Purpose: This study aims to explore the role of planned, sudden shifts in lived experiences, in influencing learner capabilities towards improved problem-solving for sustainable development outcomes. The authors responded to employers of engineering and built environment graduates observing limited "real-life" problem-solving skills,…

Efficacy of a teaching strategy technically refers to the ability of that strategy to produce a desired or intended learning outcomes. To date, there is little information on the efficacy of social media technologies in academia and it is likely to be some time before their effectiveness is proven. It is therefore legitimate to ask the question,…

In this study, the researchers used a classical Delphi method to re-examine the conceptual framework, definition, and knowledge base of the field. Seventeen engaged scholars, each representing the expert agricultural education community, reached consensus on defining the field of study, 10 knowledge domains, and 67 knowledge objects. The Delphi…

Explains how the instrumental enrichment program helps adolescents and adults develop higher order thinking and problem-solving abilities. (Author/MLF)

Many students are not skilled "thinkers" or "problem solvers." Extensive research has been conducted to describe the mental processes involved in problem solving in the hope of establishing a theoretical basis for training students to become more adept at reasoning. Certain problems become evident, however, when reviewing literature for designing…

A REVIEW OF THEORY AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON "THE LEARNING BY DISCOVERY HYPOTHESIS," AND RELATED LITERATURE ON CONCEPT-LEARNING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING, WAS PREPARED FOR A CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY, 1965. RECENT CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE SUBJECT AREA WERE DESCRIBED. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO IDENTIFY INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT VARIABLES AND…

A leisurely approach to problem solving was taken since it was considered important to understand the problem of studying mistakes before educators discuss and use solutions to problems. Concrete suggestions on how to incorporate the study of mistakes into an educational program were provided. (Author/RK)

Instruction using computers is viewed as different from most other approaches to education, by allowing more than right or wrong answers, by providing models for systematic procedures, by shifting the boundary between formal and concrete processes, and by influencing the development of thinking in many new ways. (MP)

It is necessary to "cultivate problem-solving attitudes and skills as well as relevant direct learnings" in order to maximize transfer of learning. Therefore, the persistent life situations curriculum is best equipped to promote transfer of learning. This view suggests two major guidelines for teacher education programs: (1)…

The use of the term "problem solving" as a goal for the organization of mathematics instruction is criticized as an ambiguous slogan that is building a false bandwagon of supporters. Some possible routes for more carefully defining this goal are suggested. (MP)

Argues that reform in curriculum and instruction should be based on students resolving problems rather than mastering skills and applying them. An alternative is proposed that builds on John Dewey's "reflective inquiry," arguing that this approach would facilitate students' understanding. This proposal is compared with other views on the…

Describes how a problem-based learning approach is used in a course on general surgery and reports the results in terms of degree of satisfaction of students, teachers, and patients. Employs interviews with a real patient with a real condition. (DDR)

Describes a single introductory course for both nonscience and physics majors, emphasizing wave aspects of selected physics phenomena rather than traditional Newtonian mechanics. Modes of presentation, consistent with the notion of a spiral syllabus, are explained with reference to the cognitive and educational theories of Bruner and Piaget.…

Deficiencies in mathematics achievement in the United States have spurred calls for reform in K-12 curricula and pedagogy. Based on contemporary learning theories, numerous curriculum programs have been developed that emphasize problem solving, critical thinking, mathematical connections, and mathematical communication. These innovations require…

An innovative curriculum called the "Regional Center Alternative Pathway," recently adopted by the Northwest Center for Medical Education (part of Indiana University's School of Medicine), is presented. The curriculum combines the traditional structure's didactic approach with a new problem-based tutorial curriculum. In this curriculum…