Discusses a misconception about the cycloid that asserts the final point on the path of shortest time in the "Brachistochrone" problem is at the lowest point on the cycloid. Uses a BASIC program for Newton's method to determine the correct least-time cycloid. (MDH)

Describes the methodology for teaching cognitive self-direction (CSD) to preservice teachers, presenting an overview of the CSD model. The CSD curriculum model includes productive strategies such as modeling plus self-verbalization (goal-setting, guiding, and reinforcing behaviors). Benefits to preservice teacher education include improved lesson…

The TRIFOCAL Model for curing underachievement syndrome is presented and is related to the Future Problem Solving (FPS) program, specifically the steps that involve changing expectations, role model identification, and changing reinforcements at school. A case study is presented of an underachieving sixth grade student who became actively engaged…

A two-year study of four effective secondary school principals suggests that a principal's actions can be represented by a value-based model (or Markov chain) in which beliefs and values lead to goals, activities, and outcomes. Findings show that no one value set brings about more effective leadership than another. (27 references) (MLH)

Describes a theoretical framework of distributed representations to explore the representational properties in group problem solving. The experiment shows that different distributed representations across two individuals produced dramatically different group problem-solving behaviors; and two minds could be better than one mind, depending on how…

A study of grade 7 boys (n=6) and girls (n=4) investigated how students model ideas while designing and making. Analysis of video recordings identified five differences between modeling as described in the literature and as used by the subjects. The results suggest a need for students to model ideas in three-dimensional form early in the design…

The hypothesis that family rigidity has an indirect effect on adolescent suicidal ideation through its effect on adolescent problem-solving deficits was evaluated among college students and their parents. Structural equation models confirmed the hypothesis. Directions for treatment efforts are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Explores the utility of mental models as learning outcomes in using complex and situated learning environments. Describes two studies: one aimed at eliciting mental models in the heads of novice refrigeration technicians, and the other an ethnographic study eliciting knowledge and models within the community of experienced refrigeration…

There is no single best decision-making approach. This article reviews and compares six contemporary models (classical, administrative, incremental, mixed-scanning, garbage-can, and political) and develops a framework and 10 propositions to match strategies with circumstances. A contingency approach suggests that administrators use satisficing (a…

Describes creative stress management techniques for early childhood practitioners. Presents a model whereby the caregiver identifies the problem; conducts a personal scan to identify symptoms and reactions that form behavior patterns; chooses from options to alleviate stress reactions related to the body, emotions, actions/behavior, or the mind;…

Presents a framework for studying the effects of the Maturation Hypothesis on the problem of language learning, parametrically conceived, and offers a method for finding all existing maturational solutions for any parametric hypothesis space and any learning algorithm that differs from Gibson and Wexler's Triggering Learning Algorithm. (27…

Describes a study that analyzed the qualitative features of learning interaction during classroom teaching and learning when mediating modern technological thinking and problem-solving skills for Finnish seventh graders. The learning interaction was organized according to the principles of a cognitive apprenticeship model and applied to a…

Deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill failed because proper implementation required large-scale societal changes. Dumping disabled kids into regular education without appropriate supports could mirror that fiasco. Inclusion can help create a sense of community through promoting acceptance and respect among classmates. The Social Awareness-Social…

A general model for motivational design of instruction is described and reviewed in terms of its application to E-learning contexts. Following a description of what is meant by E-learning environments and an overview of the four category model and design process known as the ARCS model, a variety of studies are summarized. The ARCS model is based…

This research examined students' responses to mathematics problem-solving tasks and applied a general multidimensional IRT model at the response category level. In doing so, cognitive processes were identified and modelled through item response modelling to extract more information than would be provided using conventional practices in scoring…