This manual, which is based on extensive research on cognitive psychology and organizational theory, contains resources for nine workshop sessions designed to help people become creative problem solvers in their workplace and their lives. The materials are based on Bransford and Stein's IDEAL model, according to which successful problem solving entails the following actions: Identify problems that others may have overlooked; Develop at least two sets of contrasting goals for any problem and define them explicitly; Explore strategies and continually evaluate those strategies' relevance to their goals; Anticipate the effects of strategies before acting on them; and examine the effects of their efforts and Learn from them. Topics addressed in the nine modules are as follows: the importance of problem solving; the IDEAL framework; understanding ourselves; enhancing creativity; perfecting the art of learning (this topic is covered in two sessions); assessing what we know; effective communication; and putting it all together. After a note to trainers that explains the principles of the IDEAL model and the trainer's role in helping master problem-solving strategies, the following materials are provided: module overviews and lesson plans; exercises for grammar, vocabulary, writing, and math; student handouts; pretests and posttests, and answer keys to all exercises and tests. (MN)