Describes a teaching method involving problem-solving techniques used by project teams in industry that have been tailored for use in an introductory engineering technology course. Provides step-by-step guidelines for each component. (JOW)

Outlines major steps in problem-solving process: (1) defining the real objective; (2) defining characteristics of the optimum solution; (3) searching for alternate solutions; (4) comparing the best alternative solutions; and (5) choosing the best solution. Discusses variations in procedure when problem owner and solver are the same or different…

In a September 1988 "NASSP Bulletin" article, the author challenged readers to construct a question analysis matrix for curriculum evaluation in relation to critical thinking and problem solving. The author's solution, featuring various "domains" or components categorized according to planning, implementation, and outcome stages, comprises this…

Describes criteria for discriminating between appropriate and inappropriate problems for expert system solutions, and presents several examples of problem analysis. (CLB)

Investigated the effects of caregiving experience on adults' thinking about a child-rearing problem. Study 1 found that, of 192 adults, parents were better than nonparents at diagnosing the cause of a baby's crying. Study 2 extended the first study's findings to 42 mothers and 42 nonmothers. (SKC)

Explores the potential for using Intelligent Educational Systems (IES) for anchoring instruction in macro contexts in science education. Topics include anchored instruction; situated cognition; problem solving; cognitivism; interactive video environments; and examples of combining IES and anchored instruction. (LRW)

Presents a sample HyperQuiz, a strictly-for-fun, genius trapping contest for occasions when the syllabus and coverage do not bear down too severely. Promotes collaboration between students, library research, and development of scientific thinking skills. (JRH)

Twenty-eight undergraduate accounting students taught a problem-solving model scored an average of 85% compared to 34 controls who scored 69.85%. In a second test, 26 in the treatment group scored 84.6%, and 32 controls scored 59.4%. Problem solving appeared to improve application and retention of accounting concepts. (SK)

Notes crisis in spirit of hope within society, and growing pessimism that there are no workable solutions to massive social problems facing communities. Explains conflict cycle of stress, feelings, behavior, and reactions, then moves beyond theater of punishment with call to action. Recommends fighting three-front war of primary prevention, early…

Three experienced and eight novice physicians were asked to solve three problems. Results indicated that the ability to incorporate contextual information contributed to effective solutions. Experienced physicians tended to use more inclusive approaches, although both groups demonstrated premature diagnostic bias. (SK)

Describes "Take Five," a group brainstorming activity that can be adapted to different time constraints, numbers of participants, and types of participants. Gives examples of uses to which the technique can be put. (SK)

Evaluated treatment effects in single session process using problem-focused approach and solution-focused approach. Findings indicated significant difference between two approaches when dealing with client's perceived problem improvement, outcome expectancy, session depth, session smoothness, and session positivity. Found no significant…

Relates five methods that San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater used to get through financial setbacks and the 1989 earthquake, which damaged its building. (PA)

Discusses computerized testing and certification and proposes three levels of certification testing, each one corresponding to a different notion of competent performance, from basic knowledge to expert performance. Declarative and procedural knowledge are defined; performance-based tests are discussed; and testing for problem-solving ability is…

Negotiations through problem solving succeeds because everyone participates and feels good about the process and the product. Lists a step-by-step approach along with tips for arriving at resolutions if the talks falter. (MLF)