Describes an instructional model, Strategies Program for Effective Learning/Thinking (SPELT), that was developed to translate cognitive psychological theory and research into a practical instructional program. The extent to which SPELT conforms to current instructional design principles is examined, and macro versus micro instructional sequencing…

Examines ways in which intelligent tutoring systems can be used to develop models of a student's domain knowledge, problem solving abilities, and learning strategies. Cognitive skills assessment is discussed, and an example of a problem based tutoring system, Qualitative Understanding of Electrical System Troubleshooting (QUEST), is explained. (25…

Seventy-seven children (ages 5-13) with mild to moderate mental retardation were presented with addition problems. The patterns of strategies used were found to be similar to those used by intellectually normal children, though counting-on and memory strategies were used by subjects with greater frequency. Strategies became more sophisticated with…

Explains a generative theory of textbook design and describes three experiments that compared college students' solutions on transfer problems after reading science texts with illustrations adjacent to corresponding text and including annotations, and illustrations separated from text without annotations. (LRW)

Describes a model that can be used to supplement systematic training approaches to behavioral skills. Presents four phases used to teach counselor trainees cognitive skills and self-instructional strategies related to attending and seeking information, forming hypotheses and conceptual models, and intervention planning and self-instruction. (RJM)

The problem-solving difficulties of Nigerian preservice chemistry teachers (n=300) were investigated. The results from written tests and an interview show students were capable of constructing mental representations but not solution plans; had inappropriate approaches and strategies; exhibited structural errors relating to a disregard of given…

This article discusses the fourth step in a process for solving mathematics problems--verifying the plan of action for solving the problem and developing the plan of action into an equation. The lesson plan included reviews the first three steps in the problem-solving process and provides directed instruction guidelines. (JDD)

Reviews research relevant to the problem of unsatisfactory student problem-solving abilities and suggests a teaching strategy that addresses the issue. Author explains how she uses teaching aloud problem solving (TAPS) in college chemistry and presents evaluation data. Among the findings are that the TAPS class got fewer problems completely right,…

A five-step hierarchy for problem solving in mathematical word problems, called SOLVE, involves Study the problem, Organize data, Line up a plan, Verify plan, and Evaluate the match. Implementing the SOLVE strategies enables teachers to assess and teach skills needed by students with mild disabilities and improves students' success rates.…

To be effective in the current rapidly changing environment, individuals need more than a knowledge base. They also need information literacy which includes techniques for exploring new information, synthesizing it, and using it in practical ways. Undergraduate education should focus on such resource-based learning directed at problem solving.…

Discusses definitions of problem solving, sources of real problems, selection of data for use in problems, developing strategies for solving, and deciding when solutions are acceptable. (MKR)

Reports a study that examined the effects of conceptual orienting questions and differences in prior knowledge on factual learning and problem solving in biology. Tenth graders who participated in control or orienting questions groups completed posttests. Results indicated that question groups outscored the control group. (SM)

Various examples of open-ended problems and ways to obtain them are presented. Suggestions for incorporating open-ended problems and some of the benefits and difficulties encountered by teachers and students are discussed. Examples are from courses on mass and energy balances, communications, kinetics and ideal reactors, and reactor design. (KR)

Discusses situated learning and instruction. Topics discussed include situated cognition theories; prescriptions for instructional design; adapting instructional design to situated learning; evaluating situated learning; situated cognition and the role of the teacher; different types of problem-solving activities; and the work of the Cognition and…

Student problem-solving behaviors are analyzed using a four-dimensional framework with related detrimental factors identified for each dimension. General approaches and specific techniques developed to address negative factors are reviewed. Examined are means of developing the components of problem-solving teaching. (KR)