Develops an experimental teaching method emphasizing the nature of functions including graphical representation in an introductory college physics course (mechanics). Examines the effects of this method on student's problem solving and attitude toward physics. (YP)

An activity which combines problem solving with the history and science of hot air balloons is presented. Instructions for making and launching tissue-paper balloons are provided. The advantage of using manipulative materials with middle school students is discussed. (CW)

Discusses making tessellations by using a polyomino. Illustrates the various ways for various shapes of polyomino. Provides several diagrams and instructional guides. (YP)

Purdue University's School of Pharmacy has developed goals for its professional degree program that emphasize problem-solving and lifelong learning skills leading to the advancement of pharmaceutical practice. The next step is to link learning strategies across courses. (MSE)

Exceptional students need to learn self-directed behavior and self-management procedures, in order to enhance their adaptability and problem-solving skills in work environments. An instructional model to teach adaptability skills focuses on decision-making, independent performance, self-evaluation, and autonomy. Several procedures to promote…

Describes a series of lessons used with a year-five class which encouraged the use of analogical reasoning in problem solving and giving attention to students' awareness of strategies and applications. Students were encouraged to discuss and question their own thinking to make connections among the problems being solved. (MKR)

Reports on results of a Swiss project designed to provide descriptions of language competence at various cross-over points at which Swiss learners change from one educational sector to another in order to create a coherent information system for course planning, coordination of certification, self-assessment, and reporting achievement. (72…

There are several factors to consider when developing tasks to satisfy curricular objectives. Tasks can be written by teachers alone or by teachers and library media specialists collaboratively. Each task should have an authentic problem-driven purpose, be developmentally appropriate, have an intended audience, and introduce new concepts, content,…

Adaptation of the Total Quality Management approach to organizational improvement at Oregon State University involved creation of 10 pilot finance and administration teams and implementation of a 10-step problem-solving process. The approach has improved staff morale as well as client services. (MSE)

Describes a multimedia training program developed for Union Pacific to help improve management-worker relations and to improve service reliability by improving morale and motivating employees for training. Courses are described; multimedia interactivity is explained, including decision making and problem solving; and future plans are reviewed.…

Discusses a case study in which the cognitive monitoring moves of a pair of preservice elementary education teachers were examined during cooperative problem-solving tasks. Concludes that assuming different roles during the problem-solving experience can be an effective strategy and a potentially helpful learning experience. (31 references) (MDH)

This paper establishes a conceptual framework for assessing problem-solving abilities of gifted secondary students. Assessment procedures based on a continuum of problem types are described. Issues discussed include multiple types of intelligence, the use of multiple measures, sensitivity to individual differences, and assessment for the student's…

Provides guidelines for designing an "authentic project," which is the result of an information search based on a problem-driven task; it is a library research project in which authentic content is integrated with transferable skills in a real-life context. Presents three questions for assessing student performance and learning objectives.…

This review of research finds that, when IQ and reading ability are controlled, "true" math deficits of students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorders (ADHD) are specific to mathematical concepts and problem types. Slow computation affects problem solving by increasing attentional…

Four experiments involving 440 college students in the Philippines and United States examined the effects of symbolic knowledge and problem-information context on translating relational statements into mathematical equations. Results indicate that symbolic knowledge is not always easily accessible in contexts that differ from ordinary…