The current debate over whether to choose just one universal human performance technology (HPT) model, in particular Langdon's language of work (LOW) model, promises a shared understanding among HPT professionals, credibility for the HPT profession, and a return on investment of time and effort in developing performance models over more than 70…

Patterns of language, thinking, and behavior differentiate the modes of the practitioner and of the conceiver. Long-range planning in higher education may reveal conflict between the two. To "operationalize" is defined as an exact managerial deployment that will put ideas into action. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of the case study method focuses on its use to improve human performance. Critical and variable attributes of case studies are described, guidelines for creating a case are suggested, case study method types and formats are discussed, and criteria for evaluating the quality of a case study are presented. (18 references) (LRW)

Description of a process for solving human performance problems focuses on the analysis phase, which examines information to determine causes and develops recommendations for solving the problems. Techniques used for gathering data are described, criteria for evaluating ideas are listed, and weighted scores for performance improvement ideas are…

Steps in a small business analysis are discussed: understand how company activities interact internally and with markets and suppliers; know the relative importance of controllable management variables; understand the social atmosphere within the company; analyze the operations of the company; define main problem areas; identify possible actions…

Discusses whether and how computer programing courses can teach problem solving. Provides results of an integrated set of studies of middle school programing students whose problem solving skills increased in a programing class. Argues that "exemplary" instruction is more efficient than "typical" instruction. Examines the influence of students'…

Introduces performance technology as a field of application for training professionals. The term "performance technology" is defined and explained, the epistemological foundations of performance technology are outlined, the relevance of performance technology to training and human development is described, and myths about performance…

This theoretical analysis articulates verbal rule properties and use implications, describes an empirical study examining characteristics of problem solving performance when verbal rules are instructed as a problem solving method, and discusses role of verbal rules in problem solving and implications for learning procedural skills. (MBR)

Nine articles in this festschrift for Herbert Goldhor explore relatively new and innovative approaches to problem solving in libraries. The articles identify and discuss methods and techniques of applied and evaluative research, consider conceptual and practical issues related to problem solving in libraries, and recognize Goldhor's many…

In an effort to more clearly define the engineering method, this document attempts to draw distinctions between engineering and science. Part I, "Some Thoughts on Engineering," discusses strategies that engineers employ to solve problems, and the characteristics of the types of engineering problems. Part II, "The Principal Rule of the Engineering…

This report favors a systems-oriented evaluation for improving minority student achievement, an inclusive approach, which may require funds to be (at least temporarily) withdrawn from other research activities. When financial resources are limited, such an evaluation may focus on a relatively limited range of related evaluation issues. In…

This paper presents an instructional model for thinking skills and discusses implementing the model. Based on a unitary theory of human cognition and some basic assumptions about the conditions for successfully intervening in public education, the model can be implemented at any grade level within any instructional framework. Currently used models…