Holistic math focuses on problem solving with numbers and concepts. Whole math activities for adults include shopping for groceries, eating in restaurants, buying gas, taking medicine, measuring a room, estimating servings, and compiling a family cookbook. (SK)

Suggests that (1) classroom analysis of good children's literature can facilitate effective problem-solving skills; and (2) consideration of the metamessage of cooperation as well as the individualistic perspective in such analyses is worth the time and effort. Notes that there are award-winning books that speak to the consequences of both…

Engineering students are taught to approach the identification and solution of problems through design education, systems analysis, and other methods. These methodologies are applicable to other disciplines in relating problem solving to real world situations. (SK)

Effective problem solving depends on adopting the appropriate frame of reference to guide the search for solutions. If the problem is mislabeled or the wrong frame of reference used, the chances for success are lower. (SK)

College students completed measures of problem-solving appraisal, negative life stress, and suicide ideation (Study 1, n=1,277) or problem-solving appraisal, negative life stress, and hopelessness (Study 2, n=382). Results from both studies suggest that problem-solving appraisal and negative life stress are significant independent predictors of…

Offers a personal narrative on how the author's own poetry helped her cope with the crisis of infertility, serving as a tool for self-discovery and healing. Suggests that specific advantages of poetry writing within the context of psychotherapy include problem solving; expression of feelings; insight; couple communication; and individual and…

Work teams can be highly motivating and can reduce overhead costs. Teams with clear, limited objectives and the right skills, feedback, and incentives will perform well. Personality difficulties, resistance to change, and lack of training can short circuit their effectiveness. (SK)

Discusses creativity under severe limitations by using the Apollo 13 mission as an example to demonstrate a range of principles for creative practice and motivation applicable in any situation. (DB)

Technology education practitioners (n=225) identified how often 27 mental processes were used in solving technological problems. Analysis resulted in five factors: researching the problem, searching for solutions, creating innovative solutions, analyzing data, and evaluating results. (SK)

Presents an experimental verification of a hypothetical construct explaining the basic mechanism behind the behavior of an intelligent agent implemented in the Solution, Mapping, Intelligent, Learning Environment (SMILE) performance supported system. Explains the SMILE concept mapping method and its role as a problem-solving tool. (Author/LRW)

Discusses how some college administrators have found "over-the-counter" cures for deferred maintenance problems resulting from budgeting shortfalls. Catch-up approaches discussed include those involving planning, prioritizing, partnering, and gift giving. (GR)

Explores how principals can use school psychologists' professional expertise in collaborative problem solving. Explains school psychologists' functions, shares a case study illustrating superintendent-psychologist cooperation in solving a drug abuse problem, outlines five possible problem-solving situations, identifies four myths of collaboration,…

Offers a new approach to teaching problem solving in technology education that encourages students to apply problem-solving skills to improving the human condition. Suggests that technology teachers incorporate elements of a Taoist approach in teaching by viewing technology as a tool with a goal of living a harmonious life. (JOW)

Addresses these questions: Who can solve problems? What is creativity? How can human resource development foster an environment that nourishes creativity? Describes approaches--problem centering, encouraging learning-theory perspective, mentoring, and diversity. (SK)

Attempts to list the body of knowledge and skills that future engineers will need and how such knowledge and skills can best be transferred to students during the engineering education process. Discusses some of the problems facing higher education today presents some ideas for cross border harmonization of engineering education. (Author/SAH)