This dissertation investigates the effects of two different grouping strategies on secondary students concerning their preparation for, and performance at, a computer programming contest. Students were divided into two groups, experimental and control, for a 3-week treatment, followed by the contest. Students in the experimental group became…

The Future Problem Solving Program is intended to help gifted students (grades 4 through 12) develop richer images of the future and increase creativity, communication, teamwork, research, and problem-solving skills. Procedures for participating in the program and securing materials are explained. (CL)

The New Jersey Education Association's School Effectiveness Training is helping to solve the problems of urban schools. The NJEA approach--developing building-wide consensus, planning, and commitment to make the instructional process work--is not only taking root in New Jersey but is spreading to other states. (Author/SJL)

This study evaluated the Future Problem Solving Program (FPSP) with 205 gifted students and 32 teacher-coaches. The FPSP is designed to develop skills in group problem solving and awareness of future problems. The study found general support for FPSP, more positive perceptions by teacher-coaches than students, and more positive evaluations by…

To ensure future leadership qualities, educators must impart the skills of problem solving and working together effectively. One strategy for doing this is illustrated by teachers and students at Hartwick College (New York) utilizing Project Adventure techniques in extracurricular group problem-solving activities. (SAS)

The article provides practical information and techniques for effectively using creative problem-solving. Six stages of problem solving, with both convergent and divergent thinking phases, are discussed. Also discussed are equipment, time frames, and environmental requirements for creative problem-solving sessions. Sample exercises are offered.…

A yearlong senior experience course requires teams of business students to solve real problems for organizations in the community. Students enhanced responsibility, confidence, and organizational skills. Problems centered on differentiating the course from internships and improving staffing. Students had problems with group dynamics, team…

The Students Teaching Students cooperative learning method for gifted middle school students has four components: research, team work, presentation, and evaluation. During the presentation phase, students are required to incorporate three basic learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic) and be sensitive to their audience's response.…

Special education reform has targeted placement of children with disabilities. Terms such as "mainstreaming,""least restrictive environment," and "full inclusion" describe various reform stages. This article briefly reviews the history of special education reform, discusses current ideas related to best practice, and…

Camp, with its community living focus, presents a constant source of potential conflicts and offers an ideal environment to help campers develop their problem-solving skills. Steps in social problem solving are listed, and an example of problem-solving skills in action is offered. Counselors can discuss conflicts with campers and ask for group…

As part of a British secondary school's annual three-day special program, one day focused on outdoor problem-solving activities for groups at each grade level. Describes the themes of the day and specific problems undertaken by groups in grades 7-10. (SV)

Teacher teams at a new secondary school were observed during their first year working together. Based on observations, interviews, and document analysis, this article describes a crisis in teacher relations (a controversy about grading) and examines the role and effectiveness of collaboration in handling the crisis. (SM)

The 9th International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM 2016) is held under the auspices of the International Educational Data Mining Society at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, in the USA. The conference, held June 29-July 2, 2016, follows the eight previous editions (Madrid 2015, London 2014, Memphis…

This paper describes storyboarding, a technique for team project planning which can be applied by students with and without disabilities in a wide variety of contexts. Introductory paragraphs describe the process and briefly review the history of storyboarding. Various roles of team members are delineated, such as sanctioner, project leader,…

Approaches to managing conflict in the collaborative process are discussed, along with the need for collaboration in schools. Collaboration by teachers, administrators, parents, and others can help identify problems, consider relevant data, plan and implement interventions, and evaluate results. However, the knowledge, experience, and values of…