The effectance motivation of 624 sixth graders was assessed on the basis of two measures completed by teachers. Student were also observed for their choice of hard and easy problems after being informed of contingencies based on the correctness of solutions. (Author/CI)

Effects of training four urban high school principals in problem solving with adolescents and family members were assessed in simulation and naturalistic settings. Quality of problem solving exhibited was greater following training. Other principals indicated that the training program would be beneficial to themselves and other school…

Explores the transition from methods of group problem solving like quality circles to a management philosophy called participation. Examines sharing control over decisions, participation as a means to building organizations that can innovate, and the transition to a participatory style of management. (CT)

Describes the first component of a seven-part, long-range planning model for achieving school system goals. In Binghamton, New York, the process successfully involved representatives from all components of the school and community in a consensus decision-making process. (MD)

Discusses how educational philosopher Joseph Schwab's conception of theory applies to curriculum development. Subtopics include the relationship of theory to practice; four universal components of education and their relationships; the curriculum development group, whose composition reflects the four components; and goal-directed versus…

The University of Michigan developed a planning process that takes an aggressive, self-help approach to budgeting. It involves many groups and levels of decision-making in a sometimes painful process that results in increased institutional self-reliance. (MSE)

Investigated the extent to which 28 academically able students used energy conservation ideas in solving written and practical problems. Interviews show problems they had in understanding and using the concepts of work and energy and that the idea of energy conservation was rarely used spontaneously in relevant situations. (JN)

Starting from the teacher's perspective might be a more promising way to do research and make school improvement policies. Rather than reform through management, the author argues for reform through greater teacher awareness of dilemmas-in-practice and how they resolve them. Consequences of these resolutions become the reform agenda. (Author/BS)

The authors explore characteristics of the workplace and the home that make the transfer of skills between them a viable concept, and talk about one of the skills (negotiating) that is beneficial to career as well as to family life. (CT)

A 20-year study of 31 artists as students and as professionals reveals that skills in finding and formulating problems are significantly related to creative achievement. Accordingly, educators should turn their attention to teaching such skills. (MCG)

Research identifies two interrelated memories--one that retains facts and symbols and one that retains motor and problem-solving skills. These and other findings challenge educators to determine what students should memorize, to help them move from random memorization to creating useful concepts, and to teach students to use memory in problem…

Reports results obtained when 24 14-year-old students were presented with algebra tasks by a computer-based modeling system and, four months later, comparable paper and pencil tests together with detailed interviews. Comparison of the results revealed profound misunderstandings of algebraic notation and identified classes of strategies used by…

Recent empirical findings have challenged Vygotsky's theory regarding the self-regulatory functions of children's private speech. This study hypothesized that semantic tasks and instructions to talk out loud would maximize private speech production. Results supported Vygotsky's notion that private speech does not disappear with age but "goes…

Determined whether chemistry students (N=332) understood analog tasks that could be used for teaching the mole concept. Also identified possible difficulties that students might have in solving mole problems. Seven major conclusions are reported and discussed, including the finding that two-step problems were more difficult to solve than one-step…

A person-centered approach to intergroup hostility is an alternative approach to dealing with social tension and conflict situations. The Camp David talks on Middle East peace exemplifies such an approach. (DF)