This theoretical analysis articulates verbal rule properties and use implications, describes an empirical study examining characteristics of problem solving performance when verbal rules are instructed as a problem solving method, and discusses role of verbal rules in problem solving and implications for learning procedural skills. (MBR)

Techniques that teachers can use to help art students to make an educated guess or to estimate an approximate solution while solving a visual problem that has no single correct answer are discussed. (RM)

This article reports the evaluation of a cognitive education course designed for inmates in Canadian federal penitentiaries. Reports from school instructors indicate that participating inmates showed improvement in their ability to communicate and discuss ideas and were more able to stop and think before acting on a problem. (Author/CT)

A problem from a course called "Introduction to Gambling" is described. A flowchart and a computer program are included. (MNS)

Proposes an approach to teaching analytical chemistry and chemical analysis in which a problem to be resolved is the focus of a course. Indicates that this problem-oriented approach is intended to complement detailed discussions of fundamental and applied aspects of chemical determinations and not replace such discussions. (JN)

In guided design, students are led through the process of solving open-ended problems in "slow motion." Steps in the decision making involved in and examples of guided design projects in a physical science course are outlined and discussed. Comments on student evaluation of the course are included. (JN)

The contribution to learning that can be made by students' questions is considered. Some questions asked by middle school students and the activities selected by the teacher to answer their questions are presented. Questions involve predicting, judging reasonableness, measuring, finding an average speed, and multiplication. (MNS)

Six articles discuss the role of computers in family life and gifted education. Papers address the importance of computer technology approaches for developing and implementing computer programs, applications for independent thinking and problem-solving skills with gifted children, word processing with gifted primary students, and use of color…

Reports the results of a project that established a list of problems experienced by regular classroom teachers receiving mainstreamed children. Details the development of an approach through which assistance could be provided to teachers experiencing those problems. (FL)

Problem-solving, the most complex and useful form of intellectual activity, is a creative and productive process. Programs that develop problem-solving, therefore, are valuable. A plan for implementing process education in which such programs are incorporated is described. (Author/RK)

Students using a computer to check their answers to an exercise involving a public health problem found that it was programmed to give instant feedback tailored to their individual learning needs. The author concludes that the computer can serve as a sensitive educational tool for teaching theoretical concepts and their logical application to a…

A teaching technique is described in which each student is presented with a written clue from a mystery story which is pertinent to the solution of the mystery. Sustained student interaction is required. This joint problem-solving endeavor requires students to use both oral and written linguistic skills. (Author/RM)

This article contains suggestions which secondary history teachers can implement to teach students how to prepare and write a problem-centered research essay in United States history. By applying sound research methodologies to a historical question students develop critical thinking skills. (Author/RM)

To help pre-service teachers anticipate discipline problems, recognize that alternatives exist, and explore and bank the alternatives for future reference, the authors developed and field-tested simulations consisting of problem cards, slides, criteria sheets, decision cards, and sample solutions. Participants role-play teachers; classmates…

Thirty six senior students in chemical engineering were randomly assigned to three treatment groups in an experimental study that examined the impact of different instructional strategies for troubleshooting malfunctions in a computer-based simulation of a chemical processing plant. In two groups, different types of worked examples,…