Since structural dimensions of knowledge and learner contribute to preferred message structure, an understanding of structural relationships can aid in the more effective design of instructional messages. Five studies were conducted to explore these relationships. Knowledge structure was defined as the iconic representation of the body of…

This study investigated (1) the extent to which thinking and problem-solving of fifth-grade students could be improved by the use of self-instructional programed lessons (the productive thinking program), (2) the relationship between productive thinking abilities and IQ-sex characteristics of the learner, and (3) the relationship between level of…

System analysis offers the teacher a significant organizational device for studying society and social problems in the classroom. System analysis can be used directly to describe and understand the relationships and interactions between individuals, bridging the distance between learning conceptually and learning directly from personal experience.…

This report presents an overview of research related to the development of the "Wisconsin Tests of Testimony and Reasoning Assessment," a battery of seven tests for assessing student development in the mastery of relevant concepts and skills of verbal argument for grades 10-12. Provided are (1) a discussion of the rationale for and…

The Life Skills course of Saskatchewan NewStart uses concepts and techniques from education, social work, and behavior sciences to develop new types of programs which stress personal competence in dealing with problems. This book describes the Life Skills course and gives examples of how problem solving skills are taught. Other chapters deal with…

A theoretical model relating problem identification to problem solving is presented. The main purpose of the study is to increase understanding of decision making among Air Force educators. The problem-solving process is defined as the generation and evaluation of alternatives that will accomplish what is needed and the reidentification of what is…

The subject of restructuring teacher education and working toward the improvement of educational opportunities in the schools is addressed. Teacher education faculties often are in power struggles with other faculties in colleges and universities and are often underrated as professionals. Decision-making in regard to teacher education is becoming…

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students about the process of polderization (the reclamation of low tracts of land from a body of water). Illustrates how a country can solve a problem by modifying its environment. Includes background information and worksheets on the application of this process in the Netherlands. (MJP)

A project examined the skills gap within the mining industry, identified and prioritized skills common to all jobs and occupations, and provided insight into skills that workers are likely to need in the future. The research for the basic skills needs assessment was conducted from June-October 1993 at INCO's Manitoba Division Operations in…

At a time when many public school teachers and administrators are limiting instructional goals to the lower level objectives found on standardized tests, there is a need for classroom activities derived from higher purposes. Conceptual analysis, which relates abstract concepts to the lives of students, meets this need. While focusing primarily on…

DEVELOPED TO AID MANAGERS OF DATA-PROCESSING CENTERS AND PERSONNEL DIRECTORS IN SCREENING PERSONS WITH APTITUDES FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMING, THE COMPUTER PROGRAMMER APTITUDE BATTERY (CPAB) INCLUDES DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TEST ADMINISTRATION, INTERPRETATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION. FIVE SEPARATELY TIMED TESTS (VERBAL MEANING,…

The Pinehurst Conference on Global Perspectives provided an opportunity to clarify many of the issues, objectives, and problems in global education programs in schools. The 34 conference participants included educators, federal government educational personnel, state departments of education representatives, and delegates from global and…

As a first step in a research effort directed toward formulation of a theory of instruction which would lead to prediction and control of classroom events, data related to teacher-pupil communication, student covert thinking, and teacher and pupil overt thinking was collected by two observers working over a 5-day period with each of nine junior…

The purpose of this first phase of a continuing research program was the development of a test of creative problem solving in general design. A design class of 186 members was divided into an experimental and control group; a non-design control group (an educational psychology class) of 45 was also tested. Multivariate interpretation of creative…

Basic emotional and intellectual factors in motivation can help to stimulate the learner to acquire the five major literacy skills: listening, speaking, thinking, reading, and writing. Contagion, or the spread effect in psychology, is reflected in the readily communicated attitude of the teacher toward students and teaching itself. Similarly,…