A test was conducted of a supplemental skills training and social-network-development aftercare program with 130 drug abusers from four residential therapeutic communities. The intervention produced positive effects on subjects' performance at the conclusion of treatment. Performance improved in situations involving avoidance of drug use, coping…

Discussion of the decision-making role of the librarian covers pertinent planning activities, i.e., systematically analyzing problem, reviewing literature, gathering and analyzing data, and assessing positive aspects of implementing new knowledge so gained. Knowledge of the research process, replicating research, and assuming the responsibility of…

Advanced is the hypothesis that students organize their beliefs about mathematics to resolve problems that are primarily social rather than mathematical in origin. The contextuality of cognition, meaning-making, and learning in interactive situations are each discussed. (MNS)

Discusses a study that examined which reasoning patterns are necessary for success in high school chemistry. Based on student (N=170) scores from the "Classroom Test of Formal Reasoning," it was revealed that students who use formal reasoning patterns are capable of greater achievement in chemistry. (ML)

Summarizes a simple design algorithm which identifies nested loops of equations which must be solved by trial-and-error methods. The algorithm is designed to minimize such loops, provides guidance to the selection of variables, and delineates the order in which systems of equations are to be solved. Examples are included. (TW)

Ten activities that give learners in grades 5-8 a chance to explore mathematics with calculators are provided. The activity cards involve such topics as odd addends, magic squares, strange projects, and conjecturing rules. (MNS)

Many elementary and junior high school students do not become proficient with common and decimal fractions because they have established few connections between the form they learn in the classroom and understandings they already have. (Author/GC)

Discusses future changes in society and the importance of an education that teaches problem solving. (PD)

The conversion from quarter to semester plan can be beneficial academically and financially. Some costs borne by a college and its students potentially can be cut by one-third. The process has a potential for strengthening curricula because the conversion necessitates a thorough examination of each course. (MLW)

Comments on experience in developing a learner control system to enhance problem solving skills of higher education students applying mathematical methods in biological sciences; summarizes results of its validation and use; and outlines development of an educational advisor and supporting materials to provide support to students managing their…

A computer program developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine presents simulated patient cases and then scores participants' clinical problem-solving in the cases by comparing their performances with those of faculty members. The validity and reliability of this evaluation system was investigated. (Author/MLW)

This paper reports the evaluation of instructional provisions designed to foster higher cognitive skill in a computer programming course. This intervention explicitly encourages novice programmers to engage in the problem-solving skill of planning. (Author)

Explains how self-produced software can be used to perform rapid number analysis or number-crunching duties in geology classes. Reviews programs in mineralogy and petrology and identifies areas in geology where computers can be used effectively. Discusses the advantages and benefits of integrating department-generated software into a geology…

Offers a way of teaching quantitative thinking through a software program called, "Hot Dog Stand." This simulation provides students with practice in planning expenses, in computing problems, and in dealing with a situation in which outcomes depend on random events. Also includes suggestions for computer use during non-scheduled time. (ML)

Describes an interactive, self-prompting BASIC program that can be incorporated in introductory and intermediate hydrology courses. Exlains how the program can be used to evaluate pumping test data and also to calculate transmissivity and storativity values of confined aquifers. The program is written for the IBM PC. (ML)