Discusses cognitive mechanisms facilitating effective problem solving in physics (mechanics). Considers content, organization, and description of the knowledge base facilitating scientific problem solving. Also considers procedures used to describe and analyze a problem initially, to search for its solution, and to assess the solution. Educational…

Set concepts are used in this story about a swimming excursion in France, with "real" applications of mathematics presented. (MNS)

Curricula involving reflective inquiry are always dynamic, have a problem orientation, afford introspection, require personal decisions, and recognize that living socially is a basic human condition. Such a curriculum, which views education as a liberating force, has its roots in humanism and existentialism. (RM)

Describes how a black radio operation in Washington, D.C., used university students enrolled in a broadcast management course to solve some of their management problems. (HOD)

Home economics can help students deal with social problems, learn to cope with their lives, make sound judgments, get along with family members, and manage their resources. Guidelines are given for implementing the new, socially significant home economics. (MJL)

Suggests combining the Delphi technique and the nominal group process technique to improve the collective decision-making of school curriculum and other committees. Both methods require group members to respond in writing. A five-step agenda with sample questions illustrates the approach. (MLF)

Some of the major problems facing higher education over the next decade and how microcomputer-based decision support systems can be used to address these as well as everyday administrative problems are discussed. Examples using electronic spreadsheets and database management systems are provided. (Author/MLW)

The research administrator's role in the process of coordinating the actions and agendas of a diverse group of individuals is discussed. Results of a survey of administrators' perceptions of the time spent in these tasks, the outcomes of their efforts, and the accessibility of information to aid them are presented. (MSE)

Offers such teaching activities as a one-line program contest, field trips, examining job openings in newspapers, and a writing activity speculating what would happen if robots did not follow Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Includes "Logo Goes to High School" by E. Paul Goldenberg, discussing problem-solving tasks…

Advances have been made in testing optometrists' clinical skills, particularly with the use of simulation techniques. Further research into these techniques will probably receive the most attention, although a shift in research emphasis from correlational studies of test validity and reliability to test development studies is needed. (MSE)

Describes "Josef," a robot programing language similar to the LOGO turtle language, which has been designed as an instructional system through which the algorithmic problem-solving skills required in computer programing can be developed and tested in a controlled learning environment. Four figures and a reference list are included. (JL)

Issues management is defined as a distant early warning system through which colleges and universities can develop strategies to deal with legislative, community, and internal issues before they reach a crisis point. The issues management process at Texas Christian University is described. (MLW)

Problems in the usefulness of current financial assessment methods are examined and specific suggestions are made for assessment methodology and validation procedures. Expert ratings, if improved, could be a meaningful validation criterion. Self-assessment, while useful for individual schools, is not as useful for multiple institutions as…

Three qualitative problems designed to explore differences in cognitive style were given to 48 undergraduate biology students in England. Two components of cognitive style were identified: problem perception (analytic, holistic, versatile) and ability to integrate the problem with their existing knowledge (high, low). Student problem-solving…

The application of the Hamilton method for apportioning seats in the United States House of Representatives is presented based on the 1980 census. It is felt that this method is preferable to the equal proportion method currently used if for no other reason than the greater appearance of fairness. (MP)