Discusses the practice of using consensus-building techniques to promote prosocial behavior and scholarship skills. Teachers can allow numerous students to raise their hand before calling on one, thus encouraging greater participation, and have students discuss problems among themselves and work out solutions. Argues that prosocial skills and…

Reviews five computer programs and compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) products designed to improve students' reading and problem-solving skills: (1) "Reading Realities" (Teacher Support Software); (2) "Kid Rhymes" (Creative Pursuits); (3) "First-Start Biographies" (Troll Associates); (4) "My Silly CD of ABCs" (Discis Classroom Editions); and…

Presents four case studies of fifth grade teachers who have implemented the Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series, a videodisc problem-solving curriculum, in their classrooms, and proposes a model for problem-solving instruction. Discusses curriculum and teaching styles before and after the studies. Teacher interview questions are appended. (JMV)

Presents an action-research approach to investigating the diverse goals and dilemmas characterizing staff appraisal activity. Describes an intervention to counter ineffective, defensive reasoning and teach two (New Zealand) principals how to think and act productively to manage dilemmas. Discusses challenges of the complex theoretical and…

Examined children's use of the representativeness heuristic with two types of decision problems adapted from research with adults--standard representativeness problems and conjunction fallacy problems. Findings on both problems indicate the use of decision heuristics in the early grade-school years, and suggests these should be the years for…

Describes the use of the children's book "Geraldine's Blanket" to promote discussion and allow the teacher to assess the children's understanding of area, place value, number sense, fractions, and problem-solving strategies. (MKR)

The types of help students sought while solving mathematics problems under the tutelage of an adult were studied for 118 3rd and 6th graders classified as high, medium, and low achievers. Sixth graders were more likely to ask for process-related hints. Other age and ability differences are discussed. (SLD)

Reports the development of a multidimensional instrument of stable coping styles that focuses on whether one's problem-focused coping efforts were facilitating or inhibiting progress toward problem resolution. Describes steps of scale construction, provides initial estimates of stability of factor structure and construct, concurrent, and…

Describes the development of a computer case-study template for integrating basic science concepts with clinical problem-solving processes in medical education; multimedia and interactive resources of Macintosh HyperCard software were used. Discusses design considerations and how the format works for the author and the student. (AEF)

Presents mathematics activities that give students in grades three through six practice in writing and problem solving by using the setting of a zoo or animal park. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Presents an assessment activity to determine the ability of students to devise a plan for solving a problem and recording their work while solving the problem. Uses the theme of planning and organizing a birthday party. (MKR)

Interviews with in-service elementary teachers (n=32) who were asked to solve multiplicative problems showed that teachers who solved problems relationally reasoned in terms of ratio and proportion concepts, whereas teachers who arrived at correct solutions without the concepts did so using a trial-and-error method. (24 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents performance assessments, written by a team of Wisconsin science teachers, designed to see if students know, have practiced, and are able to perform the skills associated with science problem solving. (JRH)

Discusses a program in New Zealand to assist high school students who have an aptitude for mathematics. Uses the philosophy of extension and enrichment rather than acceleration and has a teaching emphasis of problem solving and the methodology of the research mathematician. (MKR)

Pretest and posttest experimental (n=18) and control group (n=7) study assessing the effectiveness of a commercially available social skills training program for improving social skills and reducing family conflict in parent-adolescent dyads. Training group manifested improved social skills. Results partially confirm effectiveness of social skills…