Among ways suggested for teaching problem solving strategies are to select problem situations appropriate to the learner and to encourage learning from errors. A problem solving process which can be used with young children includes the components of formulation; interpretation; generation; decision making; implementation; evaluation; and…

Significant differences were found favoring skill-deficient second-graders (N=10) provided with repeated preteaching trials on a selected component skill of a subtraction algorithm before they worked the entire algorithm over students (N=10) who, from the beginning of training, received systematic instruction on working the entire algorithm.…

Examines principles which can be applied to determine how hints can be used effectively in problem-solving. Conscious and unconscious hints, timing of hints, expected functions, and teaching are discussed. Conscious hints are explained in detail with suggestions and references. Charts are included for types, timing, and expected functions. (DH)

Using questions to help students think mathematically and solve problems is discussed. The teacher's role is described, with a classroom example involving questions about a specific problem. (MNS)

One view of mathematical thinking is described, followed by detailing of the characteristics of a problem-solving program necessary to develop this kind of thinking. (MNS)

This study involved 48 students ages 9 to 12. The 29 experimental group students, divided into small groups, performed learning exercises designed to improve skills in analyzing and processing expressions frequently included in addition and multiplication problems. The exercises helped significantly to improve problem-solving performance. (MNS)

A problem-solving strategy that appears to be highly successful is having children write their own word problems. The stages of prewriting, writing, rewriting and revising, and publication are each discussed. (MNS)

Discusses activities involved in a six-hour workshop program on creativity. Also describes: (1) sources of background information on creativity; (2) ways to evaluate skills in creativity; (3) articles and ideas on creativity and problem-solving, including predictors of problem-solving success; and (4) how to find time to teach problem-solving. (JN)

Presents suggestions for helping students broaden their learning skills: tell students you plan to help them learn to learn, hold class discussions where students share learning strategies, give students practice using unfamiliar learning strategies, pick a complex learning exercise and present it in steps, and vary your approach over the course…

Presents a problem-solving activity in which students first guess and then check their answer. Also presents an activity to help students develop skill in understanding the question in a problem and a suggestion to help develop a classroom climate conducive to problem-solving. (JN)

Presents a method for solving problems related to gas laws, the mole concept, molarity, heats of reactions, and other chemical concepts. Also presents another method which was devised to simplify the teaching of stoichiometric calculations using conversion factors. (JN)

Five ways the computer can be used in psychology courses to teach thinking are described: using the computer to replace things that already work (e.g., a tachistoscope); programing the computer; simulating specialized procedures and situations; providing behavior to be observed and described; and posing problems for analysis and solution. (RM)

Looks at devices that stimulate intralinguistic thinking patterns, that is, patterns that can only be induced by the structures and forms of the target language without any dependency upon native-language patterns. Focuses on problem-solving activities that help the learner develop modes of thought that can be solved "Italian." (SED)

When the words "problem" and "answers" are used in connection with computational exercises, students think they are solving problems. Distinguishing between computational forms and problems is illustrated with a variety of topics. (MNS)

Discusses five research areas offering guidance to people concerned about teaching problem solving in elementary schools. Areas are (1) components of problem difficulty; (2) the contribution of reading difficulties to problem-solving deficiencies; (3) characteristics of successful problem solvers; (4) children's use of problem-solving techniques…