The Program for Academic and Creative Enrichment (PACE) is a pull-out program for gifted elementary students. It is implemented by resource teachers working on a three stage model to develop basic thinking, critical thinking and problem solving, independent study, and research skills. (CL)

Describes a simulation game developed to introduce elementary school students to basic economic concepts, including scarcity, availability, resource utilization, trade-offs, and demand and barter. The simulation, based on a shortage of chocolate milk in the elementary school lunch room, stressed problem solving skills. (DB)

Harold D. Lasswell's concept of the decision seminar and its associated idea sets have been successfully applied to educational problems, desegregation cases, and research. Lasswell's idea sets include decision phase analysis, a social process model, five intellectual tasks, and eight value/institution categories. (RW)

Describes the beginning of a study of the cognitive processes required for applying financial accounting knowledge to specific problem solving situations. Task analysis is used to describe the cognitive components of accounting, and algorithms for the tasks are appended. Eighteen references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Class inclusion problems differing in size of the array and in superordinate class were given to 84 boys and girls in grades 1 through 4 in a first experiment, and 41 boys and girls in grades 3 and 4 in a second experiment. The experiments sought to determine performance variables explaining the developmentally late appearance of class-inclusion…

Forty second- and third-graders were placed into two groups, classifiers and non-classifiers (determined by Piagetian tasks). Twenty of the subjects were then trained to use feedback to manipulate stimulus attributes, in order to determine whether the effect of the training on concept attainment was similar to that predicted by the application of…

A review of decision research suggests that the design stage is a neglected aspect of the decision-making process. This study develops a conceptual model for analyzing the design of alternatives in organizations and applies it in three case studies. (Author)

The author reviews research and theory about the role of incubation (a period in which there is no apparent activity toward problem solving but some progress toward a solution occurs) in creative thinking. Note: For related information, see EC 120 233-238. (CL)

By providing an example problem in solving sets of nonlinear algebraic equations, the advantages and disadvantages of two methods for its solution, the tearing approach v the Newton-Raphson approach, are elucidated. (CS)

A systems approach to developing and designing social work curricula is discussed. Systems principles are discussed in connection with both the process and the outcomes of curriculum building. Pragmatic principles that can guide and enable complex systems to change are stated. (Author/MLW)

To determine the effects of a teacher's level of questioning on the development of children's problem-solving ability, children were exposed to three five-week treatment conditions in a half-day laboratory nursery school program. High-level cognitive questioning seemed to result in children's ability to generate significantly more alternative…

Defines the term "shyness" and provides data regarding its prevalence. Discusses the relationship of shyness to other psychological problems and describes attempts to treat it in brief psychotherapy. The general goal of treatment is to provide patients with a problem-solving approach to interpersonal difficulties. (JMF)

The model involves the following five steps: (1) brainstorm the problems; (2) evaluate the brainstorm list and select the most important one; (3) brainstorm solutions to the problem; (4) create a synthesis of 3; and (5) develop a plan to implement 4. (PHR)

This article offers some strategies for closing the linkage between initial needs assessment and the implementation of change. Examined are: prioritizing needs through criteria analysis, developing a cyclical implementation/staff inservice plan, and utilizing an analytical problem solving approach to curriculum and decision making. (Author/RAO)

Presents the mathematical background for solving eigenvalue problems, with illustrations of the applications in computer programing. The numerical matrix treatment is presented, with a demonstration of the simple HMO theory. (CS)