Considers the types of problems given to children in primary classrooms. Offers a tool for analyzing worksheets and problem solving tasks. (Author/CCM)

Describes a contest in which students attempt to build a device that produces a donut-shaped air pulse that will travel the greatest distance with the most accuracy. (WRM)

Describes an experiment undertaken to determine what relative electric charges would result if three or more pieces of transparent tape were placed on top of each other and then separated one at a time. Makes suggestions for using the project in high school and undergraduate classes. (WRM)

Describes how Bowdoin College (Maine) lessened the volume of typical new building occupancy problems by commissioning its new facility prior to use. The school's decision to commission is discussed, the commissioning process is examined, the types of problems commissioning can find and the process used to correct them are described. (GR)

Reviews the conditions for reading comprehension applicable to solving math word problems. Describes the approaches used by three bilingual teachers to enhance the problem-solving skills of second language learners. (NH)

Presents a book excerpt that introduces the author's "Hope Is Vital" program and methods. Shares his vision and methods for creating performance workshops that actively investigate social concerns. Considers a series of gradually intensifying exercises leading from fun warm-ups to image-building bridge activities. (SC)

Problem-focused strategies to motivate students are too teacher-controlled to be effective. In solution-focused settings, the student is asked to be the expert. In problem-focused situations, the teacher describes the problem and decides the strategy. Tips for developing solution-focused motivation strategies are provided. (MLH)

Introduces a lesson that incorporates numeric, graphic, and algebraic approaches as well as a strong verbal communication component into the maximizing problem. (ASK)

Presents a schema for expert decisionmaking that can be used as a performance support tool. The ringshaped schema can be used in two ways: (1) beginning at the center with problemsetting and working outward to other supporting factors, or (2) skimming over the factors located in the outer ring to find a topic related to information about the…

How students interpret problems influences how they solve them. Lists lessons learned at the end such as how fair assessment of mathematics set in contexts requires having students explain their reasoning or assumptions, and is done most effectively and accurately over time. (ASK)

Suggests the case of the British Westland Lysander P12 Ground Strafer aircraft illustrates the problem of narrow thinking. Claims that had the initial designers approached the problem in a broad way, they would have seen in advance that the project would fail. Concludes the case is instructive as an industrial problem, but it also demonstrates the…

A study assessed effects of a self-instructional package on complex problem-solving skills by three adults with intellectual disabilities. Problem situations were embedded in the participants' daily routines that consisted of multiple task sequences. The training package was effective in producing generalized, complex correct problem solving in…

Employers like the problem-solving approach of technology education because it develops team building, discipline, content and process, knowledge of the capitalist system, and multidisciplinary skills. (JOW)

Proposes that premarital education efforts can reduce marital distress and divorce. Using a combination of rational argument and empirical findings, four key benefits of premarital education are discussed: (a) it fosters deliberation; (b) it sends the message that marriage matters; (c) it make seeking help an option; and (d) it may lower risk for…

Creating towers of balanced stones is a versatile outdoor learning activity that can be experienced in the classroom, school yard, forest, or parking lot. Students discover hidden talents, learn to work and communicate clearly with others, and reconnect with the natural world. Several variations on the exercise are given, along with principles of…