Most parents of gifted children are aware of the benefit of having books and other hands-on learning materials available to their children. However, there is more involved in creating a thoughtful and intellectual learning environment at home than just books and science kits. The way a group communicates, what it communicates, and what it values…

This manual and workbook for adolescents presents a curriculum promoting self-understanding and understanding the points of view of others in order to resolve conflicts and solve common problems. After a review of problems adolescents face and a discussion of the skills needed to work effectively in a group, the lessons present the following steps…

One of a series of workplace education modules, this 6-week module presents activities and materials designed to lead participants through a systematic approach to problem-solving in the workplace. Following a brief overview, indicating that the module emphasizes five phases in problem-solving (i.e., using key problem-solving concepts, identifying…

This paper presents an overview of research in the field of decision theory, with a focus on problem and identification. The goal is to make the decision-making process as rational as possible in order to maximize the rational administration of the organization. The decisions associated with educational administration can be categorized as…

Introducing students to the assumptions, values, and complexity involved in implicit and explicit agreements between individuals, this book presents 34 situations which students are asked to examine and then draw conclusions and make decisions based on the information given. The situations presented in the book include agreements, understandings,…

Top-down problem solving is a methodical approach to obtaining real solutions for open-ended problems common in the realms of engineering and science. The technique provides a means for logically understanding a problem prior to attempting a solution. Steps in the top-down problem-solving method include the following: (1) identifying a need; (2)…

This list contains 58 scales and inventories concerned with decision style, decision-making techniques, the mental processes involved in decision-making and risk-taking. Career education measures which lead one through the decision-making process are also included. Several instruments measure others' perceptions of management decision-making.…

This curriculum guide consists of nine lessons designed for eighth graders to participate in career exploration and decision-making. Lesson 1 describes the goals of the program, criteria involved in considering life opportunities, and the value of good decision making. Lesson 2 helps the student explore his/her personality, identify strengths and…

Strategies utilized by district superintendents to implement school improvement plans in response to state-mandated change are examined in this report. Methodology involved document analysis of written plans and interviews with 30 Maine superintendents and assistant superintendents who were identified as successful developers of school improvement…

In a sample of 1622 students in college for three years, 24 percent indecisive students were found and compared with vocationally decisive students (having majors) using precollege measures of achievement, aptitude, and interest. Measures of interest differentiation were of particular concern. Most important to vocational indecision, however, was…

Good teachers of reading should ask questions which link the research knowledge base in reading, effective teaching, and learning with proficient decision-making skills. These questions should focus on the content to be taught, the behaviors of the student, and the behaviors of the teacher. Content questions address central concepts, prior…

This module reviews the concepts of career education and suggests ways that teachers can infuse these concepts into content areas from kindergarten through high school. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses a question-and-answer format to discuss the most frequently asked questions, such as: when career education should be started, how…

Classroom decision-making was conceptualized within the framework of person-environment fit. A longitudinal sample of 2239 sixth graders in 117 mathematics classrooms were surveyed. The findings include: (1) students typically report fewer decision-making opportunities than they think they should have in their mathematics classrooms; (2) students…

Mediation is a process of intervention into a dispute between two parties by a neutral third party who assists them in voluntarily reaching a mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. In a classroom setting, mediation can be a tool for teaching communication skills in a new and interesting manner. Allowing students to use newly…

This monograph provides educational staff with a theoretical basis for decision-making skills for application in quality circles. Roadblocks to good decisions are outlined, as well as the differences between group decision-making and individual decision-making (both have problems). The influence of values and personality characteristics on…