Presents the use of paradoxes as a strategy that enables students to develop their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Involves confronting the students with two very plausible ideas that they would normally accept uncritically, and then showing that the two ideas are apparently not compatible with each other. Discusses paradoxes in…

Explains how resources of various settings located in one geographic area of North Carolina were linked in attempt to resolve educational problems. Uses concept of collegium as mechanism for working together to present assumptions governing these efforts. Discusses rationale for successes and failures, and offers suggestions about how such…

Cobb's Cusp Surface Analysis Program (CUSP) provides a way to estimate empirically and test a nonlinear cusp catastrophe model. A model of emotion during problem solving is used to introduce catastrophe theory modeling and is discussed in conjunction with how to run and interpret CUSP. (SLD)

A postgraduate training course in the interdisciplinary project approach for environmental science specialists emphasized the following critical elements: high degree of organization, feedback on actual practice from experts, cyclical working methods, project planning techniques, and product-oriented thinking. (SK)

A new theory of subjective probability is presented. According to this theory, different descriptions of the same event can give rise to different judgments. Experimental evidence supporting this theory is summarized, demonstrating that the theory provides a unified treatment of a wide range of empirical findings. (SLD)

Tips for working more effectively to improve performance and realize goals include time management, enlightened empowerment, good commitments, selective problem solving, and escalation of critical problems. (JOW)

Describes how Newton's Law of Cooling and the Method of Mixtures are used to solve the basic dilemma of whether to add the cool cream to the hot coffee or to let the black coffee cool down first and then add the cream. (ZWH)

Action Reflection Learning uses group activities to develop critical reflection skills. Because learning takes place in teams working on real-world problems, it can lead to systems change and organizational capacity development. (SK)

This literature review of aspects of cognitive science (problem solving, metacognition, skill acquisition, situated cognition, and transfer) concludes with six principles for instructional design that enhances cognitive learning. (SK)

Discusses ideas presented in the book "A Moment on the Earth: The Coming Age of Environmental Optimism," which takes the position that environmentalists and some environmental scientists are wrong for preaching despair when environmental problems are near solution. Presents three reviews of the book ranging in opinion. (LZ)

The relative impacts of cooperative and competitive efforts on problem-solving success were explored in a review of 46 studies. Findings from these studies were categorized by problem-solving type and subjected to a meta-analysis. Members of cooperative teams outperformed competitive individuals on the identified types of problem solving. (SLD)

Discusses increasing emphasis on connectivity in the field of environmental problem solving. Touches on several major environmental problems as it discusses multidisciplinarity, marketization, and democratization as aspects of a new paradigm for environmental problem solving. (LZ)

Provides a method to help students understand problem-solving techniques used in introductory physics courses. (MVL)

Notes that when using the screw as a simple machine, the pitch of the screw is important in the amount of force that will be produced. (MVL)

Gives a short biography of George Polya and a summary of his suggestions for teachers. (15 references) (MKR)