The use of management information systems (MIS) in higher education is discussed. It is suggested that the value of MIS in higher education is its potential utility in effective political position-building rather than conventional problem-solving. (BH)

Individual and organizational stress management strategies that have been used by many administrators and managers in academic organizations are described. The need to be a diagnostician as well as an effective decision maker and implementor is discussed. (MLW)

A description, reanalysis, and critique of a selected portion of data reported by Elstein and colleagues is reported. Data from the study of medical diagnosis using three simulations are evaluated in terms of technical properties and consistency with a psychological model of diagnostic inquiry proposed by the researchers. (MLW)

Two opposite views of the relations between moral cognition and moral action are described, their contrasting assumptions and implications are clarified, and the available empirical literature is reviewed. Research relating moral reasoning to real-life moral behaviors is summarized, with special attention given to design, measurement, and…

Describes the workshop program of the Department of City and Regional Planning at Harvard University. The workshop consists of a student team that helps a government or nonprofit agency solve a policy-related problem. (KC)

The three-week elementary school program in Houston, Texas, offered seminars, student selected interest activities, and group activities in which children planned and constructed a part of a future world and were thus exposed to problem solving, decision making, and research activities. (DLS)

Two beginning teachers were observed in an integrated instruction planning task. Their interpretations were studied when they worked collaboratively and when they worked independently. Data from interviews and field notes indicated that their individual planning lacked decision-choice flexibility and had limited strategy use. When they…

Reports on a study that analyzed students' chain of music decisions from problem perception to problem solution. Found that highly involved problem solvers explored and organized sound for its musical expressiveness, while uninvolved problem solvers rarely based their decisions on musical concerns. Concludes with implications for music teaching.…

Outlines a method for modifying the current social studies curriculum so it can be taught from an issue-centered approach. States that conventional courses in history and geography would be organized around the study of a select number of important issues and illustrates the way these classes would be taught using this approach. (SLM)

Summarizes research that contrasts the approaches and attitudes of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Supplies a categorized list of problem solver characteristics. (RT)

Responses to interview questions regarding self-determination opportunities, outcomes, and importance were compared across 21 adults with developmental disabilities and 20 advocates. Self-determination skills in the areas of problem solving, assertiveness, decision making, and goal setting were also addressed. Areas of agreement and disagreement…

Discusses the contributions of issues-centered education to a multicultural education program. Suggests that middle school students will develop an open-ended attitude toward social problems that aids the development of problem-solving skills. Presents an example of a multicultural issue including background information and a script of a class…

When college teachers are explicit about specific methods and strategies involved in effective thinking, students are more likely to learn and use these skills. Labeling test questions with the thinking skills required can help students refocus their study methods, resulting in more effective thinking, problem-solving, or decision-making skills.…

This study examined whether numbers of unwarranted assumptions, hypotheses, and requests for additional information concerning a hypothetical case of child abuse and neglect (CAN) predicted agreement with a premature decision to remove a child from home among 141 CAN professionals. Comparison with undergraduates found that more CAN professionals…

Discusses thinking skills for college students and describes strategies that can be used by faculty to teach thinking skills in distance education courses. Criteria for teaching thinking skills to distance learners are suggested, and methods are presented for teaching problem solving, how to evaluate information, and decision making. (10…