To examine the characteristics of expertise, a study at the University of Minnesota cardiac clinic compared differences in diagnostic ability and strategies between novices (fourth year medical students) and experts (specialists in pediatric cardiology). The investigator presented a model for expertise based on knowledge of subject matter content…

Fifteen California community colleges participated in a program designed to develop and demonstrate a training and internship model that would provide skilled, experienced project managers, especially at the levels of dean and assistant dean, for occupational education in the state's community colleges. Research was conducted to produce a…

This book has been designed to elaborate on what interviewing is in its basic forms and how these various forms can be utilized by the operating supervisor. Its intent is to develop, in simple language, the techniques of successful interviewing. Illustrations of real interviews are presented and the supervisor is encouraged to use role playing as…

The problem of the increasing crime rate in the United States and the social problems causing and resulting from this increase as well as the correct way to treat criminals are discussed. The point is made that the cost of vocational training for inmates is far below the cost of imprisoning chronic offenders. In this report, the vocational…

A study of high school students learning computer programming was conducted to determine the impact of programming on particular mathematical and reasoning abilities, the cognitive skills or abilities that best predict programming ability, and what students actually understand about programming after two years of study. (MBR)

Determines effect of a process-oriented science curriculum on students' (N=83) ability to transfer and utilize problem-solving skills, and the relation of basic and integrated processes to the development of those skills. Discusses methodology and implications for teaching problem solving, stressing the need for process-oriented curricula.…

Reports results of a study examining the effectiveness of microcomputers as aids in developing problem-solving skills. Group dynamics of students working with microcomputers was also explored, as well as the effectiveness of this instructional aid with students of varying abilities. (CS)

A study involving 17 elementary school teachers investigated the effects of directly training teachers in problem-solving skills to enhance their performance on a consultation-related activity (parent-teacher conferences) regarding student-related problems. Results found the direct training enhanced the teachers' skills in describing students'…

Argues that learners and workers must be willing, not just able, to make informed, skilled, and fair-minded judgments as they solve problems, make decisions, and engage in professional practice. Makes recommendations for nurturing thinking and reflective problem solving in both classroom and workplace, including cultivation of a culture and…

Discussed is whether, and to what extent, science teachers critically and spontaneously attend to the logical structure of situations, and whether they need prompting, or completely fail to do so. The relationship between the results of this study and science teachers' pre- and in-service education is discussed. (Author/KR)

The improvement of the problem-solving processes of school administrators is explored by examining the following: (1) role of systematic instruction; (2) impact of instructional focus on general processes used by experts; and (3) promising strategies. Subjects are 14 principals and 8 first-year vice principals in Toronto (Canada). (SLD)

Describes the use of a self-determination curriculum for mental-health intervention and primary prevention for Head Start children. The curriculum addresses critical adaptive-skills domains, including social skills, self-evaluation, self-direction, networking or friendship, collaboration or support seeking, problem solving and decision making, and…

Creative Problem Solving (CPS), a well-documented methodology for developing creative-thinking skills, has often been the focus of studies that have examined the impact of creativity training. The purpose of the present study was to extend this line of research in two ways. The first objective was to evaluate participants' reactions to specific…

Discrete trial training (DTT) is a well-established intervention for teaching skills to children with autism; however, few published guidelines are available for determining whether a child's rate of learning a particular skill is satisfactory and, if not, what to do. We assert that progress within 8-10 teaching sessions usually is evidence of…

The purpose of this action research project is to improve student social skills through the use of cooperative learning, in order to develop a positive classroom environment that is conducive to learning. The action research project will involve approximately 95 students, 95 parents, and 200 teachers. It is the intent of the teacher researchers to…