RIDGES is a mnemonic device designed to give upper elementary and high school students a structure to follow when solving word problems. RIDGES stands for Read the problem; I know statement; Draw a picture; Goal statement; Equation development; and Solve the equation. (VW)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Cryptarithm puzzles are explained and discussed. Examples are provided and reproducible student worksheets are included. (PK)

Considers a trigonometric solution to a standard calculus minimization problem. Presents a geometric solution which can be used to solve other trigonometric or algebraic problems. (PK)

Interpersonal problem-solving skills of 17 mildly retarded students and two groups of nonretarded subjects (Ns=30) matched on mental age (MA) and chronological age were assessed using hypothetical problem solving situations. Results indicated similarities between mentally retarded subjects and MA matched controls in types and number of strategies…

Uses examples from four exercises to show how computer-based education (CBE) is used to teach problem-solving in a physiology course. Screen prints are included to illustrate the exercises. Several benefits of using CBE strategies in physiology are also considered. (JN)

Presents four problem-solving activities which require only simple, readily available materials. Comments about the activities and ready-to-duplicate worksheets are provided for each activity. Activities are suitable for students in the lower secondary grades. (JN)

Examines the creative writing of 180 elementary school children for gender and age differences. Stories were analyzed for assignment of physical actions and problem-solver roles to characters as well as for story theme. Findings support conclusions that stereotypic attitudes toward sex-roles prevail and are evident in children's stories.…

This exercise shows how to turn the expository treatment of a topic or event into a mystery or puzzling situation that students are asked to solve. Once a puzzle is presented, students may pose only questions that can be answered yes or no. Three sample lessons are included to illustrate the process. (JDH)

An application of functions and their inverses is described--the coding and decoding of messages, or cryptographs. The helpfulness of computers is noted, with two programs listed. (MNS)

A three-step process for teaching situational problem-solving and critical thinking to learning disabled adolescents is described: (1) Motivation (recognizing the problem and the importance of solving it); (2) Association (relating the problem to similar past situations); (3) Processing (identifying possible solutions and choosing the most…

Teachers have successfully used three Principles of Teacher Training (Curry Sato, 1984) as guidelines for identifying and solving instructional problems with gifted students. Teaching styles were changed through training, which was (1) reinforced through appropriate materials; (2) attempted to meet participants' specific needs; and (3) was…

The use of case studies for training in problem solving in a Scottish chemical engineering program is outlined, and problems in assessing both changes in student behavior and the quality of the learning experience are examined. (MSE)

Discusses artificial intelligence, robotics, natural language processing, and expert or knowledge-based systems research; examines two large expert systems, MYCIN and XCON; and reviews the resources required to build large expert systems and affordable smaller systems (intelligent job aids) for training. Expert system vendors and products are…

Maintains that children's thinking skills can be developed and improved through discussions of children's literature. Provides suggestions of how teachers can help students to develop their thinking through questioning techniques and children's literature. Also presents various teaching strategies involving learning activities that allow students…