This article discusses techniques for integrating real problem solving and decision making into secondary social studies programs. Approaches to creative problem solving are presented, and various systematic decision making programs currently available for classroom use are identified. (Author/RM)

Offers 10 classroom-tested assignments that result in successful writing experiences and assist students in developing creative and critical thinking skills. (RL)

The authors propose a three-stage model for gifted education which proposes a hierarchy of instructional activities to enhance creative thinking, problem-solving skills, project abilities, exploratory reading, and independent learning capacity. Activities which extend the three-stage model to career education for the gifted are described. (SBH)

In a study of the relationship between children and parents' scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), 65 fifth-grade children and 121 parents were administered the TTCT. There were no significant correlations between scores for mothers and children. (Author)

The author describes her work as a Poet-in-the-Schools for the Ohio Arts Council particularly in relation to inspiration in the creative process. Stressed is the need for educators to recognize that creative production most often takes place after reflection on inspiration and to provide situations conducive to preparation and incubation. (SBH)

The article presents three activities designed to create new images, restructure ideas, and try out new ways of thinking for primary-aged gifted children. (PHR)

The popular emphasis on expository writing is denigrating the place of literature, especially poetry, in the English curriculum. If unchallenged, this new wave will create students who are incapable of responding to the uncertainties and dreams of human existence. (KS)

This paper evaluates research suggesting that group brainstorming may be detrimental to the production of creative ideas, evaluates its implications for gifted education, and proposes ways to enhance the effectiveness of group brainstorming. Facts about brainstorming are summarized and research needs identified. (DB)

Investigates the extent to which children's number sense and novel problem-solving skills govern their problem-posing abilities in routine and nonroutine situations. Children who participated in the program appeared to show substantial developments in each of the program components in contrast to those who did not participate. Contains 66…

Depicts a cognitive model for analyzing historical data that merges processes of logical reasoning and creative and critical thinking. The strategies presented provide an intellectual framework for the structure of historical inquiry. (SK)

Reviews two publications coauthored by David N. Perkins. "Teaching Thinking: Issues and Approaches" deals with developing a framework for nurturing forms of thinking that foster learning, understanding, and critical and creative thought. "Are Cognitive Skills Context-Bound?" traces the 30-year evolution of this topic. (JRH)

A nongovernmental organization involved in community development in Cambodia adapted De Bono's six thinking hat model to build staff capacity and develop a framework for open-ended conversations. It proved useful for comprehensive analysis of problems and preventing conflicts. (SK)

Describes phases of the creative process, and historical and contemporary views of creativity, then presents a systems model of "Creativity," distinguished from the everyday creativity displayed by many people. Describes backgrounds and traits of "Creative" people, and concludes with comments on flow experience and…

Describes the conceptual bases of two different approaches to a language of invention and synthetic thinking as applied to commonplace inventions such as the chair: first, a conceptual history based on the gradual accretion of complexity, and second, a modern account based on the principles of engineering design. (DB)