Provides a problem where students are asked to find the point at which a soda can floating in some liquid changes its equilibrium between stable and unstable as the soda is removed from the can. Requires use of Newton's first law, center of mass, Archimedes' principle, stable and unstable equilibrium, and buoyant force position. (MVL)

Summarizes a study of 42 preschoolers that focused on children's capabilities for nonviolent conflict resolution and sharing behaviors. The subjects were somewhat flexible at modifying their egocentricity in "giving-in-sharing" in an environment fostering reciprocity (justice) and security. (19 references) (MLH)

Tested interactional "state of mind" model of hopelessness among prisoners. Inmates (n=146) completed measures of problem-solving appraisal, social alienation, irrational beliefs, reasons for living, hopelessness, and depression. Jail stress was related to hopelessness through interaction with cognitive mediators. Depression, low…

Describes a study of concept mapping as a means of learning problem-solving skills. Concludes that the concept mapping subjects were significantly more successful at solving biological test questions than were the controls. Reports no significant differences between cooperative and individual mapping and mixed results for gender. (DK)

Compared to children with high-average and low-average intelligence quotients, 26 intermediate grade gifted children used fewer moves to solve a combinatorial problem-solving task and exhibited higher metacognitive knowledge on person and strategy variables. Qualitatively different intercorrelational patterns among problem-solving, metacognition,…

Inservice workshops employing simulation exercises can effectively provide school board training. Such training encourages board members to view problems from numerous perspectives, develop confidence, and build camaraderie. Problem-solving simulation steps are outlined, and six sample scenarios are offered for consideration. (MLH)

Examined use of decision worksheets in training college students (n=42) to employ better decision-making strategies related to alcohol. Multivariate analyses indicated that experimental subjects had higher mean scores than control subjects on measures of "overall goodness," intensity, and inclusion of elements of feasibility, costs, and benefits.…

Describes the Human Communication Research Centre Dialogue Database. The database consists of over 700 transcribed and coded dialogues from pairs of speakers aged from 7-14. The speakers are recorded over 2 years while tackling cooperative problem-solving tasks, and the same pairs of speakers are recorded over 2 years tackling 10 different…

Reviews the literature concerning problem solving in science education. Authors contend that the adoption of a forward-looking viewpoint of science has increased the attention given to the topics of discovery and problem-solving behavior. Authors conclude that research by philosophers of science on models and problem solving include insights to…

Three experiments investigated the ability of 79 college students to solve similar algebra word problems. Data indicate that students are able to perceive and use similarities in such problems at the level of a conceptual structure. A training session to explain relevant structural principles was effective in improving performance. (SLD)

District-level supervisors perform critical functions for enhancing teaching and learning systemwide. This case study found that district supervisors divided their time among the district, district departments, and the school. At all three levels, central office administrators were engaged in two focal activities: resource management and problem…

Synthesizes a conceptual framework (or linguistic-conceptual systems) for thinking about conceptual frameworks, discusses their potential for helping users develop competence in applying them to unstructured problem solving, and outlines instructional implications. The theory-practice gap arises partly from failure to conceptualize the nature of…

Traditional academic disciplines are not best available tools for teaching about reality. The concept of human survival provides an overarching aim for a general education curriculum. Survival information includes knowledge about our physical environment; inherent human characteristics and capabilities; the ideas, beliefs, and values underlying…

Interviews with 10 technology teacher educators and 9 experts on problem solving suggested the following instructional techniques: (1) modeling and practice with feedback in realistic situations; (2) varied techniques; (3) outcome measures to assess program effectiveness; and (4) teacher training involving field experiences and performance-based…

A study of 20 randomly selected professionals from each of 4 disciplines (education, engineering, law, and medicine) found that educators read less professional literature than did engineers, lawyers, and physicians. Educators cited lack of time, dislike of technical jargon, reliance on other support systems, lack of incentives, inaccessibility,…