Discusses different roles the problem statement can play in inquiry and some resulting classroom implications. (SL)

Identifies kinds of thinking that fit naturally into elementary social studies curricula, using models of thinking that are not complex. Models include general problem solving skills and skills pertaining to specific types of intellectual tasks, such as comprehending information, solving specific problems, researching topics, and making decisions.…

The author presents five pitfalls encountered by postsecondary students when making career decisions. They include (1) skill abandonment, (2) inaccurate information, (3) predictability versus flexibility, (4) title versus setting, and (5) workplace change. (CH)

Presents a conceptual framework for the development of decision support systems which outlines abstractions involved in the decision-making process and describes various functions and components of the system. The computer architecture is described and an example of an application is provided. (31 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes Teacher Development Decision Exercises, a computer-based method of diagnosing abilities of elementary and secondary school supervisors (principals, staff developers, curriculum coordinators) to make professional preactive or planning decisions. This approval simulates assessment of supervisors' abilities to use professional knowledge to…

A synthesis was performed of research on competencies essential for successful performance in the "office of the future" and whether such competencies differ from those required for success in the "office of the past." Results suggest that the major competencies required in office positions today are similar to those required in the past. (CT)

Based on the July, 1942 raid by 5000 Canadian troops on the French port of Dieppe, this article provides detailed instruction on how to involve students in resolving conflicting points of view. Includes a chart for observing student behavior in discussion groups and a list of rules for managing controversy. (JDH)

The use of computerized decision support systems in higher education for making tactical institutional decisions is reviewed, with attention to the kind of administrative problems that lie somewhere between programmed to nonprogrammed decisions and require a combination of computer support and administrative judgment. (MSE)

Identifies concerns and potential problems that will surface while trying to expand a school. The decision to expand and the criterion to be considered in reaching that critical judgment is comprehensively discussed. (CT)

Describes a programming environment called Tinker, in which a beginning programmer presents examples to the machine, distinguishing accidental and essential aspects of the examples. Examples of programming in Tinker are presented in which programmers demonstrate how to handle specific examples and the machine formulates a procedure for handling…

Identifies six needs assessment procedures applied in educational and other organizations, provides examples of how each is used, and discusses the relationship of needs assessment to problem solving. Kaufman's Outcomes Model is described and the Organizational Elements Model is presented as a pragmatic approach to contemporary decision making and…

Describes the first component of a seven-part, long-range planning model for achieving school system goals. In Binghamton, New York, the process successfully involved representatives from all components of the school and community in a consensus decision-making process. (MD)

Identifies procedure to help classroom teachers infuse problem solving into the typical technology education classroom. The five steps involved are (1) set a goal the student can attain, (2) define a task that incorporates new actions and ideas, (3) provide a structure, (4) force the student to choose between several alternatives, and (5) make the…

A utilization-focused approach in evaluating a problem-solving skills training program (see TM 510 179) would have placed more emphasis on identifying evaluation users, their information needs, and likely use of findings. Other methods options are also discussed, along with how to prepare decision makers for utilization. (Author/BW)

Suggests decision making techniques that can be used to estimate the consequences of choosing alternative courses of action, to select an optimum strategy, or to determine how sensitive predicted outcomes are to particular assumptions. Microcomputer use, quantitative techniques, and examples involving item reordering and adoption of word…