This article examines ways in which intuitive understandings may help teachers in developing the thinking of pupils with autism. The article suggests that, by working toward students' development of an autobiographical memory, it may be possible for them to establish an awareness of their own role as a problem solver. (JDD)

A variety of methods are presented for developing skills for critical thinking, which is described as reflecting on assumptions underlying actions and considering new ways of looking at and living in the world. Critical thinking is viewed as not just an academic exercise, but a productive process enabling people to be more effective and innovative…

This article presents a model of a pretechnical curriculum, which has as its focus the self-empowerment of the individual, and describes how this curriculum could be implemented in the schools. Discusses the three curriculum categories: generalizable skills, transition skills, and problem-solving skills. (CT)

Intended for use in a 3-hour instructional program at the graduate level, the packet contains an outline of the instructional content, 9 transparencies, 12 handouts, and 7 supplementary materials. The outline is organized in terms of content, instructor activity (such as showing a transparency), and student activity. Instruction covers the…

This article describes two measures which assess the social-emotional functioning of hard of hearing students and identifies five areas of intervention including helping students understand and express feelings, increasing students' self-awareness, helping students develop personal values and goals, teaching social skills, and teaching problem…

Briefly describes a hiking activity developed by high school counselors to provide challenges to themselves in order to discover their own problem-solving abilities and skills. (CJ)

Memory is the primary mechanism of modern education. Despite memory's importance in other ways, it is not the primary tool for solving problems, making theories or plotting courses of action. Students should be taught how to separate trivial from important information by using critical judgments, ethical standards, and logic. (MLW)

The competencies of the university secretary were studied at the University of Southern Maine. In addition to developing position descriptions, competencies that distinguish effective performers were also identified. Based on results of interviews with 24 secretaries, a competency-based model was developed. Fourteen competencies were categorized…

Current methods of introducing creativity techniques in industrial training courses can be modified to increase the amount of personalized learning, according to the authors. They offer a framework for a new approach to creativity training in short courses and workshops, with both in-house and business school examples. (MF)

Asks the questions (1) what is critical thinking in music?; (2) why is it so important that we engage students in it?; and (3) what does it have to do with music education? Answers these questions and elaborates on the notion of critical thinking as an educational goal and tool. (MJP)

The Individualized Professional Development Process (IPDP) was developed for the Brookfield, Connecticut school district by a private consultant. Participation in IPDP is voluntary in Brookfield. However, once selected as a participant, a staff member goes through a professional development process. The individual, along with his immediate…

This curriculum guide is intended to assist business and office occupations teachers in preparing clerical and secretarial students to function in offices whose procedures and equipment are changing rapidly in the face of modern technology. Although the curriculum has been developed primarily for students enrolled in secondary-level vocational…

This curriculum guide, which was designed for an exploration/orientation course in home economics aimed at empowering students to make responsible decisions and choices in an ever-changing informational society, contains the following materials: a course description, course objectives, background information for instructors, an abbreviated course…

The broad objectives of this curriculum are to: (1) develop skills that lead to effective decision making, problem solving, and management in the home, school, community, and workplace; (2) develop concepts and skills basic to home and family responsibilities; and (3) develop personal skills that will enhance employment potential. The syllabus…

This curriculum guide provides materials for a four-unit course at the secondary level in family and individual services. Unit objectives are listed and referenced to the content outline that follows. The four units cover these topics: recognizing family and individual needs, resources for meeting family and individual needs, using services to…