An experiment using guided design scenarios for a self-care pharmacy practice course found that despite differing entry-level knowledge, all students were able to meet course and unit objectives using the instructional format, indicating it is one method of presenting problem-solving learning activities involving higher-level cognitive processes.…

Children of five to eight years of age were assigned to a play group, a narrow-focus, goal-directed group, or a broad-focus, goal-directed group. Children in the broad-focus group recognized and recalled significantly more features of the environment than did children in the other two groups. (Author/BB)

Two views of clinical problem solving (CPS) are compared. When research on teachers' cognitions was initiated in 1974, the concept of CPS was invoked primarily in terms of diagnosing and treating dysfunction. Presently, educators have reached a different, hierarchical view. This shift brings teaching closer to art and farther from science. (SLD)

This article discusses problem solving and how science educators can integrate problem solving into their instruction. The Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) model was developed based on the findings of problem solving research. (YP)

Examined how elementary students in three classes using different teaching strategies, presented with discrepant event problems in science, begin the problem-solving process by exploration of the problem space. Because of the constraints imposed by each teaching strategy, none of those used was considered entirely satisfactory. Appendix contains…

Twelve adolescents with learning disabilities were trained to use a cognitive strategy in algebra problem solving. The two-phase strategy (problem representation and problem solution) was effective in improving algebra performance on algebra word problems, and maintenance and transfer of the strategy were evident. (JDD)

Used a microgenetic method to examine knowledge acquisition as a process by coordinating existing theories with new evidence. Subjects were 17 community college students (ages 22-47) and 15 fourth graders. Assessed knowledge acquisition in problem solving in both physical and social domains. Found multiple strategies for, and varying levels of,…

Provides simple suggestions for educators to create problem-solving situations for children of all ages, even the very young. Emphasizes developing daily activities that build and reinforce these skills. (ET)

Examines a model for children's strategies for inclusion tasks. Suggests that young children are not consistent in task strategies and that they display mixed response strategies. Strategies may change with development. (ET)

Sixty-four adults were tested on simple addition and multiplication problems presented in Arabic digit or English number-word format. Overall, response times and error rates were much higher with the word format, but more important, presentation format interacted with arithmetic operation and problem size. (DR)

Measured children's (n=182) competence at syllogistic reasoning and in solving a series of problems requiring inductive reasoning. Reports that syllogistic reasoning and inductive reasoning were significantly correlated with both simultaneous and successive synthesis. Provides a basis for understanding the roles of spatial and verbal-logical…

This study with 56 students (mean age 15 years) with mental retardation and 53 nonretarded students (matched for mental age) found that students with mental retardation were more likely to rely on all kinds of external cues (task-relevant, incidental, or misleading) in problem solving, especially when the preceding task had been difficult.…

This paper examines cognitive capacities and dispositional characteristics that contribute to creative problem solving, including relationship generation skills, expertise, adaptability, and wisdom. The paper argues that programs for gifted and talented students should develop the beliefs, values, and motives that will encourage students to apply…

Examined selected problem-solving behaviors of school-age children and their parents in dyadic and triadic contexts. Parent-child interactions revealed sex-of-parent and sex-of-child differences as a function of problem-solving contexts. (Author/BB)

Studied cognitive processes of 12 elite orienteers (cross-country racers who navigate a course) during a race through indirect observation and interview. The 19-year-old orienteers reported their mental activity onto a small tape recorder. Responses were divided into four stages of mental activity: planning, registration and navigation, control…