Suggests a method for helping students approach problems and initiate the problem-solving process. The system is a self-dialogue involving five questions: (1) what is the problem? (2) what are you to find? (3) what are the givens and the desired outcomes? (4) what is the appropriate formula? and (5) what decision is needed? (JOW)

The purpose of action learning is to learn through devising solutions and strategies in response to problems and implementing them through deliberative action. To understand the relation between action and learning, learners and facilitators need sufficient understanding of both concepts, but they are handicapped by lack of adequate theory and…

Responds to C. Aaron McNeese's (1995) article, "Family Social Work Practice: From Therapy to Policy." It encompasses the long-standing debate in social work over micro- and macro-level approaches to problem solving, commonly referred to as the "cause-function" debate. The struggle to minimize adverse effects of diversity has…

General systems theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding stress and formulating problem-solving strategies. Both individuals and schools are systems, and general systems theory enables one to ask whether they are operating harmoniously and communicating effectively. (Author/RW)

Responds to previous article in which Daniels and White propose problem-determined linguistic systems approach for mental health counseling and counselor education. Addresses missing constructivist foundation of Daniels and White article, examines their concepts of counseling and assessment, and offers alternative constructivist and systems views.…

Responds to previous article in which Daniels and White propose problem-determined linguistic systems approach for mental health counseling and counselor education. Contends that Daniels and White offered little to educators and supervisors about how to develop program to produce practitioners who become managers of conversation. (NB)

The development of anasynthesis--the process of analysis, synthesis, modeling, and simulation--as applied to decision making and problem solving in education and training is explored, and its future with regard to education is discussed. (RAO)

Five trends in technology education curriculum development require serious examination: (1) neglect of curriculum theory; (2) technical models of curriculum planning; (3) trivialization through pervasive systems models; (4) disparate goals and objectives; and (5) philosophical drift from grounding in experience to grounding in action. (SK)

Learners must acquire a general strategic orientation in their problem solving, to determine what counts as relevant information in problematic situations. A dynamic systems approach is called for in determining whether general or context-specific instructions are needed to promote transfer of relevant information to novel conditions. (Author/JDD)

Introduces design, integrated with systems thinking, as a necessary if not sufficient means for meeting the challenge of how to create or recreate organizations and institutions. The limits of problem-solving strategies when applied to complex organizational change, the designer's role, and the creative process of design are discussed. (Contains…

Explains the three main concepts of the system dynamics approach to model building (dynamics, feedback, and systems) and the basic steps to problem solving by simulation applicable to all educational levels. Some DYNAMO commands are briefly described. (EAO)

To design cost-effective solutions to nursing practice problems, staff development educators must be able to identify problems accurately. This article presents approaches to problem identification and criteria for problem classification that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of staff development departments and activities. (Author)

Two approaches to conflict resolution in the workplace are described. A systems approach questions the organization's systems rather than the behavior or motives of co-workers. Problem-solving retreats encourage team building and group cohesion and focus on long-term issues. (SK)

Identifies six needs assessment procedures applied in educational and other organizations, provides examples of how each is used, and discusses the relationship of needs assessment to problem solving. Kaufman's Outcomes Model is described and the Organizational Elements Model is presented as a pragmatic approach to contemporary decision making and…

Proposes that teachers begin the school year with a class study of discipline and student participation in establishing classroom rules. Describes the components of such a lesson and the procedures and forms inherent in any effective discipline system. (RL)