This article discusses four current explanations for man's failure to resolve conflicts. Information about and techniques for improving human judgment and opportunities for students to learn to use these are needed to improve efforts to solve social problems. (KM)

The entire higher education program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay focuses upon problems associated with people and the environment. This article describes the program's goals, implementation and benefits. (WB)

Describes a child-based intervention focused on skills of social entry, maintaining interactions, and solving problems for five boys with attention-deficit disorder. Parents were taught skills of debriefing, problem solving, and goal setting. Behavioral changes were considered socially valid, and all parents and child subjects viewed social skills…

This study evaluated the dimensionality of the construct of social problem solving and examined the relationships between social problem solving and empathy, emotional well-being and family well-being in a sample of secondary school students in Hong Kong (N = 1462). The participants completed measures of social problem solving (the 25-item short…

In this paper, I use principles of civic education and social psychology to identify four main classroom contributors to students' pessimistic appraisals of their ability to improve social problems: authoritarian teaching methods, a culture of "doom and gloom," little attention to solutions to social problems, and no linkage of social problems to…

Drama is a means to develop imagination and empathy. Simulated experiences can affect profoundly one's judgment and understanding, adding insights and expanding the frame of reference. The name game is a good beginning exercise, especially if participants do not know one another. Each player states his or her name and a favorite object that begins…

The nature of controversial programs is discussed, including problems that such programs pose for evaluators and suggested solutions for the problems. Controversial programs are likely to generate news-media attention, internal conflicts (i.e., involving the program and evaluation staffs) and external conflicts (i.e., involving various advocacy…

The purpose of this paper is to report on the role of advocacy in the urban milieu. It explores the following areas: (1) history and current status of advocacy; (2) review of some advocacy efforts; and (3) significance of the Advocate Counseling Model, a legal and therapeutic counseling model to help people to advocate for themselves. It is of…

This revised pamphlet was developed by a national association of credit unions for the purpose of directing consumer complaints to appropriate agencies or heads of agencies for action. Suggestions to aid the consumer are included, such as trying to solve problems at the local level before complaining to top officials. Addresses and phone numbers…

This document presents a report and recommendations of the conference on institutions of higher education as a resource in the solution of national problems. The report presents a summary for the discussions and deliberations of the conference with regard to 4 specific issues: (1) the university as a public resource; (2) internal organization of…

Synectics is a method of creative problem solving through the use of metaphor and apparent irrelevancy developed by William J. J. Gordon. The process involves rational knowledge of the problem to be solved, irrational improvisations that lead to fertile associations creating new approaches to the problem, and euphoric state that is essential in…

Points out that man and his institutions must be far-sighted and make sacrifices now to benefit future species and to preserve the environment. (LS)

Illustrations are given of how advances in motivational technology have contributed to raising the standard of living for the poor, facilitated compensatory education, provided a means of assessing the contribution of higher education, helped control serious diseases, and made management of complex enterprises more effective. (Author/AM)

Outlines approaches for introducing science and engineering students to a social choice interpretation of politics relating to their own environment. (JR)

Using the schools to achieve racial balance, eliminate poverty, fight drug abuse, prevent pregnancy, and reduce youth suicide is too large a task. Teachers and principals should address educational issues, not unmet social needs. To improve the educational performance of the schools, the quality of life for youth must first be improved. (MSE)