A study on the applicability of Snyder's 1968 prototheory of instructional efficiency to a complex problem-solving situation was made, using 120 sixth grade students of three geographically separated Pennsylvania schools in 1972. Four task groups, 30 subjects (Ss) each, were formed by randomly assigning four task arrangements to Ss in answering a…

The educational philosophy of John Dewey has often been misunderstood and misapplied. Dewey and his followers sought a way to provide the young with conditions essential to thinking. For all practical purposes, they considered reflective thinking and problem solving one and the same. Consequently, a method of teaching was devised which was based…

The purpose of the study was to see if systematic instruction in terms of a multi-experience approach improved verbal problem solving ability, to determine what differences resulted when concrete experiences were not used, and to ascertain the effects of delayed recall on the two different methods. A sample of 15 groups of six fourth-grade…

Using mathematics as an example, the nature of the confusion between "knowledge" and "coming to know" is elucidated. The range of curriculum choices available to structuralists once the distinction is clarified is larger, and teaching a body of knowledge and teaching by discovery are compatible. (Author/MLF)

The case for integrating the problem-solving approach to learning with traditional explanatory and demonstrative approaches, but not replacing them, when teaching biology is presented. (ND)

An approach to solving many linear programming problems, using only arithmetical thinking in conjunction with the usual diagram, is given. (MN)

Investigates the effects of an advance organizer lesson, presenting high-order science concepts and an elementary problem solving strategy for determining causal relations on children's use of operations of exclusion (as defined by Inhelder and Piaget, 1958). Results suggest that acceptable solutions to problems requiring the operations of…

Suggestions for teaching problem solving which include the use of general models, variation of illustrations and terminology, and diagrams are illustrated for comparison multiplication word problems. (MN)

Suggestions for improving problem-solving skills of first-grade students are made after the results of five studies of addition and subtraction story problems are presented. (JT)

Discusses different roles the problem statement can play in inquiry and some resulting classroom implications. (SL)

Emphasis is placed on motivating children in problem solving situations by choosing effective questions and attractive unusual materials, considering the ability and frustration level of each child, and by utilizing the help and advice that is available to a teacher. (MN)

Suggests a decision-making model that can be applied by high school students to a variety of environmental problems, and illustrates how the model can be used to make decisions concerning future energy shortages. Provides criteria for judging allocation priorities of limited resources and stimulates awareness of alternative solutions to energy…

The author outlines the use of value change techniques in college international relations courses in order to enhance student motivation. (JR)

A study examined three different approaches to the teaching of economic concepts and the development of problem-solving skills: a real life problem-solving experience, a contrived experience using simulation and gaming, and a discussion-workbook experience. (Author/JR)

Deals with a view of reading and general learning remediation which uses problem-solving strategies, rather than a skill-deficit approach. (JM)