Traces the history and function of State, Operator, And Result (SOAR), a general-purpose artificial intelligence program for solving problems. The SOAR can "chunk" the result of a subgoal and learn from previous experiences. The SOAR could be applied to various expert systems. (YP)

Corporate leaders have provided advice on competencies and traits they want schools to develop in students. The paper summarizes the teaching practices, strategies, and objectives that, in some schools, have translated the corporate expectations to the educational domain, focusing on academic, social, and leadership skills. (SM)

Describes learning activities for elementary and secondary school classes that use hypermedia software to teach language arts, including book reviews and interactive fiction; science; social studies; communication among autistic preschoolers; problem solving with Legos blocks; and other interactive projects. (LRW)

Teachers of preschool and kindergarten children from low-income families used the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) program to help the children learn to think through and solve typical interpersonal problems with peers and adults. Compared to nontrained controls, the children exhibited fewer instances of impulsive and inhibited behaviors as observed in…

Higher-order thinking skills in science and mathematics were compared for high school students in large and small schools, controlling for SES, number of advanced courses offered, and enrollment rate in those courses. School size, number of advanced courses offered, and rurality had no effect on high-order thinking skills. (KS)

Presents a cooperative-learning lesson in which high school students visit stations equipped with different tools to establish the midpoint of a Pixy Stix, a brand of candy-filled straw. Provides solutions for two potential stations, suggestions to extend the activity, and two activity worksheets. (MDH)

The future role, scope, and nature of bibliographic instruction (BI) and reference services at academic libraries is unresolved. Both have felt internal pressures and challenges during the past decade. It is suggested that BI and reference share tasks and become a single service. (92 references) (Author/DGM)

An instructional approach used in a civil engineering curriculum at Queens University of Belfast (Northern Ireland) incorporates development of communication skills into active learning assignments. A "learning from disasters" exercise and two mock public inquiries illustrate the use and benefits of the technique. (Author/MSE)

Discusses users' perceptions of computers versus human beings as advice givers in problem-solving situations based on two studies conducted at Stockholm University (Sweden). Examines people's self-confidence and perception of advice, and concludes that perception relates to existing attitudes, experience, and domain knowledge. (Author/LRW)

Noting that today's economic, social, and scientific problems require creative solutions, points out the need for creative talent. Discusses how current thinking and educational practices in this country do little to encourage the development of creative individuals. Suggests that concentrating on developing the potential of each individual would…

The Genetics Construction Kit is a computer-based learning tool that simulates the phenomena of classical transmission genetics. Its construction kit approach lets users set the parameters of the problem sets to be generated. The program has been used extensively in science education research and curriculum development. (Author/MSE)

The Internet provides a resource accessible to students for solving problems and satisfying information needs. Describes how students can use e-mail and the NASA Spacelink, Geographic Name Server, and Weather Underground databases. Appendices provide internet addresses and selected state telecommunications networks. Sample student inquiries are…

Describes activities that demonstrate the relationship of mathematics and science and their use in solving real-world problems like solid waste disposal. (JRH)

A physics/chemistry teacher examined how brain-based learning environments could produce better learning conditions for students. He used thematic teaching, enriched language, naturally complex, long-term design and construction projects, and multifaceted assessment tools. The one-year curriculum indicated that teachers need not sacrifice content…

Statistical process control (SPC), which employs simple statistical tools and problem-solving techniques such as histograms, control charts, flow charts, and Pareto charts to implement continual product improvement procedures, can be incorporated into human service organizations. Examples illustrate use of SPC procedures to analyze behavioral data…