This article presents a lesson plan for teaching students the third of five steps for solving mathematical problems, "lining up a plan." Steps for teaching students to visualize the problem and draw a picture of the problem are given. (DB)

Examined the relationship between sibling conflict and marital satisfaction, spousal conflict, family emotional climate, and family problem-solving processes that involve siblings. Results indicated that equal treatment by parents, family harmony in family discussions of sibling problems, and parent perceptions of family cohesiveness were…

A model for problem solving stressing both psychological and cultural influences is presented. This model is based on the analyses of how graduate students (n=10) solve organic synthesis problems, along with two models of problem solving and a constructivist epistemological stance. (KR)

The uses that chemistry students (undergraduates, postgraduate, and trainee teachers) make of analog models when relating equations to projects were identified. Although only a restricted use of such models were found, and for none of the reasons valued by practicing chemists, patterns were identified. The implications for chemical education at…

Implications for science curricula and instructions of new perspectives on scientific knowledge, on nature of evidence, and on how knowledge changes are considered. Argues that much of science education is mired in positivist assumptions and suggests ways in which science instruction can promote a more appropriate epistemological attitude and…

Schematic knowledge was assessed by asking 195 ninth and tenth graders to classify area-of-rectangle problems in terms of whether the text provided insufficient, sufficient, or irrelevant information for solution. The hierarchical ordering of templates for the area of a rectangle is demonstrated, and implications for mathematics instruction are…

Eye-fixation analysis of 38 undergraduates allowed identification of phases in solution of arithmetic word problems and location of students' difficulties with inconsistent problems within the phases. Results indicate that the locus of the inconsistency effect lies outside the execution phase of problem solving. (SLD)

Discusses the use of simulations in education and suggests ways in which they can be made more cost effective. Highlights include electronic performance support systems; smart tools; examples of the use of simulations in an electronics laboratory and for interpersonal problem-solving skills; and computer-aided instructional design. (Contains 11…

Presents a study of problem-solving activities in a hypermedia representation of a theorem-proving problem. Qualitative analyses of user activities and responses to questions asked while using a system called HUGH&ME are described. The need for hypermedia-based tools to support expression and refinement of reasoning during problem solving is…

Notes innovation and creativity as an alternative to violent response to anger or frustration. Discusses prerequisites for success of social problem approach to conflict resolution and presents six specific steps to this approach and its benefits for both teacher and children. (HTH)

Presents a vignette of an ethical dilemma in a child care setting, and provides solutions based on a specific section of NAEYC's code of ethics. (HTH)

Operations research (OR) is the use of measurable interrelationships to explain the predictable links between measured phenomena and variable outcomes. Provides examples of OR techniques in school business management. (MLF)

Improving the leadership skills of the school business manager will promote organizational structure, norms, and policies. A district staff-development program in consensus skills can simultaneously address problems and develop skills. (MLF)

This study investigated the long-term impact of the Master of Science Degree in Creative Studies at Buffalo State College (New York) on the personal and professional lives of 38 graduates. Results indicated that graduates have integrated their knowledge of creative problem solving into both their professional and personal lives. Six tables detail…

A successful problem-centered program must focus on problem-solving and planning strategies more systematically and intensively than is typical in most classrooms. Teachers can approach problem solving by posing open-ended questions, teaching the steps of thinking, incorporating problem solving into the curriculum, connecting lessons to children's…