This report attempts to define and conceptualize the essential logic of the decision-making process which planners follow. The report proposes a look at decision-making theory to see if there exists some conceptualization of decision making which can be varied to fit the context in which decisions must be made. To provide for situational…

This study explores the efficacy of two methods of teaching students, modeling and concept formation, to express warranted uncertainty in classroom discussions and in written work. The subjects were fifth graders from a lower middle class background who were divided into four groups: (1) a control group, (2) a group that observed a model express…

A system approach is a process for effectively and efficiently achieving a required outcome based on documented needs. Three major types of system approaches have emerged from a variety of problem-solving techniques. The design-process mode builds a system to meet determined and substantiated needs. The solution-implementation mode uses various…

To develop the methodology of designing local educational change, the R & D center staff first identified four critical weaknesses leading to the failures of changes attempted in schools. These weaknesses were categorized as (1) change made without prior analysis of its effects on the whole system, (2) change imposed externally without regard to…

This unit studies enquiry as a type of educational goal and examines ways in which the teaching of enquiry is becoming a key emphasis in elementary and secondary schools. The unit's objectives focus on the definition and requirements for enquiry-focused instruction, a rationale for enquiry-focused instruction, the relations between ideas and…

Research on problem-solving, which has been conducted by experimental psychologists, is used to develop a working legal education program for helping law students learn to solve legal problems. (JT)

Discusses basic weaknesses and limitations of models, simulations, gaming, and other analytical and behavioral approaches to simplifying reality for understanding. The development and use of scenarios and the model builder's basic conceptions of the aspects of reality being analyzed are described for a one-person, computer-interactive, quasi-rigid…

Flow-diagrams, algorithms, decision logic tables, and concept maps are presented in detail as methods for teaching practical procedures, problem solving, and basic concepts in microbial genetics. It is suggested that the flexible use of these methods should lead to an improved understanding of microbial genetics. (Author/MA)

Results suggest that adults may not be able to discover-invent-produce the learning that is necessary to behave more effectively; that they may be unaware of this possibility; and that if they try to get help from well intentioned others, it will tend to make things worse. (Author/AM)

Described are various common misconceptions about the nature of mathematics and suggests that courses or activities based on model building might help change these. Two examples are offered. (SD)

Attempts to determine the skills that make people good problem solvers and some of the methods that have been developed to teach these skills are reviewed. Methods used by educators and psychologists to define, describe, or analyze problems and problem solving determine the method used to teach problem-solving skills. (Author/MLW)

An overview of Jung's theory of psychological type, a problem-solving model, types of students in different college majors, predictions about teaching problem solving to students, practical applications of the theory to the teaching of problem solving, and strategies that develop skills in perception and judgment are presented. (MLW)

Describes the objectives and philosophical orientation of the 1985 meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE). Reviews the session offerings and explains the six-step problem-solving process model that was used in the program. Discusses the use of the NCGE "Guidelines for Geographic Education." (ML)

Designed initially for use in college computer science courses, the model and computer-aided instructional environment (CAIE) described helps students develop algorithmic problem solving skills. Cognitive skills required are discussed, and implications for developing computer-based design environments in other disciplines are suggested by…

Three models are compared in terms of detail, scope, attention to individual differences, and how they deal with qualitative change and semantic processing. Two are information-processing models of arithmetical word problem-solving performance, and the third is a model of children's counting types and thinking strategies. (MNS)