It is argued that to deal with conflict effectively in a college or university, it is necessary to be aware of the structural relationships and antecedent conditions that cause it, and to watch for early signs of trouble. Seven levels of conflict are identified and strategies for resolution are suggested. The importance of early intervention is…

Critically analyzes an article by Jan Klabbers, focusing on methodological, epistemological, and ontological viewpoints. Examines the reasoning process whereby the actor approach model of learning environments is derived from the machine approach model; looks at claims of differentiation between rationalism and historicism, and the distinction…

Describes a technique to disengage the power play during a conflict by getting the overadequate pursuer to step back and pursue less, thus forcing the passive-aggressive distancer to mobilize more effectively in her or his own behalf. Provides a three-step plan to defuse a power play and gives a case example. (KW)

Matrix organization can be used to construct math word problems for children with mild disabilities. Matrix organization specifies the characteristics of problems, such as problem theme or setting, operations, level of computation complexity, reading vocabulary level, and need for classification. A sample scope and sequence and 16 sample word…

This study examined the creative problem solving of 100 young children (prekindergarten to grade 2) in response to both realistic and fanciful story problems. Solutions were evaluated for fluency, elaboration, flexibility, originality, effectiveness, and realism. Although children's performance improved with age and experience, their solutions…

Three experiments examined individual differences in the use of problem-solving strategies. Results provided evidence that the choice and usage of cognitive strategies depended on intelligence, personality, and "intelligence-related" personality traits. Results suggest that the analytical strategy is associated with increased working…

Explains 20 strategies that address the diverse gifts and needs students bring to the classroom and the ways teachers can help children to cultivate and celebrate their talents. These strategies emphasize creative thinking, communication, understanding, problem solving, community awareness, laughter, and joy. (MOK)

Defines and compares project-organized learning and problem-based learning at a theoretical and practical level. Outlines differences and similarities both for institutions practicing and for institutions planning to implement some of these educational ideas. Contains 14 references. (JRH)

Contends that the context of children's literature affords opportunities for solving varied and authentic mathematics problems. Suggests that the problem-solving process in mathematics is often linked with that involved in comprehending children's literature. Consequently the teacher is provided meaningful information about students' thinking that…

Summarizes 17 recent ERIC documents and journal articles discussing Piagetian perspectives on children's cognitive abilities and development. Includes sources on children's thought, learning, and problem-solving processes; physical and natural causality; correspondence and number conservation; circular reactions; the 5- to 7-year shift; science…

Discusses two students' discovery that both of their answers to a computation for E in a chemical reaction in electrochemistry were correct, that there was not a unique answer, and that the textbook had presented only one of the possible answers to the problem. (MKR)

Investigates the effect of Pen-Point and Powerbook computers on solving a multiple-step chemistry problem among white, Afro-American, and Hispanic students. Results suggest that the Pen-Point computer has a more positive effect on the problem- solving performance and attitude of students towards computers than the Powerbook computer. Contains 14…

Based on data collected over a three-year period, found that, when both parents and adolescents exhibited ineffective, coercive behavior, parent-adolescent interactions grew more negative over time. When parents exhibited nurturant behavior and adolescents belligerent behavior, disruptive adolescent behavior resulted in a decline in nurturant…

Aims to provide a framework of perspectives to analyze and understand the characteristics of school crisis and to propose different strategies and procedures to manage it. Classifies potential causes and consequences of school crises. Generates five perspectives for understanding school crises based on different management paradigms. (DSK)

Discusses whether verbal interaction is recognized as the source from which co-operative groups draw their power to facilitate mathematical learning. Reflects on a group in a mathematics course for prospective secondary teachers focused on problem solving where silence was commonplace. (ASK)