (PIPS) model, a model that combines systems concepts with consultative approach to help to identify and solve…

Carries on from an article about the context for assessment of problem solving skills. Describes other forms of evidence in problem solving skill besides the options given in the previous article. Lists eight forms of evidence related more directly to the problem solving process. Analyzes the relationship among some of these suggested forms of…

The paper critically appraises the concept-learning and developmental perspectives in science education to show that Pascual-Leone's Theory of Constructive Operators leads to a progressive problem-shift between Piaget's epistemic subject and Pascual-Leone's metasubject. (SM)

In an attempt to specify in some canonical terms what many heuristic programs known as "expert systems" do, an analysis was made of ten rule-based systems. It was found that these programs proceed through easily identifiable phases of data abstraction, heuristic mapping onto a hierarchy of pre-enumerated solutions, and refinement within this…

Discusses expertise, what an expert system is, what an expert system shell is, what expert systems can and cannot do, knowledge engineering and technical communicators, and planning and managing expert system projects. (SR)

Describes practical problems and issues that arose during multisite and single site studies that used qualitative research methods. Studies described include study of student involvement in out-of-class learning opportunities at 14 institutions of higher education and study of what students learned as result of membership in National PanHellenic…

Discusses the development and nature of computer software for intelligent systems, indicating that the key to intelligent problem-solving lies in reducing the random search for solutions. Formal reasoning methods, expert systems, and sources of power in problem-solving are among the areas considered. Specific examples of such software are…

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

Argues that proving something begins with an assumption and proceeds logically to a conclusion, thus convincing by offering arguments. Describes some pitfalls involved in proving through examining several case histories. Offers suggestions for teaching the proof process. For example, sometimes an extreme example or counterexample will do more to…

Uses the example of a diploma in religious education course to explore what constitutes action learning. Concludes that, since students do not set their own agenda for growth and change and do not work on genuine problems resulting in real-world action, it is not action learning. However, experiential opportunities to challenge existing belief…

Addresses the principles and problems associated with the use of significant figures. Explains uncertainty, the meaning of significant figures, the Simple Rule, the Three Rule, and the 1-5 Rule. Also provides examples of the Rules. (ML)

Mathematics plays an exceptionally important role in biological education and the history of biology. Ten equations and descriptions of their historical importance are presented to draw students' and faculty's attention to mathematical models that have been intrinsic to many of the significant discoveries in biology in the 20th century. Each…

Introduces the topic of school leadership, examining common definitions of leadership, identifying specific leadership behaviors hypothesized to be directly related to these definitions, describing college and university preparation programs for school leadership, and providing an example of a key element common to both educational leadership…