Points out the importance of problem solving as a fundamental skill and how students struggle with problem solving in physics courses. Describes a workbook developed as a solution to students' struggles that features simple exercises and advanced problem solving. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/YDS)

In order for microcomputers to be used in an efficient and effective manner in the classroom, the computer should not be used in trivial ways, such as utilizing it as an electronic ditto sheet or as a video textbook. Educators must take advantage of the computer's unique capabilities, including its branching capacity, its graphic mode, and its…

Describes the development of an exemplary procedure that allows for increased effectiveness in working with special needs students in vocational agriculture classes. Discusses a vocational curriculum development process and presents a special needs student instructional package. (JOW)

Discusses the Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series, a video-based instructional macrocontext for complex mathematics problem generation and solving. A theoretical framework of assumptions about goals, learning, instruction, and learning materials is provided. Design features and typical teaching activities are described. Three teaching models…

Reports on a study that examined which of four major components of word problem solving ability was currently keeping a student from solving word problems. Reviews two recent series of supplementary materials that show promise for helping teachers improve their students' problem interpretation. (FL)

Explains how the instrumental enrichment program helps adolescents and adults develop higher order thinking and problem-solving abilities. (Author/MLF)

Explains the three main concepts of the system dynamics approach to model building (dynamics, feedback, and systems) and the basic steps to problem solving by simulation applicable to all educational levels. Some DYNAMO commands are briefly described. (EAO)

Details are provided of computer-simulated experiments developed by the co-directors of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), University of Pittsburgh. The initial materials were designed to help students learn physics. New materials are being developed along similar lines for elementary mathematics. The views of the creators are…

Organizational barriers to creativity are examined. It is noted that resistance to change is a major impediment to creative problem solving in most organizations. Understanding the barriers to change that exist is viewed to help people exercise and develop their creativity more fully and effectively. (MP)

This document explains the importance of problem solving in the high school physics curriculum and points out the lack of opportunities in textbooks for students to practice their problem solving skills. The necessity of having introductory-level work texts cannot be ignored and having a work-text book would be beneficial from the teachers' point…

Programmable calculators are useful tools in the classroom that are often overlooked. This report gives examples of problems and activities that can be brought within the scope of such calculators. (MP)

Agrees with Alberts and Tuomi about the need for an experiential approach to science instruction but argues that science kits are too easily used in ways that do not significantly advance students' skills in problem solving and critical evaluation and that the kits too often seem to relieve the teachers from responsibility for their own continuing…

This bulletin for kindergarten teachers comprises five papers about the use and value of play in the kindergarten curriculum. Topics discussed include the values of various pieces of indoor and outdoor play equipment commonly found in the kindergarten; the nature of young children and their learning; the definition of play; the teacher's role as…

The use of case studies as a teaching method--that is, presenting students with realistic problems to solve as part of the curriculum--is examined. Emphasis is on instructional materials, interdisciplinarity, and the complex relationships within the university and among faculty that help or hinder the method. (MSE)

Describes a computer curriculum for 7- to 12-year-old children which is designed to integrate the computer into multiple subject areas and stimulate the development and sharpening of critical-thinking skills. The course is divided into eight conceptual units, each containing educational computer games or simulations and some related off-line…