As problems become increasingly complex, science educators need to better understand how new knowledge is constructed and applied in heterogeneous team collaborations, and how to teach students to productively engage in these processes. We discuss the emergence of insights in collaborative sensemaking and suggest a model that articulates the…

The present study observed problem-solving styles with anagrams to see whether observing a model solve anagrams in a rigid or flexible way would affect the types of solutions the subjects used. (Author)

Examines three problem-solving models that have applications for the elementary school classroom. All are easily understandable, practical, pedagogical, and will improve children's thinking. Models are the Universal Traveler, Philosophy for Children, and the Decide Model. (Author/AV)

Discusses general ways to approach and solve engineering problems. Uses the phase plane and perturbation methods to illustrate the qualitative study of equations. (MLH)

Two strategies listed here, Values Voting Strategy and Rank Order Strategy, provide children with worthwhile experiences in making choices and decisions. From the book, Values Clarification, A Handbook of Practical Strategies for Teachers and Students. (Author/JB)

This article reviews the history of divergent thinking tests and provides a projection of current research suggesting a bright outlook for creativity tests. A model relating problem finding and problem solving is described, as are approaches to increasing test reliability. (DB)

Outlines a model which describes the processes that a learner goes through in attempting to solve problems, and suggests ways to assist students in reaching a solution when they are confronted by an apparent impasse. (JR)

This paper describes how secondary teachers can use the Purdue Three-Stage Model as a framework for instruction that facilitates talent development in both heterogenous and homogenous classrooms. In the first two stages, students master the core content of a discipline and practice thinking creatively and critically about the content. In the third…

The relative and combined effects of short-term group brainstorming practice and video-tape training sessions on brainstorming performance were explored. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) under group and individual conditions, performance should improve with the use of a model of a well trained and experienced brainstorming group, group performance…

Survey feedback and problem solving processes can be applied to increase the effectiveness of task-oriented structural approaches to educational organization development. One such approach involves the superimposition of complementary collective decision structures over the existing authority decision framework of the school. Collective decision…

A theoretical model relating problem identification to problem solving is presented. The main purpose of the study is to increase understanding of decision making among Air Force educators. The problem-solving process is defined as the generation and evaluation of alternatives that will accomplish what is needed and the reidentification of what is…

To help preservice and inservice social studies teachers develop systematic ways of integrating skills and content, this manual offers a model and simple instructional exercises for the diagnostic teaching of how to investigate a cartoon. Designed mainly for use with children in grades 4-6, the material is adaptable for use at other grade levels.…

Research and theories by psychologists Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Robert Selman on problem solving, decision making, moral development, and critical-thinking skills are reviewed. These theories and research are combined with the author's theories to develop an original decision-making model, namely, the socio-scientific model. The model…

The pamphlet provides a framework for teaching decision making skills at the elementary and secondary levels. The first section presents five criteria for selecting instructional objectives, subject matter, and teaching procedures in basic education. The criteria include (1) emphasis on skills for daily living, (2) relevance to students' personal…