Discussion of computer programming and knowledge-based instruction focuses on three studies of elementary and secondary school students which show that five particular problem-solving strategies can be developed in students explicitly taught the strategies and given practice applying them to solve LOGO programming problems. (Contains 53…

This article describes a project which involved inner city elementary grade children with disabilities in writing and performing their own plays. A four-step playwriting process focuses on theme and character development, problem finding, and writing dialogue. The project has led to improved reading skills, attention, memory skills,…

Outlines four solution methods for the Mangoes Problem, discusses how middle school students have approached the problem, suggests generalizations of the problem, and gives an example of a related problem that can be used as an extension to explore the four strategies discussed. (MKR)

Describes the technology education program at a Colorado high school that is based on principles of interdisciplinary education, cooperative learning, a flexible curriculum, and an emphasis on students as problem solvers. (Author/JOW)

Two experiments studied preschool children's ability to infer numerosity from correspondence between two sets. Found that children were able to make inferences as early as three years of age. However, differences between the two conditions suggest production deficiencies in young children's use of counting as a problem-solving strategy when they…

It is argued that efficient use of cognitive strategies also involves domain-specific knowledge, metacognition, and motivation. Issues concerning cognitive strategy instruction are explored, and it is concluded that a hybrid model representing a compromise between the notion of cognitive strategies and current connectionism may best portray human…

A form of autosuggestibility in which children's answers to memory tests were shifted in the direction of their illogical solutions to reasoning problems was studied in 5 experiments with 396 primary-grade students. A model of how gist intrusion causes autosuggestibility is developed. (SLD)

The president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reflects on two fundamental principles of liberal education, that liberal education allows us to: (1) understand ourselves; and (2) act. He observes that problem solving is becoming more interdisciplinary, thus creating a greater need for liberal education. (DB)

Hugh D. Jascourt describes a new way to negotiate called "collaborative bargaining." Nancy E. Peace, who had a neutral role, describes her experiences with the method in five Massachusetts school districts, and provides reference sources. Responses are from Naomi R. Stonberg, a school committee attorney, and Ellen M. Suarez, a consultant…

Comparison of cognitive performance of 51 students with hearing loss and 64 hearing students indicated that, at age 10, students with hearing loss performed better on nonverbal tasks and worse on verbal tasks. At age 13, students with hearing loss performed poorly in both verbal and nonverbal tasks. (Author/SW)

Outlines and illustrates the Dartmouth approach to developing a science project. This problem-solving approach, promoted by the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, helps teachers in guiding students in all phases of project work. (JRH)

Discusses the need for elementary students to evaluate their own information problem-solving styles. Presents self-evaluation techniques to be used before, during, and after the information problem-solving process. Offers a list of self-evaluation questions, guidelines for designing self-evaluation instruments, and an example questionnaire. (JMV)

Examines the relationship between identity style and the need for cognition, openness to experience, and introspection. Results indicated that self-reported use of a cogitative information-oriented style was related to two factors: information-seeking variables, and self-reflective tendencies. Norm-oriented individuals tend to protect themselves…

Profiles "Odyssey of the Mind," an international competition that challenges students, kindergarten through college, to find creative solutions to bizarre problems. The unique design competition demands creative problem-solving, teamwork, and understanding of basic principles to complete projects that last for several months. (LZ)

Discusses and provides an example of reflectivity approximation to determine whether reflection will occur. Provides a method to show thin-film interference on a projection screen. Also applies the reflectivity concepts to electromagnetic wave systems. (MVL)