Shows how confusion of notion of "critical thinking" with such notions as "reasoning ability" and "argument analysis" frequently justifies programs in critical thinking. Discusses critical thinking in everyday problems. Outlines strategy to develop critical thinking capacities using the philosophy and knowledge of…

In guided design, students are led through the process of solving open-ended problems in "slow motion." Steps in the decision making involved in and examples of guided design projects in a physical science course are outlined and discussed. Comments on student evaluation of the course are included. (JN)

Determined effects of various methods and formats of administering a Piagetian task on college students' (N=376) performance. Concludes neither method nor format influenced subject performance; and this lack of influence is similar for various combinations of method and format. Importance of this finding and implications for teachers are…

Four small Connecticut school systems demographically different but similar in size have established a consortium to minimize the effects of declining enrollment by sharing their students, teachers, and resources. Despite such obstacles as scheduling and transportation costs, the consortium has generally proven successful. (JBM)

The contribution to learning that can be made by students' questions is considered. Some questions asked by middle school students and the activities selected by the teacher to answer their questions are presented. Questions involve predicting, judging reasonableness, measuring, finding an average speed, and multiplication. (MNS)

Assesses critically the likely impact of existing inservice programs for training principals, identifying their major shortcomings and suggesting potentially more effective alternatives. Argues that, although a complete curriculum for principal training has yet to be developed, the Principal Profile method offers a foundation for long-term…

HRD (human resources development) is tackled by the author, who argues against HRD's psychological construct; the assumption that for every problem, there is a theoretical and workable solution; teamwork as opposed to individualism; listening as a discrete skill; if it's Japanese, it's better; and HRD's theory of leadership. (CT)

Examined the usefulness of problem-solving training for residence hall coordinators (N=16) and resident assistants (N=69) following an inservice training session. Results indicated residence hall staff viewed the training as satisfactory, but responses varied according to different levels of self-appraisal of problem-solving skills. (JAC)

A study was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between problem discovery and the assessed originality of the written product, and to determine whether problem-solving behavior is observable in student writers. Results indicated a relationship between problem finding and the originality of the product. (HOD)

Sixty-six seventh, eighth, and ninth graders were selected by guidance counselors to participate in a problem-solving skills training program. Students receiving training demonstrated better problem-solving skills and a higher level of self-esteem than control group students. (Author/BW)

Differences in the mastery motivation levels and approval needs of children, ages four and eight, were investigated. Two groups of 32 children each worked on puzzle tasks in one of two conditions: (1) verbal reinforcement or (2) nonreinforcement. Younger children needed more reinforcement than older children. (Author/BS)

Discomfort in learning environments forces individuals to change and develop new skills to solve problems. This helps learners attain their highest states of growth and productivity. Solutions for correcting marginality are offered. (DF)

A survey designed to inventory problems encountered by pharmacy students is described. Student problem prevention programs, it suggests, should focus on financial counseling, workloads, student participation in committee and planning activities, the importance of learning and professional performance as opposed to grades, and job and career…

This section presents four worksheets for grades 1-8 on problem-solving activities with a "things to do this summer theme." Problems relate to a county fair, a library summer reading program, camp, and summer jobs. (MNS)

Argues that preparing students for literacy demands outside school means increasing both the amount of time students spend reading and writing and the range of real world reading and writing materials that they use to solve problems and complete tasks. (HOD)