A Discovery Unit was designed to develop problem-finding behavior in 67 gifted children (grades 3-6). Students identified a problem and its solution using topics of their choice. The results of this two-year pilot project support the need to instruct and practice problem-finding skills at the elementary level. (DB)

Sixty kindergarten children were studied to determine the effect of age and sex on creativity. No significant difference was found between the girls' and boys' creativity scores, but, as expected, the 6-year olds scored higher than the 5-year olds. Recommends providing opportunities for creative activity for children at home and school. (TJQ)

This article describes a six-week course for design students called "Needs Awareness and Design" which stresses the development of creative thinking skills. Brainstorming is recommended for identifying many ideas, and synectics is stressed for actual problem solving. (DB)

Findings of this study, involving 210 female adolescents, demonstrated that subjects who achieved in English were more likely to score high on tests of creative thinking and obtain high intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Achievement in mathematics and art were not as highly correlated with creative thinking but were related to high IQ scores. (JDD)

Discusses how environmental education (EE) can provide opportunities for development of higher order thinking skills such as learning critically and creatively, and learning to think in an integrated manner--in terms of identifying alternatives, using multiple sources, designing novel approaches, and identifying real and potential solutions.…

The Academic Mentoring Program of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, is an honors-level independent study program that allows students to pursue an idea beyond regular classroom opportunities. Students pursue their independent projects with the help of mentors from appropriate fields of study, and they are also taught critical and…

A methodology for confronting students with the inconsistencies entailed by their own beliefs is outlined. This methodology is illustrated using the dynamics domain of physics and a computer modeling program, DYNALAB. (KR)

Discusses the value of educational simulation in enhancing teaching. It is effective because it is a realistic, active learning experience, it is highly interpersonal, there is an element of play, and it demands that participants think of ideas and implement strategies and solutions. (SM)

A group of nine Filipino children (ages five to nine) from disadvantaged backgrounds received training in higher level cognitive thinking skills and was compared to a control group that received no training. The training program was based on Benjamin Bloom's cognitive levels of thinking. Students receiving the training showed better performance on…

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)

Describes the way invention is relevant to the practice of technical writing. Studies three engineering students engaged in a real-world project. Shows how the students' technical work and invention for the final report were simultaneous activities. Claims that invention for and through writing overlaps with technical invention. (HB)

Presents six construction problems in which key parts of the figure are made inaccessible, that is, a lake or an obstruction is inserted. Encourages creative thinking while improving problem-solving skills. Students are to show the construction, describe the solution, and verify correctness of the solution. (LDR)

Presents a developmental theory of mentoring proposing that mentoring enhances creative and intellectual growth as it facilitates task accomplishment uniquely characteristic of early life stages. How different levels of mentoring facilitate this developmental process is described. The synergism of creativity, intellectual accomplishment, and…

Describes theoretical rationales for cognitive transfer from art learning, examining research findings and implemented programs that support relationships between art instruction and academic achievement. Art study can promote creative behaviors, critical thinking, and academic achievement. (SM)

This article reviews literature on higher order thinking focusing on three issues: perspectives of philosophers and psychologists, attempts to differentiate between lower and higher order thinking, and the relationship between critical thinking and problem solving and what that means to higher order thinking. (SM)