A processing model is presented that deals explicitly with both the text-comprehension and problem-solving aspects of word arithmetic problems. The model simulates construction of cognitive representations at various levels, distinguishes several information processing steps, and analyzes processing requirements that differ among types of…

Presents nine steps in an adapted version of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a group work method to foster positive attitudes toward self and others and develop coping skills among incarcerates reentering society from prison. Appendices list tasks relevant to incarcerates and results from implementation of NGT in Family Problems Class during…

Reports four experiments focusing on Piaget's claims that conservation and transitivity concepts are experienced as logically necessary truths. Two experiments examined feelings of certainty and necessity in college students presented with Piagetian tasks. Two other experiments extended these procedures to children and the issue of developmental…

Sifts through confusing intelligence theories, arguing that intelligence is a combination of influences involving power, tactics, and content. Good thinking is an unnatural act demanding evenhanded reasoning, problem finding (versus solving), and knowledge as invention. Discusses thinking frames guiding thought processes and the implications for…

The article is designed to help parents and teachers understand the nature and causes of underachievement and to show them how to work more effectively with underachieving gifted students. Guidelines focus on ways to share problem solving. (Author/CL)

Appreciating the power and beauty of mathematical thought should be an integral component of a student's mathematical education. The meaning of aesthetics in the realm of mathematical reasoning, the relationship of aesthetics to problem solving, the results of two studies, and recommendations for developing aesthetics are included. (MNS)

Reports on a study to determine the decision-making processes and styles used by consumer education students when confronted with a consumer credit problem. Tests were administered to 27 secondary students. Findings revealed that gender determines to a great extent the process and style used. (Author/CH)

A possible method of derivation of prescriptions for solving problems, found in Babylonian cuneiform texts, is presented. It is a kind of "geometric algebra" based mainly on one figure and the manipulation of or within various areas and segments. (MNS)

Investigated use of analog tasks for determining difficulties that high school chemistry students (N=619) might encounter in solving molarity problems. One finding is that analog task used is a predictor of success on a molarity test. (Author/JN)

Draws examples of creative problem solving from the negotiations by delegations from Egypt, Israel, and the United States at Camp David in 1978. Uses Bales's "Field Diagrams" to show the relationships of the participants. Uses Taylor's five levels of creativity to rate decisions. (BH)

The authors examine the meaning of independence for persons with a disability, note two prerequisites (access to the same opportunities of life and capacity to participate in those activities), and explore strategies to help disabled persons learn to choose how to live their lives (including personal life planning, problem solving instruction, and…

Compared the expectations and problem-solving skills of maltreating mothers (N=20) and matched comparisons (N=10) who completed the Child Development Questionnaire and the Parent Opinion Questionnaire. Results indicated both abusive and neglectful mothers showed significantly greater unrealistic expectations and poorer problem-solving skills than…

Describes the Educational Opportunity Program of Northern Illinois University's adaptation of an administrative planning decision making program called the Delphi concensus seeking process. (MD)

Computer assisted learning, (CAL) which embodies an interactive approach to learning, is distinguished from computer assisted instruction, and the usefulness of CAL with mildly handicapped students is considered. A project is described in which eight special education students used Turtle Graphics for developing thinking and problem solving…

Two studies investigated two groups of young children at the ages of four and eight years, respectively. Subjects were required to solve a simple problem task by performing a response opposite to that demonstrated by an adult. Girls' performance was significantly worse than boys', regardless of the sex of the model. (Author/CI)