Difficulty in comprehending mathematical concepts is a consequence of the system of knowledge acquisition prevailing in schools, and more specifically, of the typical pattern of classroom interaction. In the common task-setting/task-solving pattern, the teacher divides the subject matter into segments. Students are involved interactively in…

A significant body of research from business and industry has generally confirmed the contribution of participative decision-making to improved organizational effectiveness and employee morale. Following a literature review, this paper explores the implementation of shared decision-making in the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Public Schools. The…

This study assesses the usefulness of case records in significantly expanding the base of knowledge in education administration. Forty-six school personnel case records were examined in regard to: how respondents perceive and describe problem situations; whether or not alternative strategies are reported and, if so, what types; and what kind of…

Two studies examined the effectiveness of self-instruction training via a specially developed computer program to modify the impulsive problem-solving behavior of 16 deaf and 10 learning disabled (aphasic) adolescents attending two special residential schools in Canada. In the control condition, students learned the Apple LOGO computing language…

The potential influence of cognitive-behavioral theory on counselor preparation is an important aspect to consider in training counselors and therapists. To determine the effects of self-instruction and the knowledge of how to develop a clinical hypothesis on master's degree counselor trainees, two studies were conducted. In the first study, entry…

This booklet was designed to provide practice on mathematical skills with material that is relevant in the lives of students in grades 2-5. All pages are tear-out reproducibles that may be used in any order, although varying levels of difficulty in both content and reading level are apparent. Activities pertaining to number, computation,…

The focus of this activities book is on using calculators to solve problems, as a way of promoting better comprehension in mathematics in the intermediate grades. Problems of various types are presented, ranging from those based on everyday life such as shopping, schedules, meal planning, and sports, to those involving imaginary ideas.…

Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers in categorization tasks are examined in this study of undergraduate students. Findings are reviewed of the categorization and solution tasks undertaken by a group (N=21) of science majors at a private university. The subjects were classified as either successful or unsuccessful in…

Creative and successful ways to develop reasoning-centered classrooms are described. An informative testing method, which was developed by Larry Michaelson (University of Oklahoma Division of Management) begins with students taking a quiz and turning in their results. Then they retake the quiz in a permanent group of five or six students who must…

While supervision is recognized as a crucial aspect of organized education, it has received less attention than it deserves. This book treats educational supervision as a cooperative problem-solving process, rather than an aversive inspection for staff deficiencies. Part I describes benefits of the developmental approach. Part II focuses on the…

Intended for use by managers and developers of Army training, this report provides an introduction to "smart technology," which represents the application of cognitive and computer science to Army training problems. Differences between "intelligent tutors"--a major component of smart technology--and conventional…

Reviews of relevant research on the application of operations research and statistics that appeared prior to 1980 are compared with those appearing in the early 1980s. In summary, both explicit and implicit users of mathematics in educational administration see it as a tool that essentially brings order and generalizability to administrative data.…

There is an increasing awareness of the usefulness of foreign language training in a number of seemingly diverse areas. Foreign language students develop not only technical skills related to language use but also tangible advantages in the job market because of their increased communication skills. Mastery of languages also enhances the enjoyment…

A description is provided of the use of a Critical Thinking Worksheet as a pedagogical tool for introducing critical thinking to students of philosophy and informal logic. First, an accompanying handout introduces essential terms such as "argument,""conclusion," and "reasons or premises." The worksheet itself constitutes the second page of the…

Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian children in kindergarten through grade 3 were administered the Metropolitan Mathematics Instructional Test to determine their achievement level in mathematics and areas of particular strength and weakness. Only the first grade exceeded the national norms. However, the kindergarten had covered only 21% of the test topics,…