The most important factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows, and new material must be organized and integrated with this if effective learning and recall are to result. External factors such as repetition, contiguity, and reinforcement play a significant role for some types of learning. (Author/LBH)

The implications of the interaction between knowledge acquisition and problem solving are discussed. Options for the teaching of problem solving are listed including: giving students the opportunity to solve many problems, facilitating students' exploration of the mental processes used to solve problems, and providing explicit training in the…

Three experiments explored the development of formal logical reasoning between Grades 4 and 12 and the role of semantic content in the solution of Wason's (1966) selection task problems. Results suggest that formal logical reasoning is not generally present during the fourth or sixth grades and that formal logical competence becomes available in…

Identifies kinds of thinking that fit naturally into elementary social studies curricula, using models of thinking that are not complex. Models include general problem solving skills and skills pertaining to specific types of intellectual tasks, such as comprehending information, solving specific problems, researching topics, and making decisions.…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of two types of research methodologies used to study the effect of LOGO in classroom settings: the treatment methodology and computer criticism. Stresses the importance of testable consequences. (PS)

Replicates and extends Riding and Powells' study of four-year-olds' problem-solving abilities using computer activities. Achieves similar results, namely significantly greater improvement between the pretest and posttest scores for the treatment group. Suggests that computers could aid worthwhile improvement in young children's thinking…

Computer-aided modifications were introduced to an established project in a master of business administration (MBA) program aimed at introducing the principles of creative problemsolving. In general, students overcame technical complexities quickly and the modifications allowed for greater interaction, monitoring, and feedback. (Author/CH)

The author presents five pitfalls encountered by postsecondary students when making career decisions. They include (1) skill abandonment, (2) inaccurate information, (3) predictability versus flexibility, (4) title versus setting, and (5) workplace change. (CH)

Schools need more incentives to begin to produce more "thoughtfulness." As it is now they respond by "getting by" because they are only held accountable for minimal levels of achievement. Policymakers need to develop a different system of acccountability. (MD)

Through a study of teachers resolving classroom dilemmas, a way of characterizing teachers' beliefs for fuller understanding of their practices is suggested. Examining a teacher's perspective as a dynamic complex of beliefs and assumptions demonstrates that successful change efforts must consider the perspective in its entirety. (CJH)

Discusses the human brain's specialized perception/expression and information processing systems as they relate to student learning. For high school students in the formal reasoning stage, it is suggested that teachers provide instruction based on mental exercises to develop problem-solving insight. (DH)

Educators need to develop teaching strategies that allow children to explore creative musical processes that will nurture musical skills, self-awareness, and imagination. A sequence of five lessons encompassing language arts and music demonstrates how students can develop creativity by writing haiku and then composing music to accompany the poems.…

Tested hypothesis that 4- and 5-year-old children in same-sex problem-solving groups would perform equally well when a group task required various cooperative and self-serving behaviors to enable group to obtain a resource. The hypothesis that girls and boys would employ different behaviors to obtain resource was also tested. Participants were 20…

Notes that the story of George Washington's encampment at Valley Forge is seldom told without reference to the bitter cold winter Washington and his troops endured. Shows how to use historical reports of weather information to allow students to judge for themselves whether the winter at Valley Forge then was harsher than winters in the same area…

The author describes the Training Technology System, a model for separating training from nontraining problems and a means of systematically solving training problems in industry and business. He lists the system phases: (1) analyze, (2) design, (3) develop, (4) implement, and (5) control, and he critiques the system. (CH)