This report describes how to improve the effectiveness of the federal role in international Science and Engineering (S&E) based on relevant policy documents and reports and a wide range of different perspectives. The contents of the book are divided into four chapters. Chapter 1, "Introduction," includes "Process for Developing…

The presentation of physics content knowledge in conjunction with the lack of examples in solving problems leads high school students to struggle with mathematical problem solving in physics courses. This paper explains the importance and necessity of having mathematical courses for all high school students. (YDS)

The present paper aims to propose a theoretical reflection in order to overcome a strong tradition in psychology concerning the analysis of cognition and affectivity as dichotomic processes explaining human behaviours. A general theory of the human subject is presented to discussion, followed by the proposition of a new unit of analysis for the…

For more than twenty years, the Richmond, Virginia Public Schools' program for gifted students has conducted an interscholastic competition similar to the nationally known competition, Destination Imagination. In the featured contest of this yearly event, teams of five students present solutions to engineering problems that they have worked on for…

The models of standard test theory, having evolved under a trait-oriented psychology, do not reflect the knowledge structures and the problem-solving strategies now seen as central to understanding performance and learning. In some applications, however, key qualitative distinctions among persons as to structures and strategies can be expressed…

Metacognition has been accorded a role in both mathematical problem solving and in the learning of mathematics. There has been consistent advocacy of the need for the promotion of metacognitive activity in both domains. Such advocacy can only be effective if the advocated process is well understood. This paper has three goals: to set out a…

The lesson plans in this book engage students by using a tool they enjoy--the Internet--to explore key concepts in algebra. Working either individually or in groups, students learn to approach algebra from a problem solving perspective. Each lesson shows learners how to use the Internet as a resource for gathering facts, data, and other…

This study investigated the dynamics of intersubjectivity within the zone of proximal development. Its theoretical framework is based on three principal approaches to intersubjectivity, those of J. Wertsch (1984; 1985), B. Rogoff (1990), and R. Rommertveit (1979), with reference also to self-regulatory speech (L. Vygotsky, 1986). Data were…

Polya claims that true problem solving is accompanied by the cognitive activities of mobilization, organization, isolation and combination, and by the evaluations of relevancy, proximity, and quality. Evaluations occur as a result of monitoring cognitive activities. According to Polya, these particular cognitive activities are a necessary part of…

If equivalent operations are performed on the left term and right term of an equation, a new equation results. This principle allows one to produce equations with a variable isolated on one side and its value(s) on the other. It also underlies problem-solving in situations where equations are not explicitly used, but the problem calls for…

This paper introduces issues related to the role of intuitive knowledge in physics learning. Phenomenological primitives, which form the base level for intuitive explanations in the research, are discussed. Three primary questions are the focus of this paper: (1) What role, if any, does intuitive knowledge play in physics problem solving? (2) How…

Problem solving is of critical importance in many disciplines. In medicine, the clinician's ability to arrive at the correct diagnosis often means the difference between life and death. Despite its importance and a significant amount of research regarding how to improve problem solving, few unambiguous answers have emerged for promoting problem…

Article contains a listing of recent works relating to Creativity and Problem-Solving as reported in Dissertation Abstracts. (Author/RK)

Described an instrument for developing ideas which will enable organizations to work out creative solutions to problems and issues. (Author/RK)

The fable illustrates the manager's need for consideration without judgment of not only the elements of organizational ineffectiveness but also the inter-relation of elements. Identifying all elements and all relationships in a problem situation is essential. (Author/DS)