This training module on the Roaring River bridge design project was developed for a problem-solving unit in a ninth-grade research and development course. This project requires six to seven class periods and requires students to work in teams of two. The project contains the following information: level; time required; description; objectives;…

A need has emerged in the curriculum for more teamwork experience, for the development of better communication and critical thinking skills, and for the acquisition of specialized knowledge. A focus on the processes by which problems are solved has served our discipline well and can continue to serve us if in the classroom we make appropriate…

Strengths of the committee system and its value for colleges and universities are discussed. College committees provide more people with the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. Leadership is provided to a committee by a chairperson who acts as a facilitator. The value of a committee depends on the scope of its mission, the…

The facilitator's manual offers information for conducting a workshop to teach regular educators, special educators, and parents of handicapped children problem solving and decision making techniques as they relate to the individualized education program (IEP) team. Three presentations are designed to define and discuss the rationale and process…

The described inservice program was designed to bring together teachers to collectively address overall school problems. The project was based upon the belief that school improvements could be best effected by providing teachers the opportunity to actively participate in the design and implementation of changes in school functioning. Emphasis was…

Social Conflict and Negotiative Problem Solving is an instructional system currently under development by the Improving Teaching Competencies Program (ITCP) of Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL). In accordance with the Resource Allocation Management Plan (RAMP, 1975) of ITCP, this report presents a plan of evaluation activities for…

Suggests a method in which the combined insights and skills of secondary school staffs can be mobilized to support those teachers faced with problem behavior. Shows how this can generate greater effectiveness in a school as a whole, so that only a minority of children might require resources outside the school. (Editor/RK)

The enhancement of positive self-concept has been identified as a key benefit of participation in team-building programs. This paper reviews research on the impact of team-building activities that include demanding physical challenges on the self-concept of physical education students. Team Building through Physical Challenges (TBPC) is a program…

Describes a New Zealand workshop for 10 gifted children (ages 10-11) that used computers to foster innovative ideas and provide opportunities for creativity and problem solving through independent and group learning experiences. The children brainstormed about the future and designed an original "MicroWorld" using the theme…

Adaptation of the Total Quality Management approach to organizational improvement at Oregon State University involved creation of 10 pilot finance and administration teams and implementation of a 10-step problem-solving process. The approach has improved staff morale as well as client services. (MSE)

This article addresses the importance of home-school communication for students with attention deficit disorders and identifies specific areas for collaboration. These include problem assessment (differential diagnosis, determining eligibility); planning by educators, parents, and students; intervention (classroom and home management, reward…

The report "Workplace Basics: the Skills Employers Want" was based on interviews with hundreds of employers, who identified seven groups of desirable skills: reading, writing, and computation; listening and speaking; learning to learn, problem-solving and creative thinking; personal management; teamwork; and leadership and organizational…

Utah advocates for gifted and talented education used creative problem-solving processes to design a mutually acceptable mission and goals statement that gave direction to statewide advocacy efforts. The document recognizes ownership of the tasks belonging to each advocacy group and provides flexibility for future growth and development in gifted…

The Future Problem Solving Program aims to empower potential leaders to manage change successfully. It involves teams of students using a structured, creative problem-solving model to tackle controversial issues for the future; writing scenarios creating alternative futures; and planning for and implementing real solutions to real problems in…

The Future Problem Solving Program has a noncompetitive Primary Division that challenges gifted children in grades K-4 to think creatively about society issues, develop research skills, interact as a team, develop oral and written communication skills, become interested in the future, think critically, and solve problems. (JDD)