The collaborative consultancy role proposed for the educational technologist requires moving beyond the linear model of the systematic approach. Instructional developers need to operate on the conceptual level, to see themselves as problem solvers within a dynamic system in which there are no straight paths, but instead, many paths and many…

The article argues that physical education must make more use of games that involve risk and challenge if it is to develop youthful self-confidence and independence. (CD)

The article describes group games which physical education teachers can use to encourage cooperative problem solving, risk taking, and trust among participants, rather than competition. (CD)

Analyzes the relationships between task and team properties, collaborative problem-solving, and team productivity. Results indicate that team cohesiveness and task certainty were robust predictors of collaborative problem-solving and productivity for the 45 research and development project groups studied. (Author/IRT)

This handbook presents a collection of over 35 experiential and adventure-based activities using only a single item of equipment--a 15-foot long section of 1-inch tubular climbing webbing, called a raccoon circle. Some of the activities are quiet, some are loud, and they range from low to high challenge levels. Different-sized groups can be…

The author highlights the enormity of waste due to ineffective business meetings, and describes techniques behavioral scientists have developed to cope with this perennial problem. A case study dramatizes how the techniques are applied. (Author)

After pointing out that the concept of competition lies at the roots of our economic system, the author points out that competition is not always a good thing. (Editor)

Authors outline the advantages of using a cyclical approach of instrumented learning and compare it with the traditional classroom method. (Editor/MB)

A survey of 67 cases of organizational change provides evidence concerning collaborative intervention. Collaboration exists in the phases of problem determination, goal setting, and solution in intervention, but its character changes. Little relationship is found between collaboration during each phase and the effectiveness or adoption of change.…

Total Quality Management (TQM) is not another"add-on" but a wholly reconceived approach to managing educational institutions. Some common start-up problems are lack of feasible leadership commitment, poor data and deployment plans, and inadequate managerial skills. Postlaunch problems include team and measurement mania, overzealous selling of…

Problem-solving teams substantially influence organizational performance in restructured schools. This article examines the concepts of teamwork and team effectiveness, as related to functions of problem-solving teams. A case study of a successful team effort to improve elementary students' reading scores provides a framework for developing…

To avoid bad decisions, principals must be willing to invest time, energy, and resources and prepare the problem-solving team for the frustrations involved in tackling tough problems. Simple probing techniques such as "creating (or intensifying) the problem,""the Five Whys""I wish" statements, the nominal Group Technique, and multivoting can aid…

Information is a commodity; those who are most successful can efficiently access it, critically evaluate and interpret it, and effectively and ethically apply it. Through collaboration, teachers and media specialists show students the connections between learning processes and how to apply them to problem solving or decision making. (MLH)

A company designs and delivers treasure and scavenger hunts for corporate and institutional clients. Groups are divided into teams that must solve puzzles for directions or clues. The hunts build creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and an appreciation of others' strengths. An insert includes a four-puzzle mini-treasure hunt. (TD)

Employers like the problem-solving approach of technology education because it develops team building, discipline, content and process, knowledge of the capitalist system, and multidisciplinary skills. (JOW)