This general exposition of information consolidation and primer on information consolidation processes defines information consolidation; discusses the concept's evolution; summarizes its objectives, audiences, value, and benefits; discusses information consolidation processes including selection, evaluation, analysis, synthesis, restructuring,…

This article proposes that the behavior of teachers conducting small-scale evaluations of their own programs is analogous to the behavior of students solving curriculum-specific problems in classrooms and that teaching methods for training students in problem-solving skills can be usefully adapted to training teachers in evaluation skills.…

Describes an evaluation of the added value of skills methods for preventing smoking with sixth-grade students from two schools. Skills conditions subjects learned problem-solving, self-instruction, and interpersonal communication methods. The article discusses the strengths, limits, and implications of the study for other smoking prevention…

Content of school problems as posed by high school students, quality with which questions were formulated, and the relationship of content and quality to students' intellectual characteristics were investigated. Results reveal problem content most involved affectivity of teachers; problem formulation quality was egocentric; and content and quality…

Describes an approach to assessing the use of rules in solving problems related to Newton's third law of motion. Discusses the problems used, method of questioning, scoring of problem sets, and a general overview of the use of the technique in aiding the teacher in dealing with student's conceptual levels. (JM)

Structured Controversy, an instructional technique based on cooperative group learning, stimulates student involvement in issues concerning technology and society. The technique involves selecting a discussion topic; preparing instructional materials; preparing students for the discussion; the structured controversy itself; and wrap-up and…

The problem method is defined and legal education objectives and achievement of those objectives by the problem method are examined. The use of the problem method in specific courses is discussed. An appendix lists problem method materials currently available to law teachers. (Author/MLW)

This study evaluated the construct validity of the Learning Styles Inventory. Learning styles of participants in a continuing professional education program were associated with both the evaluative statements learners make about the design of the program and their attitudes toward lecture and small group sections of the program. (CT)

Describes a course titled Analytic Medicine which is intended to provide the opportunity and the necessary skills, through a problem-oriented approach, for medical students to learn to reason scientifically and to utilize analytic processes, including computers, in making clinical decisions. (Author/MLW)

To improve instruction, teachers need to be brought together to work on common instructional concerns in a professional environment. To create it, supervisors need to provide more opportunities for teachers to make choices, discuss their work, observe each other, and help beginning teachers ease into their responsibilities. (Author/DCS)

Persons with expertise in a particular problem area and persons who will be affected by the action taken to correct that problem should be involved from the outset in the decision-making process. (Author/MLW)

Suggests approaches to improving application of knowledge derived from basic research in relevant disciplines based on investigation of methods used at Bell Telephone Laboratories. Discussion includes factors contributing to application of basic knowledge, how they contribute, favorable conditions for, steps to strengthen, and obstacles to…

Notes need for outdoor education programs for gifted students. Describes a 1981 survey of such programs provided by New York's Board of Cooperative Educational Services and outdoor education centers. Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model and Parents' Creative Problem Solving Process are suggested as models to teach gifted students through outdoor…

Teachers can help students become more resistant to stress by teaching relaxation techniques and improving communication skills. Children must develop self-confidence and feelings of being loved in order to be able to handle stress. (DF)

Structured naturalistic observations and student surveys were analyzed to determine (1) the extent to which small group instruction was used in elementary school classrooms; (2) the academic conditions under which small group instruction was used; and (3) the effects of small group instruction on student attitudes, particularly those related to…