Two uses of computers are outlined. The first discusses and presents a model of a program which is designed to teach students the reasoning involved in solving certain problems. The second looks at the ability of computers to count at high rates of speed, as a start for student explorations. (MP)

Techniques have been described for using celestial spheres as data-generating devices. Descibes a variation, capitalizing on students' interest in activities related to Stonehenge. Following a movie, students determine whether or not astronomical alignments found at Stonehenge and related structures could arise by chance. Local buildings are used.…

The problems many students have on the senior high school mathematics functional literacy test in Florida are discussed. Instructional exercises designed to improve students' reading comprehension of word problems are noted, and prototypes of some of the exercises viewed as more useful are provided. (MP)

In N-solution problems, students identify N solutions using only the materials themselves as reagents. Students who solved N-solution problems as a practical examination were asked to solve hypothetical N-solution problems on a paper/pencil test. Results indicate that students can solve these problems and still have gaps in knowledge of…

Concludes (1) that the relationship between consensus and decision quality tends to merge when the group approaches its task in a systematic and rational manner and (2) that group communication scholars need to be careful about assuming that consensus decision-making necessarily results in more decision-making satisfaction among group members. (PD)

Ethical instruction should be a distinct component of training programs for educational administrators. Ethical competence should be nurtured by an inductive approach in an educational administration problem-based way, using humanistic literature as supplementary rather than foundational material. (Author/CM)

Describes Nelson and Mitroff's concept of "Bothsides" thinking and a replication of their experiment to determine whether it is possible to promote this type of thinking in decision-making by using an adequate stimulus and, if so, to find out what an adequate stimulus is. A reference list is included. (JL)

Computer-enhanced simulation of models permits students to become subjectively involved in interaction with the computer. A method for developing a computer simulation is described, and three examples of computer simulations are given. (JN)

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

Evidence is presented that many primary-age children are good at solving word problems. The data comes from three years of observation of about 100 pupils from grades one through three. It is noted that instances of total failure were relatively rare. The individual interview method is recommended to teachers. (MP)

Two separate and simultaneous studies took place in middle socioeconomic schools. A considerable degree of consistency of results in problem-solving performance with and without calculators was found in the two investigations. Calculator-using groups performed significantly higher than non-calculator groups where differences occurred. (MP)

An examination of a student question concerning a calculus problem leads to a discussion of some of the symmetric properties of a specific set of polynomials. (MP)

To develop scientific thinking in students, the history of science should be integrated in school curricula. This would present conflicting theories, within and outside of science, that would help to develop the students' abilities to compare and criticize. (CJ)

Tested use of visual imagery for overcoming memory loss in community-living older people with evidence of senile dementia. Patients and caregivers were randomly assigned into one of three training conditions: didactic, problem-solving, or wait list. Recall performance was somewhat improved for subjects in the didactic group. (Author)

Problem solving assessment complements traditional testing of students by providing information on how learners move to appropriate solutions. In the problem solving assessment, the examiner may participate fully since the interaction between adult and child and not the ceiling is under examination. (SW)