The development of game theory was a response to a need to understand human decision making processes in situations of incomplete or imperfect information. By reducing decision making situations to probability game systems, it is possible to analyze and test various competitive strategies that maximize wins and minimize losses. Although game…

Because activity in the classroom is the primary focus of educational research, and because teachers are critical about the dissemination and implementation of research products, developers must take into account the growth and development of instructional personnel. Educational development is a multidimensional, transactional phenomenon and must…

The dean's role includes making daily decisions regarding students, faculty, and outside parties. Deans should acquire the habit of evaluating the ramifications of troublesome decisions to avoid legal and personnel problems. This chapter outlines five aspects that deans should consider when making sensitive, difficult decisions: problems, issues,…

Two studies examined abstract conditional reasoning. Findings indicated an increase in use of formal justifications with grade, and that abstract reasoning was facilitated by realistic context. Findings supported the idea that such reasoning may represent a qualitative change in reasoning abilities and that its development relies on appropriate…

An attempt to distinguish between the functions of evaluation and research in the larger context of the problem- solving process. (AA)

A study designed to investigate the question Do Larger or Smaller Groups Make Better Decisions?" (CK)

Progress monitoring tools have been shown to be essential elements in current approaches to intervention problem-solving models. Such tools have been valuable not only in marking individual children's level of performance relative to peers but also in measuring change in skill level in a way that can be attributed to intervention and development.…

This constructivist case study examined undergraduate student leadership development. Twenty-one student leaders, 13 females and 8 males, in a campus recreational sports department were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Seven broad themes: organizing, planning, and delegating; balancing academic, personal and professional…

Community colleges have historically been a major gateway to higher education for many students. Students enroll in community college programs and courses for multiple reasons: closeness to home, financial issues, job retraining, remedial work, plans to transfer to a four-year institution, and a love of learning. These divergent goals make…

IEP transition-related content was compared between young adults with developmental disabilities who had or did not have legal guardians. It was found that students with guardians were more likely to earn a certificate of completion, and wanted to remain living with their families, in comparison to students without guardians who were more likely…

This paper develops a theory-practice view of administrative and organizational decision making. Its goals are to improve administrative decision-making processes, facilitate organizational change through faculty involvement, and increase the potential for success in education reform efforts. The first sections discuss the nature of theory and…

A model for fostering educational administration students' reflective thinking skills is presented in this paper. Based on a cognitive psychological framework, the reflection model is applied to a doctoral program in educational administration. Methodology involved analysis of 10 doctoral students' journals, which were year-long records of…

In April 1989, a group of 30 educators from across New York State met for 3 days' intense discussion of impediments to shared decision making in schools. The seminar format modeled the communication and group dynamics considered an essential part of the shared decision-making process. The facilitator's role quickly changed from directive to…

This paper explores the decision-making process leading to school district approval for staff development. A retrospective field study approach was used to investigate the decision of a small, rural school district in eastern Washington (enrollment 2,200) to adopt a comprehensive English composition teaching program throughout the curriculum. This…

Describes modern principal as team leader who shares responsibilities by involving parents, pupils, teachers, department heads, and vice-principals in policymaking decisions. Outlines five modes for teacher involvement in decision making. Discusses administrator-teacher relationship in the collective bargaining process and applicability of…