Summarizes studies postulating that advanced materials taught in multiple, nonlinear, and situationally dependent ways result in learning that encourages transfer and more agile use of data. Illustrates how microcomputer technology can be used to provide learning opportunities that are consistent with these goals. (JOW)

This study focuses on the effectiveness of "Solutions Unlimited," a computer software program developed to teach problem solving to middle level students. Fifty-one fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (21 girls and 30 boys) attending a private school in a small mid-west community were the subjects for this experiment; none had received…

Describes a computer curriculum for 7- to 12-year-old children which is designed to integrate the computer into multiple subject areas and stimulate the development and sharpening of critical-thinking skills. The course is divided into eight conceptual units, each containing educational computer games or simulations and some related off-line…

Describes two studies researching whether computer use led to changes in student's problem-solving skills; "a help facility" assisted with students' acquisition of strategy to solve problems; and an "intrinsic orientation" of pupils influenced their behavior on computer problem-solving task. Results showed intrinsic…

Discusses the implementation of interactive educational software that was designed to enhance critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving in a university psychology course. Piagetian and computer learning perspectives are explained; the courseware package, PsychWare, is described; and the use of heuristics and algorithms in…

Designed to assist teachers in using the microcomputer as a tool to teach problem solving strategies, this document is divided into two sections: the first introduces the concept of problem solving as a thinking process, and suggests means by which a teacher can become an effective guide for the learning of problem solving skills; the second…

The first report of an ongoing case study examining the impact of using a laboratory of microcomputers as a tool for teaching science and social science courses in a high school, this paper reports on a sociological investigation of the organizational change in the structure and functioning of the school brought about by the introduction of the…

This 10-part resource book contains 54 articles which address topics related to helping students become effective thinkers. The articles are organized under these categories: (1) the need to teach students to think; (2) creating school conditions for thinking; (3) definitions of thinking (including goals for a critical thinking curriculum); (4) a…

Utilizes a quasiexperimental design to examine the impact of microcomputer simulations on environmental problem solving by community college students. The experimental group of students (n=34) showed a highly significant improvement in problem-solving skills after being exposed to three simulation models that focused on lake pollution analysis,…

Two Computers Unlimited elementary magnet schools have completed their first year of operation as part of the Long-Range Magnet School Plan in the Kansas City School District. The curriculum for the Computers Unlimited theme emphasizes basic skills, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. This formative evaluation report addresses the…