This study investigates one way humans cope with change--problem-solving. It concentrates on the human abilities important to efficient problem-solving and the processes involved in problem-solving. The objectives of this study were: (1) to develop three group administration tasks that measure problem-solving processes; (2) to evaluate the…

Six experiments were conducted to determine whether idea checklists increased idea quantity and quality. College students were allowed 10 or 20 minutes or unlimited time to find ideas for product improvement problems. Results indicated that the only checklist which significantly stimulated productivity was composed of just seven general categories…

A description of some techniques for developing children's creative thinking is presented. The principal technique used was to have children keep a journal of new ideas for five days a week. Thoughts to be written down included thinking about physical phenomena, children's thoughts about interpersonal relationships and themselves, children's…

The author examines the effectiveness of the Inquiry Strategy method which he hypothesizes to be useful in developing an analytical cognitive style. Ninety-two subjects from four, large urban high schools were involved. Forty-two were experimental, having received 2-3 years of Inquiry Strategy exposure in their late elementary or early junior high…

THIS TECHNICAL REPORT PRESENTS A DEFINITION OF CONCEPT, A TAXONOMY OF VARIABLES SIGNIFICANT IN CONCEPT LEARNING, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF ARTICLES DEALING WITH CONCEPT LEARNING AND PROBLEM SOLVING. A TOTAL OF 46 PERIODICALS SELECTED FOR SCANNING WERE THOSE KNOWN TO CONTAIN ARTICLES CONCERNED WITH PROBLEM SOLVING AND CONCEPT FORMATION. THE TEXT OF…

Several models for problem solving are discussed, and the idea of a heuristic frame is developed. This concept provides a description of the evolution of problem-solving skills in terms of the growth of the number of algorithms available and increased sophistication in their use. The heuristic frame model is applied to two sets of physical…

Control and experimental groups watched filmloops and were tested on both number and quality of details observed, questions asked, and hypotheses generated. Results suggest that instruction in cue attendance and hypotheses generation would benefit junior high school students, not only immediately, but in the long run. (Author)

Presents a model for introducing inquiry and problem-solving into middle grade history classes. It is based on an educational approach suggested by John Dewey. The author uses the model to explore two seemingly contradictory statements by Abraham Lincoln about slavery. (AV)

In recent years, California public schools have been inundated by a flood of non-English speaking students. This influx has forced California schools to look more closely at how best to provide meaningful instruction in English as a Second Language so the non-English speaker may quickly integrate into the American mainstream. Gives techniques for…

Discusses the importance of decision making in daily living and of teaching decision making skills in schools; outlines a decision making strategy; lists a sequence of questions as an example of a decision making approach; and presents a decision making map to help in the decision making process. (Author/JK)

After a review of the book "Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life," by Gail Sheehy, the author presents a lesson plan designed to help students become aware of adult developmental tasks and stresses. (MF)

Differences between problems in mathematics and problems in other subject matter areas are explored. Problems that explore the potential for application are unique to mathematics and therefore are also discussed. (JT)

Strategy games are used to expose teachers and their students to the techniques and strategies involved in true problem solving. (JT)

Suggestions are presented to help social studies classroom teachers identify and select teaching techniques. Concludes that inquiry techniques are most successful in helping teachers motivate students and awaken their curiosity. These techniques also provide illustrative examples; clarify themes; sustain interest, and encourage synthesis,…

Defines "creative rehersal" as a semi-structured playing of a narrative thread in a spontaneous manner by a child or group of children and an adult in order to practive problem solving abilities and describes the interaction of a child and an adult in such a situation. (MH)