Life planning workshop volunteers were randomly distributed into four independent groups. The problem of obtaining separate-sample controls when all participants participate in the experimental treatment was solved. Workshop participation significantly facilitated achievement of life planning goals. Utility of the Rotter I-E scale as an instrument…

A short history of mathematical Olympiads in the People's Republic of China is given. Sample problems are included. (MK)

Three problem-solving strategies--working backward from the unknown, forward from the given, and mixed--were applied to interrelated algebra equations. The mixed strategy was most popular and most efficient with grouped variables. Memory load or information-processing load differences among the strategies were evident. (CP)

Cognitive Flexibility (availability in the individual's repertoire of various strategies and ability to select those most effective to the required task) is suggested as an important individual-difference variable. Some methodological problems in the assessment of cognitive flexibility as related to human memory are discussed. (Editor/SJL)

Three definitions of "back-to-the-basics" are given and discussed. The idea that science provides opportunities to practice the most "skill-thinking" is also discussed. (MK)

The process skills discussed include: observation; estimation; communication; mensuration; and graph construction and interpretation. Two activities for grade 6 and beyond are suggested. (MK)

Compares the relative difficulty of four types of word problems. Other variables considered are grade level, sex, order of testing, and performance on a computational skills test. (MK)

The article suggests ways parents and teachers can help gifted, talented, and creative children to learn about the future and plan careers. (DLS)

Describes the criteria used to devise a test to evaluate the experiment-oriented investigative and problem-solving capabilities of students entering an introductory physics course. (Author/GA)

Groups of middle-aged and elderly men and women were compared on three problem solving tasks, including written problems, the 20-questions procedure, and problems administered on a Heuristic Evaluation Problem Programmer. (MS)

Briefly reviews Piagetian theory of cognitive development and discusses how this theory supports such instructional strategies as individualized activities, inquiry learning, and problem solving. (MLH)

Argues that current teaching of scientific inquiry overemphasizes hypothesis testing to the exclusion of hypothesis generation. (SL)

Instructional methods used in a course designed to strengthen abstract thinking skills are described. (DT)

The author suggests that community action programs may not be widely adopted unless developers clearly state the benefits to students, reduce implementation time, and answer six questions about feasibility and priority of such programs. (Author/AV)

Successful performance in mathematics rests not only on general skills but also on general attitudes and traits such as perseverance, self-confidence, willingness to try out a hunch, and appreciation for exactness. (MM)