Guidelines to use when solving complex design problems and two illustrative examples were presented in Volume 16 (No. 1), page 12 of this journal. Two additional examples are presented, focusing on ASCEND-II, a flowsheeting system to help "design" a computer model for a process. (SK)

Discusses areas related to teaching science-related, value-laden, real-world problems. These include potential/limitations of science and scientific method, how science-based information fits in with other kinds of information, how preconceptions about problems/issues affect scientific problem solving, and utilization of different educational…

Incorporating writing into mathematics classes is promoted, with numerous suggestions on using writing to help students recall procedures, develop story problems, and plan computer programs, among other things. (MNS)

Stakeholder evaluation was designed to address widely recognized problems in the conduct of evaluation. However, global propositions about the problems and prospects of program evaluation obscure the circumstances in which social science can contribute to social problem solving. (Author/PN)

Elements that the University of Akron, Furman University, and Wichita State University believe to be essential for mounting a successful program for change are identified: definition of institutional mission, top administrative support, leadership development, comprehensive change programs, emphasis on communication and process, and merging of…

The easy availability and popularity of newspapers enhance their use in the classroom. The material presented is grouped under: (1) "Comparative Shopping and Estimation Activities"; (2) "Buying and Furnishing Houses"; and (3) "Graphing, Probability, and Statistics." Teachers are encouraged to consider such applications in involving pupils in…

Discusses three avenues of problem-solving research: misconceiving natural laws, processing information, and constructing solutions. Suggests that the change in emphasis from problem to problem solver and the key role of "physics" problems are unifying aspects of the research. (JN)

Four goals of teaching for problem solving and the characteristics of microcomputers that could be used to further these goals are examined. The combination of an enthusiastic teacher and the new technology is expected to open up new vistas of possibilities for problem solving in the curriculum of the 1980's. (MP)

Describes the Nehru Science Centre in Bombay (India). Includes comments on the cultural/social factors considered during development of and types of activities/exhibits at the center. The activities and exhibits (focusing on all areas of science and technology) were designed to foster experiences with inquiry and problem-solving. (Author/JN)

Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Examined differences between students who perceived themselves as "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers. Results revealed "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers differed in number of problems acknowledged, on self-report ratings about the personal problem solving process, and on ratings made by interviewers on several cognitive…

"Alinsky methods," designed for confrontation, can include packing meetings, requesting marathon sessions, and using dramatic advertising. Developed by Saul Alinsky for oppressed people, the methods can be mitigated by 10 administrator actions, including building openness and trust, having good legal and public relations advice, and…

The pendulum and balance beam were studied. The principal question addressed was whether students could substantially and quickly benefit from a teaching strategy explicitly designed to promote transfer. About half the subjects could acquire in brief time a procedure for transferring knowledge to novel tasks. (MP)

Eighteen staff members from Roselle Park (NJ) High School were the first faculty group in New Jersey to experience a workshop to acquaint them with the Wild Cat Mountain Wilderness Center and improve communication, trust, and enhance problem-solving skills. Challenging activities, suitable to the area, are described. (CM)

Two methods of assessing medical students' problem-solving skills were compared in actual use: a modified essay question and a structured oral examination based on it. The reliability and validity of each were found to be similar. (MSE)