Examples, exercises, and solutions involving compound growth are contributed that emphasize the areas of lending, borrowing, and investing. It is felt these areas present a wealth of opportunities for mathematical modeling, the development of algorithms, and practical applications, and can be fully explored throughout typical secondary…

Investigated the effects of two 20-minute guided imagery sessions on the number of career alternatives generated by 30 undergraduates enrolled in a career-planning course. Results supported the hypothesis that imagery techniques may be helpful in counseling because they promote divergent thinking which enhances problem-solving ability. (Author)

Since problem solving is recommended as the focus of school mathematics, it should be given emphasis in programs for teacher preparation. A course should focus on strategies for solving problems, rather than simply using problem-solving techniques as other content is studied. (MNS)

Presents the Decision-Making Process Model, a framework for working through questions that require action. The seven steps are identifying the decision; determining why it is needed; identifying alternatives; analyzing information; estimating practicality; and deciding on a conclusion. The focus is on adolescent sexual decisions. (Author/JAC)

This study emphasizes the relationship of perception to thinking and explains direct teaching of thinking. Without clarity of seeing and creativity, perception is shown to become narrow patterning. The Cognitive Research Trust program is recommended for teaching thinking skills using transferable thinking "tools." Self-images of students…

Sixty 15-minute television programs help students learn to reason and systematically solve problems. The goals are confident, flexible thinking; self-management; effective expression; and systematic reasoning. The cognitive skills emphasized include information collecting, classifying, and communicating effectively. A resource list is provided.…

An information processing approach to the assessment of learning disabled students' intellectual performance is presented. The model is based on the assumption that intelligent behavior is comprised of a variety of problem- solving strategies. An account of child problem solving is explained and illustrated with a "thinking aloud" protocol.…

Uses a case study to illustrate effective use of written contracts in family therapy. The contract provides short term benefits that form the basis for more complex and time consuming therapy. By offering tangible evidence of change, the contract facilitates additional intervention by conceptualizing problems. (Author/JAC)

Herbert Simon (Nobel prize-winning economist/professor) expresses his views on human and artificial intelligence, problem solving, inventing concepts, and the future. Includes comments on expert systems, state of the art in artificial intelligence, robotics, and "Bacon," a computer program that finds scientific laws hidden in raw data.…

This exercise in mathematical modelling requires understanding of geometric progressions, inequalities, and absolutes. It presents a problem on credit creation in the banking system. (MNS)

Describes a course used to teach freshwater ecology to graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Explains how students receive an introduction to lake ecology and work on applied resource management questions concerning local lakes and streams. Gives case study examples. (SB)

Discusses the rationale, aims, and objectives of introductory computer courses and suggests an improved approach to designing such courses to prepare pupils for a computer-based society and to improve problem solving through structured programing. Criteria for evaluating and choosing an appropriate programing language are listed. (EAO)

The entry, attack, and review/extension stages of problem solving are discussed. A project for children aged 9-13 was developed; some student reactions to problem solving are included. (MNS)

Effective decision-making depends upon true communication among decision-makers. Futurists should develop fundamental thinking skills such as the ability to formulate good questions, consider alternative points of view, and set short- and long-range goals. By example and through education, the "tools of futuristics" can be employed usefully in…

Studied relationship and clarification-reconceptualization functions of intervention discrepancy in brief counseling for 34 clients having problems with negative emotions. Three treatments represented levels of intervention discrepancy: (a) listening; (b) congruent interpretation; and (c) discrepant interpretation. As hypothesized, all treatments…