Three experiments involving 218 college students demonstrated that both labeling and visually isolating a set of steps in examples independently help students learn a subgoal and makes them more likely to solve novel problems that involve that subgoal although they require different steps to achieve it. (SLD)

Policy analysis is a two-stage process of (1) diagnosing the problem and (2) unraveling the parts in it played by the policy issue, environment, factors affecting implementation, and proposed alternatives. In higher education, this requires a thorough understanding of the unique higher education environment. (MSE)

Discusses using the problem-solving approach to teaching vocational agriculture. Reviews the literature and the models that have evolved since the 1930s. (JOW)

Suggests reasons for the lack of change in biochemistry courses and proposes mechanisms to enhance change. Advocates a problem-solving approach using nontraditional questions on examinations. Provides examples of how traditional questions can be rewritten to reflect a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Authors propose a simple and inexpensive activity to provide an exciting source of information about biological processes that occur during eutrophication of lakes and ponds. The observations and interpretations that take place during the eutrophication of the Windogradsky water column constitutes an illustrative approach for understanding…

Evaluated effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) and parent management training (PMT) on 97 children referred for severe antisocial behavior. Found that, compared to PSST condition or PMT condition, combination PSST and PMT condition led to more marked changes in child and parent functioning and placed greater proportion of youth within…

Discusses alternatives to brainstorming such as the Trigger Method, the SIL (Successive Integration of Problem Elements) Method, the Wildest Idea, Brainwriting Pool, Method 6-3-5, Pin Cards, the Gallery Method, the Crawford Slip Method, and Nominal Group Technique. (JOW)

Longitudinal design with mild, naturalistic stressor (poor grade on midterm examination) tested whether perceived problem-solving ability predicted adjustment among 303 college students. Participants completed assessment before and after stressor. Individuals who appraised their problem-solving ability as lower before stressor were more vulnerable…

This paper offers an extension of Graham Wallas' model of the creative process. It identifies periods of problem solving, incubation, and growth with specific points of initial idea inception, creative frustration, and illumination. Responses to creative frustration are described including denial, rationalization, acceptance of stagnation, and new…

Describes a university consumer affairs course using management tools to improve problem-solving skills. The Interaction Method teaches specific material and enables learning through participation. (SK)

Randomized adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to 8-10 sessions of behavior management training (n=20), problem-solving and communication training (n=21), or structural family therapy (n=20). All treatments resulted in significant reductions in negative communication, conflicts, and anger during conflicts and improved ratings…

Discusses integrating technology education into the elementary language arts curriculum. Shows how elementary educators teach about technology as a process in problem solving and can apply it to such stories as "The Three Little Pigs." (JOW)

This paper reviews research showing problem finding to be distinct from problem solving and research supporting the role of problem finding in intrinsically motivated creative performances. The paper concludes that problem finding represents a family of related skills, each of which seems to be influenced by cognitive and extracognitive factors.…

Describes four word-and-picture problems through which students can hone their math skills, all of which involve shopping for goods and calculating prices of items that they would buy. Notes that shopping creates real-life problem-solving situations. (MDM)

Examines some of the methods environmental professionals have developed to deal with challenges that are the result of economy, government action or inaction, regulatory mandates, and the inherent complexity of environmental issues. (LZ)