A study evaluated differences between subjects at three levels of expertise in acquiring and using information obtained from a patient during the clinical interview. Five endocrinologists, five residents, and five students interviewed a volunteer patient and provided differential diagnoses. Differences were found in diagnostic accuracy,…

Student comments about having time in class to think and solve problems are presented. Stressed are teaching methods which allow students to familiarize themselves with the problem, think about solution processes, work through the solution process, and reflect while solving a problem. (CW)

Described is research which sought to prove the hypothesis that mental models tend to preserve their autonomy with regard to the originals they are meant to represent. The results of this investigation involving 200 Israeli students are presented. (CW)

Examined sex-typed traits (instrumentality and expressiveness), the work environment (demands and interpersonal resources), and importance of stressor episodes as predictors of measures of coping (avoidance, problem reappraisal, and active problem solving) with 132 managers. Found women more likely to use avoidance and problem-reappraisal coping,…

The article describes how the use of collaborative consultation as a problem-solving process can be used in various service delivery options for educating mildly handicapped and at-risk students. Critical considerations (staff development, planning/problem-solving options, scheduling/time to consult) are identified. (DB)

Although it is not clear how important undergraduate professional education is in final practice behavior of the health professional, it is probable that graduates of problem-based curricula will be more effective continuing learners and therefore better practitioners because of a more positive feeling about learning and acquisition of…

Describes the Instructional Design Environment (IDE), a hypermedia system for designing and developing instructional material, including texts, interactive video disks, and intelligent tutoring systems. Highlights include the problem-solving nature of instructional design; other computer-based systems for instructional design; and the use of IDE…

Discussed are teaching methods that can be used in association with amusement park rides. The basic principles behind the effects of several rides are reviewed and illustrated. (CW)

Described is an interdisciplinary unit on pseudoscience which combines interest in unidentified flying objects (UFO's), physics, astronomy, art, and english composition. The different phases of the lesson, assignments, and evaluation are discussed. A list of books available on UFOs is provided. (CW)

The intellectual disciplines comprising the traditional curriculum are actually territorial spaces carved out by academic scholars for their own purpose. Although middle-level educators have been engaged in reform efforts for two decades, the interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum is still rare and a working definition of a middle school…

A study investigated differences in National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores for students at the College of Human Medicine (Michigan) in two preclinical medicine curricula, one problem based and one traditional, during four distinct periods. Results illustrate the difficulty of comparing the curricula, given revisions over time. (MSE)

A 5-year study investigated the effect of training on question-asking skills of 42 licensing examiners in orthopedic surgery. Results indicate that a three-hour training session resulted in examiners' asking many more open-ended and/or problem-solving questions, suggesting the effectiveness of the training program. (Author/MSE)

Action science is a communication technique that staff developers can use to increase interpersonal competence and problem-solving skills in schools engaged in the process of school transformation. An example of the action science intervention at a Maryland elementary school is presented. (SM)

Provides an overview of this issue that reviews Dutch research concerning knowledge-based instructional systems. Topics discussed include experimental research, conceptual models, design considerations, and guidelines; the design of student diagnostic modules, instructional modules, and interface modules; second-language teaching; intelligent…

Presents six construction problems in which key parts of the figure are made inaccessible, that is, a lake or an obstruction is inserted. Encourages creative thinking while improving problem-solving skills. Students are to show the construction, describe the solution, and verify correctness of the solution. (LDR)