Investigation of the Effect of Assignment Projects on Mathematical Activity of Graduating Junior High School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zehavi, Nurit

This study explored student mathematical activity in open problem-solving situations, derived from the work of Polya on problem solving and Skemp on intelligent learning and teaching. Assignment projects with problems for ninth-grade students were developed, whether they elicit the desired cognitive and cogno-affective goals was investigated, and…

Facilitating students' application of the integral and the area under the curve concepts in physics problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Dong-Hai

This research project investigates the difficulties students encounter when solving physics problems involving the integral and the area under the curve concepts and the strategies to facilitate students learning to solve those types of problems. The research contexts of this project are calculus-based physics courses covering mechanics and electromagnetism. In phase I of the project, individual teaching/learning interviews were conducted with 20 students in mechanics and 15 students from the same cohort in electromagnetism. The students were asked to solve problems on several topics of mechanics and electromagnetism. These problems involved calculating physical quantities (e.g. velocity, acceleration, work, electric field, electric resistance, electric current) by integrating or finding the area under the curve of functions of related quantities (e.g. position, velocity, force, charge density, resistivity, current density). Verbal hints were provided when students made an error or were unable to proceed. A total number of 140 one-hour interviews were conducted in this phase, which provided insights into students' difficulties when solving the problems involving the integral and the area under the curve concepts and the hints to help students overcome those difficulties. In phase II of the project, tutorials were created to facilitate students' learning to solve physics problems involving the integral and the area under the curve concepts. Each tutorial consisted of a set of exercises and a protocol that incorporated the helpful hints to target the difficulties that students expressed in phase I of the project. Focus group learning interviews were conducted to test the effectiveness of the tutorials in comparison with standard learning materials (i.e. textbook problems and solutions). Overall results indicated that students learning with our tutorials outperformed students learning with standard materials in applying the integral and the area under the curve concepts to physics problems. The results of this project provide broader and deeper insights into students' problem solving with the integral and the area under the curve concepts and suggest strategies to facilitate students' learning to apply these concepts to physics problems. This study also has significant implications for further research, curriculum development and instruction.

Translation among Symbolic Representations in Problem-Solving. Report on Studies Project: Alternative Strategies for Measuring Higher Order Skills: The Role of Symbol Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shavelson, Richard J.; And Others

Some aspects of the relationships among the symbolic representations (Rs) of problems given to students to solve, the Rs that students use to solve problems, and the accuracy of the solutions were studied. Focus was on determining: the mental Rs that students used while solving problems, the kinds of translation that takes place, the accuracy of…

Virtual Bridge Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bisogno, Janet; JeanPierre, Bobby

2008-01-01

The West Point Bridge Design (WPBD) building project engages students in project-based learning by giving them a real-life problem to solve. By using technology, students are able to become involved in solving problems that they normally would not encounter. Involvement with interactive websites, such as WPBD, assists students in using…

Solving Problems with Charts & Tables. Pipefitter.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greater Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, LA.

Developed as part of the ABCs of Construction National Workplace Literacy Project, this instructional module is designed to help individuals employed as pipefitters learn to solve problems with charts and tables. Outlined in the first section is a five-step procedure for solving problems involving tables and/or charts: identifying the question to…

Problem Solving Interactions on Electronic Networks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waugh, Michael; And Others

Arguing that electronic networking provides a medium which is qualitatively superior to the traditional classroom for conducting certain types of problem solving exercises, this paper details the Water Problem Solving Project, which was conducted on the InterCultural Learning Network in 1985 and 1986 with students from the United States, Mexico,…

The Future Problem Solving Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crabbe, Anne B.

1989-01-01

Describes the Future Problem Solving Program, in which students from the U.S. and around the world are tackling some complex challenges facing society, ranging from acid rain to terrorism. The program uses a creative problem solving process developed for business and industry. A sixth-grade toxic waste cleanup project illustrates the process.…

Mathematical Problem Solving Project Technical Report III: Module Development and Formative Evaluation. Appendix B - "Organizing Lists" Quizzes and Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana Univ., Bloomington. Mathematics Education Development Center.

This appendix to the Mathematical Problem Solving Project "Module Development and Formative Evaluation" contains trials 1 and 2 of the Organizing Lists quiz. Editorial feedback from teachers on the Organizing Lists booklet is given for trials 1 and 2. Editorial feedback from teachers on the Organizing Lists problem deck is given for…

Finding Trustworthy Experts to Help Problem Solving on the Programming Learning Forum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tseng, Shian-Shyong; Weng, Jui-Feng

2010-01-01

The most important thing for learners in Programming Language subject is problem solving. During the practical programming project, various problems may occur and learners usually need consultation from the senior programmers (i.e. the experts) to assist them in solving the problems. Thus, the inquiry-based learning with learning forum is applied…

The development and evaluation of a web-based programme to support problem-solving skills following brain injury.

PubMed

Powell, Laurie Ehlhardt; Wild, Michelle R; Glang, Ann; Ibarra, Summer; Gau, Jeff M; Perez, Amanda; Albin, Richard W; O'Neil-Pirozzi, Therese M; Wade, Shari L; Keating, Tom; Saraceno, Carolyn; Slocumb, Jody

2017-10-24

Cognitive impairments following brain injury, including difficulty with problem solving, can pose significant barriers to successful community reintegration. Problem-solving strategy training is well-supported in the cognitive rehabilitation literature. However, limitations in insurance reimbursement have resulted in fewer services to train such skills to mastery and to support generalization of those skills into everyday environments. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an integrated, web-based programme, ProSolv, which uses a small number of coaching sessions to support problem solving in everyday life following brain injury. We used participatory action research to guide the iterative development, usability testing, and within-subject pilot testing of the ProSolv programme. The finalized programme was then evaluated in a between-subjects group study and a non-experimental single case study. Results were mixed across studies. Participants demonstrated that it was feasible to learn and use the ProSolv programme for support in problem solving. They highly recommended the programme to others and singled out the importance of the coach. Limitations in app design were cited as a major reason for infrequent use of the app outside of coaching sessions. Results provide mixed evidence regarding the utility of web-based mobile apps, such as ProSolv to support problem solving following brain injury. Implications for Rehabilitation People with cognitive impairments following brain injury often struggle with problem solving in everyday contexts. Research supports problem solving skills training following brain injury. Assistive technology for cognition (smartphones, selected apps) offers a means of supporting problem solving for this population. This project demonstrated the feasibility of a web-based programme to address this need.

Connecting Problem-Solving Style to Peer Evaluations of Performance in Secondary Cooperative Learning Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bush, Sarah A.; Friedel, Curtis R.; Hoerbert, Lindsey R.; Broyles, Thomas W.

2017-01-01

With an evolving and expanding agricultural industry, it is crucial to provide future professionals with valuable experiences and skills in problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Agricultural summer programs for secondary students, which provide cooperative learning experiences with a focus on group work and problem solving, aim to help…

Learning through Real-World Problem Solving: The Power of Integrative Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nagel, Nancy G.

This book is based on the idea that curriculum development projects focused on integrated or interdisciplinary teaching within the context of real-world problem solving creates dynamics and meaningful learning experiences for students. The real-world, problem-solving units presented in this book were created by four intern teachers, their mentor…

Research Utilizing Problem Solving (RUPS) - Classroom Version. Description of Teacher Inservice Education Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Education Association, Washington, DC. Project on Utilization of Inservice Education R & D Outcomes.

The workshop instructional materials described here are designed to try out a systematic problem solving process as a way of working toward improvements in the school setting. Topics include diagnosis using force field technique, small group dynamics, planning for action, and planning a RUPS (Research Using Problem Solving) project. This…

Measuring Problem Solving Skills in Plants vs. Zombies 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shute, Valerie J.; Moore, Gregory R.; Wang, Lubin

2015-01-01

We are using stealth assessment, embedded in "Plants vs. Zombies 2," to measure middle-school students' problem solving skills. This project started by developing a problem solving competency model based on a thorough review of the literature. Next, we identified relevant in-game indicators that would provide evidence about students'…

An Algorithm for the Weighted Earliness-Tardiness Unconstrained Project Scheduling Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afshar Nadjafi, Behrouz; Shadrokh, Shahram

This research considers a project scheduling problem with the object of minimizing weighted earliness-tardiness penalty costs, taking into account a deadline for the project and precedence relations among the activities. An exact recursive method has been proposed for solving the basic form of this problem. We present a new depth-first branch and bound algorithm for extended form of the problem, which time value of money is taken into account by discounting the cash flows. The algorithm is extended with two bounding rules in order to reduce the size of the branch and bound tree. Finally, some test problems are solved and computational results are reported.

7 CFR 4285.70 - Evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...) Adequacy, soundness, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to solve the identified problem. (30%) (3) Feasibility and probability of success of project solving the problem. (10%) (4) Qualifications, experience in...

7 CFR 4285.70 - Evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...) Adequacy, soundness, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to solve the identified problem. (30%) (3) Feasibility and probability of success of project solving the problem. (10%) (4) Qualifications, experience in...

7 CFR 4285.70 - Evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...) Adequacy, soundness, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to solve the identified problem. (30%) (3) Feasibility and probability of success of project solving the problem. (10%) (4) Qualifications, experience in...

7 CFR 4285.70 - Evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) Adequacy, soundness, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to solve the identified problem. (30%) (3) Feasibility and probability of success of project solving the problem. (10%) (4) Qualifications, experience in...

Role of Mental Representations in Problem Solving: Students' Approaches to Nondirected Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ibrahim, Bashirah; Rebello, N. Sanjay

2013-01-01

In this paper, we report on a project concerned with the role of cognition during problem solving. We specifically explore the categories of mental representations that students work with during problem solving of different representational task formats. The sample, consisting of 19 engineering students taking a calculus-based physics course,…

Integrating Cost Engineering and Project Management in a Junior Engineering Economics Course and a Senior Capstone Project Design Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tickles, Virginia C.; Li, Yadong; Walters, Wilbur L.

2013-01-01

Much criticism exists concerning a lack of focus on real-world problem-solving in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) infrastructures. Many of these critics say that current educational infrastructures are incapable in preparing future scientists and engineers to solve the complex and multidisciplinary problems this society…

Barriers to the Implementation of Project Lead the Way as Perceived by Indiana High School Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shields, C. J.

2007-01-01

Technology education (TE) has come to encompass many facets of curriculum, ranging from industrial arts (IA) to integrating problem-solving and engineering concepts into the curriculum. For technology educators who have chosen the pre-engineering problem-solving route there is a pre-engineering curriculum called Project Lead The Way (PLTW), that…

Mobile App Development to Increase Student Engagement and Problem Solving Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dekhane, Sonal; Xu, Xin; Tsoi, Mai Yin

2013-01-01

This paper describes a project designed to promote problem solving and critical thinking skills in a general education, computing course at an open access institution. A visual programming tool, GameSalad, was used to enable students to create educational apps for mobile platforms. The students worked on a game development project for the entire…

Waveform Design for Multimedia Airborne Networks: Robust Multimedia Data Transmission in Cognitive Radio Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

at the sensor. According to Candes, Tao and Romberg [1], a small number of random projections of a signal that is compressible is all the...Projection of Signal Transform i. DWT ii. FFT iii. DCT Solve the Minimization problem Reconstruct Signal Channel (AWGN ) De -noise Signal Original...Signal (Noisy) Random Projection of Signal Transform i. DWT ii. FFT iii. DCT Solve the Minimization problem Reconstruct Signal Channel (Noiseless) De

Generating effective project scheduling heuristics by abstraction and reconstitution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janakiraman, Bhaskar; Prieditis, Armand

1992-01-01

A project scheduling problem consists of a finite set of jobs, each with fixed integer duration, requiring one or more resources such as personnel or equipment, and each subject to a set of precedence relations, which specify allowable job orderings, and a set of mutual exclusion relations, which specify jobs that cannot overlap. No job can be interrupted once started. The objective is to minimize project duration. This objective arises in nearly every large construction project--from software to hardware to buildings. Because such project scheduling problems are NP-hard, they are typically solved by branch-and-bound algorithms. In these algorithms, lower-bound duration estimates (admissible heuristics) are used to improve efficiency. One way to obtain an admissible heuristic is to remove (abstract) all resources and mutual exclusion constraints and then obtain the minimal project duration for the abstracted problem; this minimal duration is the admissible heuristic. Although such abstracted problems can be solved efficiently, they yield inaccurate admissible heuristics precisely because those constraints that are central to solving the original problem are abstracted. This paper describes a method to reconstitute the abstracted constraints back into the solution to the abstracted problem while maintaining efficiency, thereby generating better admissible heuristics. Our results suggest that reconstitution can make good admissible heuristics even better.

7 CFR 4285.70 - Evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) Adequacy, soundness, and appropriateness of the proposed approach to solve the identified problem. (30%) (3) Feasibility and probability of success of project solving the problem. (10%) (4) Qualifications, experience in... proposal demonstrates the following: (1) Focus on a practical solution to a significant problem involving...

Using a Collaborative Problem Solving Strategy To Facilitate the Mainstreaming of Students with Severe Handicaps (The Collaborative Education Project). Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salisbury, Christine; Evans, Ian M.

The Collaborative Education Project's goal was to assess the effectiveness of collaborative problem solving (CPS) by peer advocates for enhancing the integration of students with severe disabilities into regular early education contexts. The CPS strategy gives some responsibility to nondisabled students for the planning and design of activities…

Creative and Collaborative Problem Solving in Technology Education: A Case Study in Primary School Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavonen, Jari; Autio, Ossi; Meisalo, Veijo

2004-01-01

In this article, the Creative Technology Education Project (CTEP) is presented, and phases of problem-solving processes in which the participating primary school student teachers generate alternatives and evaluate ideas are analyzed. The aims of this project were to introduce technology education goals and contents to these students, as well as to…

Research Projects in Physics: A Mechanism for Teaching Ill-Structured Problem Solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milbourne, Jeff; Bennett, Jonathan

2017-10-01

Physics education research has a tradition of studying problem solving, exploring themes such as physical intuition and differences between expert and novice problem solvers. However, most of this work has focused on traditional, or well-structured, problems, similar to what might appear in a textbook. Less work has been done with open-ended, or ill-structured, problems, similar to the types of problems students might face in their professional lives. Given the national discourse on educational system reform aligned with 21st century skills, including problem solving, it is critical to provide educational experiences that help students learn to solve all types of problems, including ill-structured problems.

Lecture Notes on Requirements Elicitation

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

ability to abstract away from the details of a problem and design a system that not only solves the problem but incorporates cutting-edge technology and...sound argument is presented. You have the uncanny ability to abstract away from the details of a problem and design a system that not only solves the... problem - solving skills on your last project, where you were the principle requirements analyst. Your undergraduate degree is in mathematics , and you

Inquiry and Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thorson, Annette, Ed.

1999-01-01

This issue of ENC Focus focuses on the topic of inquiry and problem solving. Featured articles include: (1) "Inquiry in the Everyday World of Schools" (Ronald D. Anderson); (2) "In the Cascade Reservoir Restoration Project Students Tackle Real-World Problems" (Clint Kennedy with Advanced Biology Students from Cascade High…

Project 1990: Educational Planning at the Metropolitan Level.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Austin D.; Lamitie, Robert E.

This paper describes a project designed to provide educational decisionmakers with projections of and forecasts about future metropolitan conditions and problems, and information about the implications of alternative ways of solving metropolitan problems. Project components included (1) population and economic projections and forecasts, (2)…

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working on or planning to work on projects to address local environmental and/or public health issues

Initial evaluation of the effects of an environmental-focused problem-solving intervention for transition-age young people with developmental disabilities: Project TEAM.

PubMed

Kramer, Jessica M; Helfrich, Christine; Levin, Melissa; Hwang, I-Ting; Samuel, Preethy S; Carrellas, Ann; Schwartz, Ariel E; Goeva, Aleksandrina; Kolaczyk, Eric D

2018-03-12

Project TEAM (Teens making Environment and Activity Modifications) teaches transition-age young people with developmental disabilities, including those with co-occurring intellectual or cognitive disabilities, to identify and resolve environmental barriers to participation. We examined its effects on young people's attainment of participation goals, knowledge, problem-solving, self-determination, and self-efficacy. We used a quasi-experimental, repeated measures design (initial, outcome, 6-week follow-up) with two groups: (1) Project TEAM (28 males, 19 females; mean age 17y 6mo); and (2) goal-setting comparison (21 males, 14 females; mean age 17y 6mo). A matched convenience sample was recruited in two US states. Attainment of participation goals and goal attainment scaling (GAS) T scores were compared at outcome. Differences between groups for all other outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. At outcome, Project TEAM participants demonstrated greater knowledge (estimated mean difference: 1.82; confidence interval [CI]: 0.90, 2.74) and ability to apply knowledge during participation (GAS: t[75]=4.21; CI: 5.21, 14.57) compared to goal-setting. While both groups achieved significant improvements in knowledge, problem-solving, and self-determination, increases in parent reported self-determination remained at 6-week follow-up only for Project TEAM (estimated mean difference: 4.65; CI: 1.32, 7.98). Significantly more Project TEAM participants attained their participation goals by follow-up (Project TEAM=97.6%, goal-setting=77.1%, p=0.009). Both approaches support attainment of participation goals. Although inconclusive, Project TEAM may uniquely support young people with developmental disabilities to act in a self-determined manner and apply an environmental problem-solving approach over time. Individualized goal-setting, alone or during Project TEAM (Teens making Environment and Activity Modifications) appears to support attainment of participation goals. Project TEAM appears to support young people with developmental disabilities to apply an environmental problem-solving approach to participation barriers. Parents of young people with developmental disabilities report sustained changes in self-determination 6 weeks after Project TEAM. © 2018 Mac Keith Press.

The effects of computer-simulated experiments on high school biology students' problem-solving skills and achievement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmack, Gay Lynn Dickinson

2000-10-01

This two-part quasi-experimental repeated measures study examined whether computer simulated experiments have an effect on the problem solving skills of high school biology students in a school-within-a-school magnet program. Specifically, the study identified episodes in a simulation sequence where problem solving skills improved. In the Fall academic semester, experimental group students (n = 30) were exposed to two simulations: CaseIt! and EVOLVE!. Control group students participated in an internet research project and a paper Hardy-Weinberg activity. In the Spring academic semester, experimental group students were exposed to three simulations: Genetics Construction Kit, CaseIt! and EVOLVE! . Spring control group students participated in a Drosophila lab, an internet research project, and Advanced Placement lab 8. Results indicate that the Fall and Spring experimental groups experienced significant gains in scientific problem solving after the second simulation in the sequence. These gains were independent of the simulation sequence or the amount of time spent on the simulations. These gains were significantly greater than control group scores in the Fall. The Spring control group significantly outscored all other study groups on both pretest measures. Even so, the Spring experimental group problem solving performance caught up to the Spring control group performance after the third simulation. There were no significant differences between control and experimental groups on content achievement. Results indicate that CSE is as effective as traditional laboratories in promoting scientific problem solving and that CSE is a useful tool for improving students' scientific problem solving skills. Moreover, retention of problem solving skills is enhanced by utilizing more than one simulation.

Helping Families Adjust to Economic Change. A Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matejic, Denise M.

A project was developed to gain more insight into family financial problems, to identify these problems, and to formulate educational strategies to deal with and help solve these problems. This project was conducted in three phases, which included community outreach, development of educational materials, and evaluation. Three communities with…

Cognitive Principles of Problem Solving and Instruction. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greeno, James G.; And Others

Research in this project studied cognitive processes involved in understanding and solving problems used in instruction in the domain of mathematics, and explored implications of these cognitive analyses for the design of instruction. Three general issues were addressed: knowledge required for understanding problems, knowledge of the conditions…

The social essentials of learning: an experimental investigation of collaborative problem solving and knowledge construction in mathematics classrooms in Australia and China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Man Ching Esther; Clarke, David; Cao, Yiming

2018-03-01

Interactive problem solving and learning are priorities in contemporary education, but these complex processes have proved difficult to research. This project addresses the question "How do we optimise social interaction for the promotion of learning in a mathematics classroom?" Employing the logic of multi-theoretic research design, this project uses the newly built Science of Learning Research Classroom (ARC-SR120300015) at The University of Melbourne and equivalent facilities in China to investigate classroom learning and social interactions, focusing on collaborative small group problem solving as a way to make the social aspects of learning visible. In Australia and China, intact classes of local year 7 students with their usual teacher will be brought into the research classroom facilities with built-in video cameras and audio recording equipment to participate in purposefully designed activities in mathematics. The students will undertake a sequence of tasks in the social units of individual, pair, small group (typically four students) and whole class. The conditions for student collaborative problem solving and learning will be manipulated so that student and teacher contributions to that learning process can be distinguished. Parallel and comparative analyses will identify culture-specific interactive patterns and provide the basis for hypotheses about the learning characteristics underlying collaborative problem solving performance documented in the research classrooms in each country. The ultimate goals of the project are to generate, develop and test more sophisticated hypotheses for the optimisation of social interaction in the mathematics classroom in the interest of improving learning and, particularly, student collaborative problem solving.

Project Thrive. Ways and Means: Strategies for Solving Classroom Problems. Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richards, Merle; Biemiller, Andrew

Strategies are delineated for solving elementary school classroom problems. After an introductory chapter, chapter 2 reviews problems cited by 24 kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 teachers and the strategies chosen as likely solutions to the problems. Strategies later found to be unsuccessful are discussed if they illustrate the nature of the…

Research Projects in Physics: A Mechanism for Teaching Ill-Structured Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milbourne, Jeff; Bennett, Jonathan

2017-01-01

Physics education research has a tradition of studying problem solving, exploring themes such as physical intuition and differences between expert and novice problem solvers. However, most of this work has focused on traditional, or well-structured, problems, similar to what might appear in a textbook. Less work has been done with open-ended, or…

Overview of Krylov subspace methods with applications to control problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saad, Youcef

1989-01-01

An overview of projection methods based on Krylov subspaces are given with emphasis on their application to solving matrix equations that arise in control problems. The main idea of Krylov subspace methods is to generate a basis of the Krylov subspace Span and seek an approximate solution the the original problem from this subspace. Thus, the original matrix problem of size N is approximated by one of dimension m typically much smaller than N. Krylov subspace methods have been very successful in solving linear systems and eigenvalue problems and are now just becoming popular for solving nonlinear equations. It is shown how they can be used to solve partial pole placement problems, Sylvester's equation, and Lyapunov's equation.

Facilitating Problem Framing in Project-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svihla, Vanessa; Reeve, Richard

2016-01-01

While problem solving is a relatively well understood process, problem framing is less well understood, particularly with regard to supporting students to learn as they frame problems. Project-based learning classrooms are an ideal setting to investigate how teachers facilitate this process. Using participant observation, this study investigated…

Genetic algorithm parameters tuning for resource-constrained project scheduling problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Xingke; Yuan, Shengrui

2018-04-01

Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) is a kind of important scheduling problem. To achieve a certain optimal goal such as the shortest duration, the smallest cost, the resource balance and so on, it is required to arrange the start and finish of all tasks under the condition of satisfying project timing constraints and resource constraints. In theory, the problem belongs to the NP-hard problem, and the model is abundant. Many combinatorial optimization problems are special cases of RCPSP, such as job shop scheduling, flow shop scheduling and so on. At present, the genetic algorithm (GA) has been used to deal with the classical RCPSP problem and achieved remarkable results. Vast scholars have also studied the improved genetic algorithm for the RCPSP problem, which makes it to solve the RCPSP problem more efficiently and accurately. However, for the selection of the main parameters of the genetic algorithm, there is no parameter optimization in these studies. Generally, we used the empirical method, but it cannot ensure to meet the optimal parameters. In this paper, the problem was carried out, which is the blind selection of parameters in the process of solving the RCPSP problem. We made sampling analysis, the establishment of proxy model and ultimately solved the optimal parameters.

Effect of Physics Problem Solving on Structures Schemes and Knowledge Associations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setyowidodo, I.; Jatmiko, B.; Susantini, E.; Widodo, S.; Shofwan, A.

2017-09-01

This study aims to develop learners’ thinking structures through associations, case based, and schematic method so that different knowledge structures have a role in influencing the structure of creative thinking. The learners have low mastery of physics materials since they are not given sufficient opportunity to build their own knowledge. They should be directed to approach each new problem or task with their prior knowledge, assimilate new information, and construct their own understanding. The design of this research was a quasi-experiment using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using variance analysis. The design of this research was a quasi-experiment using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using variance analysis. The learning process of problemsolving consists of: 1) identifying problems, 2) planning projects, 3) creating projects, 4) presenting projects, and 5) evaluating projects. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that problem-solving method can provide strong supports in developing the learners’ creative thinking skills as they can share their knowledge and interact with their friends and the environment. This learning activity also constitutes an appropriate technique to help the learners to develop problem solving knowledge and skills.

Scaffold Seeking: A Reverse Design of Scaffolding in Computer-Supported Word Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Hercy N. H.; Yang, Euphony F. Y.; Liao, Calvin C. Y.; Chang, Ben; Huang, Yana C. Y.; Chan, Tak-Wai

2015-01-01

Although well-designed scaffolding may assist students to accomplish learning tasks, its insufficient capability to dynamically assess students' abilities and to adaptively support them may result in the problem of overscaffolding. Our previous project has also shown that students using scaffolds to solve mathematical word problems for a long time…

Network models for solving the problem of multicriterial adaptive optimization of investment projects control with several acceptable technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shorikov, A. F.; Butsenko, E. V.

2017-10-01

This paper discusses the problem of multicriterial adaptive optimization the control of investment projects in the presence of several technologies. On the basis of network modeling proposed a new economic and mathematical model and a method for solving the problem of multicriterial adaptive optimization the control of investment projects in the presence of several technologies. Network economic and mathematical modeling allows you to determine the optimal time and calendar schedule for the implementation of the investment project and serves as an instrument to increase the economic potential and competitiveness of the enterprise. On a meaningful practical example, the processes of forming network models are shown, including the definition of the sequence of actions of a particular investment projecting process, the network-based work schedules are constructed. The calculation of the parameters of network models is carried out. Optimal (critical) paths have been formed and the optimal time for implementing the chosen technologies of the investment project has been calculated. It also shows the selection of the optimal technology from a set of possible technologies for project implementation, taking into account the time and cost of the work. The proposed model and method for solving the problem of managing investment projects can serve as a basis for the development, creation and application of appropriate computer information systems to support the adoption of managerial decisions by business people.

Learning Incoherent Sparse and Low-Rank Patterns from Multiple Tasks

PubMed Central

Chen, Jianhui; Liu, Ji; Ye, Jieping

2013-01-01

We consider the problem of learning incoherent sparse and low-rank patterns from multiple tasks. Our approach is based on a linear multi-task learning formulation, in which the sparse and low-rank patterns are induced by a cardinality regularization term and a low-rank constraint, respectively. This formulation is non-convex; we convert it into its convex surrogate, which can be routinely solved via semidefinite programming for small-size problems. We propose to employ the general projected gradient scheme to efficiently solve such a convex surrogate; however, in the optimization formulation, the objective function is non-differentiable and the feasible domain is non-trivial. We present the procedures for computing the projected gradient and ensuring the global convergence of the projected gradient scheme. The computation of projected gradient involves a constrained optimization problem; we show that the optimal solution to such a problem can be obtained via solving an unconstrained optimization subproblem and an Euclidean projection subproblem. We also present two projected gradient algorithms and analyze their rates of convergence in details. In addition, we illustrate the use of the presented projected gradient algorithms for the proposed multi-task learning formulation using the least squares loss. Experimental results on a collection of real-world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-task learning formulation and the efficiency of the proposed projected gradient algorithms. PMID:24077658

Learning Incoherent Sparse and Low-Rank Patterns from Multiple Tasks.

PubMed

Chen, Jianhui; Liu, Ji; Ye, Jieping

2012-02-01

We consider the problem of learning incoherent sparse and low-rank patterns from multiple tasks. Our approach is based on a linear multi-task learning formulation, in which the sparse and low-rank patterns are induced by a cardinality regularization term and a low-rank constraint, respectively. This formulation is non-convex; we convert it into its convex surrogate, which can be routinely solved via semidefinite programming for small-size problems. We propose to employ the general projected gradient scheme to efficiently solve such a convex surrogate; however, in the optimization formulation, the objective function is non-differentiable and the feasible domain is non-trivial. We present the procedures for computing the projected gradient and ensuring the global convergence of the projected gradient scheme. The computation of projected gradient involves a constrained optimization problem; we show that the optimal solution to such a problem can be obtained via solving an unconstrained optimization subproblem and an Euclidean projection subproblem. We also present two projected gradient algorithms and analyze their rates of convergence in details. In addition, we illustrate the use of the presented projected gradient algorithms for the proposed multi-task learning formulation using the least squares loss. Experimental results on a collection of real-world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-task learning formulation and the efficiency of the proposed projected gradient algorithms.

A numerical projection technique for large-scale eigenvalue problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamillscheg, Ralf; Haase, Gundolf; von der Linden, Wolfgang

2011-10-01

We present a new numerical technique to solve large-scale eigenvalue problems. It is based on the projection technique, used in strongly correlated quantum many-body systems, where first an effective approximate model of smaller complexity is constructed by projecting out high energy degrees of freedom and in turn solving the resulting model by some standard eigenvalue solver. Here we introduce a generalization of this idea, where both steps are performed numerically and which in contrast to the standard projection technique converges in principle to the exact eigenvalues. This approach is not just applicable to eigenvalue problems encountered in many-body systems but also in other areas of research that result in large-scale eigenvalue problems for matrices which have, roughly speaking, mostly a pronounced dominant diagonal part. We will present detailed studies of the approach guided by two many-body models.

The Invisible Wall Project: Reasoning and Problem Solving Processes of Primary and Lower Secondary Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stein, Martin; Burchartz, Birgit

2006-01-01

The Invisible Wall Project analyzes problem-solving processes of children in Grades 3 and 4 and Grades 8 and 9. The central idea of the research is to use sets of tasks that are all unsolvable, which means they have a goal that cannot be reached. The unsolvability, however, is of a kind that can be understood even by younger children. In our case,…

The effect of Missouri mathematics project learning model on students’ mathematical problem solving ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handayani, I.; Januar, R. L.; Purwanto, S. E.

2018-01-01

This research aims to know the influence of Missouri Mathematics Project Learning Model to Mathematical Problem-solving Ability of Students at Junior High School. This research is a quantitative research and uses experimental research method of Quasi Experimental Design. The research population includes all student of grade VII of Junior High School who are enrolled in the even semester of the academic year 2016/2017. The Sample studied are 76 students from experimental and control groups. The sampling technique being used is cluster sampling method. The instrument is consisted of 7 essay questions whose validity, reliability, difficulty level and discriminating power have been tested. Before analyzing the data by using t-test, the data has fulfilled the requirement for normality and homogeneity. The result of data shows that there is the influence of Missouri mathematics project learning model to mathematical problem-solving ability of students at junior high school with medium effect.

Using Summer Faculty-Student Consultant Teams to Solve Industrial Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michelsen, Donald L.; And Others

1977-01-01

Describes a three-week, faculty-student summer project involving the study of waste-water treatment of refinery effluents. Discusses the use of such projects to aid industry in analyzing their problems. (MLH)

ADOPTING THE PROBLEM BASED LEARNING APPROACH IN A GIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT CLASS

EPA Science Inventory

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a process that emphasizes the need for developing problem solving skills through hands-on project formulation and management. A class adopting the PBL method provides students with an environment to acquire necessary knowledge to encounter, unders...

Bowland Maths: Problem Solving in Key Stage 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane, Peter; Lister, Adelaide; Onion, Alice; Wintle, Karen

2008-01-01

A project has been developed for KS3 maths, funded by the Bowland Trust (www.bowlandmaths.org.uk) with additional support from the DCSF. It consists of a teaching resource of about 20 case-study problems aimed at developing thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills and has been distributed to all UK secondary schools. Each case study includes…

The PBL projects: where we've been and where we are going

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnelly, Judith F.; Massa, Nicholas M.

2015-10-01

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach in which students learn course content by using a structured approach to collaboratively solving complex real-world problems. PBL addresses widespread industry concern that graduates of technician and engineering programs often have difficulty applying their technical knowledge to novel situations and working effectively in teams. Over the past 9 years, the PBL Projects of the New England Board of Higher Education (Boston, MA) have developed instructional strategies and materials that research shows address industry concerns by improving student learning, retention, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as the transfer of knowledge to new situations. In this paper we present a retrospective of the PBL Projects, three National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education (NSF-ATE) projects that developed twenty interdisciplinary multi-media PBL case studies called "Challenges" in the topic areas of optics/photonics, sustainable technology and advanced manufacturing, provided faculty professional development in the use of PBL in the classroom to teachers across the U.S. and abroad, and conducted research on the efficacy of the PBL method. We will describe the resources built into the Challenges to scaffold the development of students' problem solving and critical thinking skills and the support provided to instructors who wish to create a student-centered classroom by incorporating PBL. Finally, we will discuss plans for next steps and examine strategies for taking PBL to the next level through actual industry-based problem solving experiences.

Subspace projection method for unstructured searches with noisy quantum oracles using a signal-based quantum emulation device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Cour, Brian R.; Ostrove, Corey I.

2017-01-01

This paper describes a novel approach to solving unstructured search problems using a classical, signal-based emulation of a quantum computer. The classical nature of the representation allows one to perform subspace projections in addition to the usual unitary gate operations. Although bandwidth requirements will limit the scale of problems that can be solved by this method, it can nevertheless provide a significant computational advantage for problems of limited size. In particular, we find that, for the same number of noisy oracle calls, the proposed subspace projection method provides a higher probability of success for finding a solution than does an single application of Grover's algorithm on the same device.

Curriculum Providing Cognitive Knowledge and Problem-Solving Skills for Anesthesia Systems-Based Practice

PubMed Central

Wachtel, Ruth E.; Dexter, Franklin

2010-01-01

Background Residency programs accredited by the ACGME are required to teach core competencies, including systems-based practice (SBP). Projects are important for satisfying this competency, but the level of knowledge and problem-solving skills required presupposes a basic understanding of the field. The responsibilities of anesthesiologists include the coordination of patient flow in the surgical suite. Familiarity with this topic is crucial for many improvement projects. Intervention A course in operations research for surgical services was originally developed for hospital administration students. It satisfies 2 of the Institute of Medicine's core competencies for health professionals: evidence-based practice and work in interdisciplinary teams. The course lasts 3.5 days (eg, 2 weekends) and consists of 45 cognitive objectives taught using 7 published articles, 10 lectures, and 156 computer-assisted problem-solving exercises based on 17 case studies. We tested the hypothesis that the cognitive objectives of the curriculum provide the knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to perform projects that satisfy the SBP competency. Standardized terminology was used to define each component of the SBP competency for the minimum level of knowledge needed. The 8 components of the competency were examined independently. Findings Most cognitive objectives contributed to at least 4 of the 8 core components of the SBP competency. Each component of SBP is addressed at the minimum requirement level of exemplify by at least 6 objectives. There is at least 1 cognitive objective at the level of summarize for each SBP component. Conclusions A curriculum in operating room management can provide the knowledge and problem-solving skills anesthesiologists need for participation in projects that satisfy the SBP competency. PMID:22132289

Connecting Mathematics in Primary Science Inquiry Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

So, Winnie Wing-mui

2013-01-01

Science as inquiry and mathematics as problem solving are conjoined fraternal twins attached by their similarities but with distinct differences. Inquiry and problem solving are promoted in contemporary science and mathematics education reforms as a critical attribute of the nature of disciplines, teaching methods, and learning outcomes involving…

Krylov subspace methods - Theory, algorithms, and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sad, Youcef

1990-01-01

Projection methods based on Krylov subspaces for solving various types of scientific problems are reviewed. The main idea of this class of methods when applied to a linear system Ax = b, is to generate in some manner an approximate solution to the original problem from the so-called Krylov subspace span. Thus, the original problem of size N is approximated by one of dimension m, typically much smaller than N. Krylov subspace methods have been very successful in solving linear systems and eigenvalue problems and are now becoming popular for solving nonlinear equations. The main ideas in Krylov subspace methods are shown and their use in solving linear systems, eigenvalue problems, parabolic partial differential equations, Liapunov matrix equations, and nonlinear system of equations are discussed.

A Formula for Fixing Troubled Projects: The Scientific Method Meets Leadership

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagner, Sandra

2006-01-01

This presentation focuses on project management, specifically addressing project issues using the scientific method of problem-solving. Two sample projects where this methodology has been applied are provided.

Technology Education in South Africa: Evaluating an Innovative Pilot Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stables, Kay; Kimbell, Richard

2001-02-01

Researchers from Goldsmiths College were asked to undertake an evaluation of a three year curriculum initiative introducing technology education, through a learner-centred, problem solving and collaborative approach. The program was developed in a group of high schools in the North West Province of South Africa. We visited ten schools involved in the project and ten parallel schools not involved who acted as a control group. We collected data on student capability (demonstrated through an innovative test activity) and on student attitudes towards technology (demonstrated in evaluation questionnaires and in semi-structured interviews). Collectively the data indicate that in areas of knowledge and skill and in certain aspects of procedures (most notably problem solving) the project has had a marked impact. We also illustrate that greater consideration could have been given in the project to developing skills in generating and developing ideas and in graphic communication. Gender differences are noted, particularly in terms of positive attitudes illustrated by both boys and girls from schools involved in the project. Attention is drawn to the critical impact the project has had on transforming the pedagogy of the teachers from a teacher-centred didactic model, to a learner-centred, problem solving model. Some wider implications of the successes of this project are debated.

Categorization and Analysis of Explanatory Writing in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Tracy S.

2011-01-01

The aim of this article is to present a scheme for coding and categorizing students' written explanations of mathematical problem-solving activities. The scheme was used successfully within a study project carried out to determine whether student problem-solving behaviour could be positively affected by writing explanatory strategies to…

Connecting Learning & Technology for Effective Lesson Plan Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seamon, Mary P.

This paper focuses on the design of effective lesson plans using the Internet. Effective lesson design helps students to explore ideas, acquire and synthesize information, and frame and solve problems. The creative problem solving which depends upon context, interrelationships, and real-world activities is available through Internet projects.…

Teaching Students with Moderate Intellectual Disability to Solve Word Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browder, Diane M.; Spooner, Fred; Lo, Ya-yu; Saunders, Alicia F.; Root, Jenny R.; Ley Davis, Luann; Brosh, Chelsi R.

2018-01-01

This study evaluated an intervention developed through an Institute of Education Sciences-funded Goal 2 research project to teach students with moderate intellectual disability (moderate ID) to solve addition and subtraction word problems. The intervention involved modified schema-based instruction that embedded effective practices (e.g.,…

The Computer as a Tutorial Laboratory: The Stanford BIP Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barr, Avron; And Others

The BASIC Instructional Program (BIP) is an interactive problem-solving laboratory that offers tutorial assistance to students solving introductory programing problems in the BASIC language. After a brief review of the rationale and origins of the BIP instructional system, the design and implementation of BIP's curriculum information network are…

Implementing the Japanese Problem-Solving Lesson Structure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groves, Susie

2013-01-01

While there has been worldwide interest in Japanese Lesson Study as a model for teacher professional learning, there has been less research into authentic implementation of the problem-solving lesson structure that underpins mathematics research lessons in Japan. Findings from a Lesson Study project involving teachers from three Victorian primary…

Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments. A Report from the NAEP Technology-Based Assessment Project, Research and Development Series. NCES 2007-466

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Randy Elliot; Persky, Hilary; Weiss, Andrew R.; Jenkins, Frank

2007-01-01

The Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments (TRE) study was designed to demonstrate and explore innovative use of computers for developing, administering, scoring, and analyzing the results of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments. Two scenarios (Search and Simulation) were created for measuring problem solving…

7 CFR 1291.10 - Reporting and oversight requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., identify and share the lessons learned to help expedite problem-solving. (6) Contact Person. List the... period to meet measurable outcomes for each project. (2) Problems and Delays. Note unexpected delays or... include the following: (1) Project Summary. An outline of the issue, problem, interest, or need for each...

A generalized network flow model for the multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem with discounted cash flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Miawjane; Yan, Shangyao; Wang, Sin-Siang; Liu, Chiu-Lan

2015-02-01

An effective project schedule is essential for enterprises to increase their efficiency of project execution, to maximize profit, and to minimize wastage of resources. Heuristic algorithms have been developed to efficiently solve the complicated multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem with discounted cash flows (MRCPSPDCF) that characterize real problems. However, the solutions obtained in past studies have been approximate and are difficult to evaluate in terms of optimality. In this study, a generalized network flow model, embedded in a time-precedence network, is proposed to formulate the MRCPSPDCF with the payment at activity completion times. Mathematically, the model is formulated as an integer network flow problem with side constraints, which can be efficiently solved for optimality, using existing mathematical programming software. To evaluate the model performance, numerical tests are performed. The test results indicate that the model could be a useful planning tool for project scheduling in the real world.

Self-Regulation in the Midst of Complexity: A Case Study of High School Physics Students Engaged in Ill-Structured Problem Solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milbourne, Jeffrey David

The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore the experiences of high school physics students who were solving complex, ill-structured problems, in an effort to better understand how self-regulatory behavior mediated the project experience. Consistent with Voss, Green, Post, and Penner's (1983) conception of an ill-structured problem in the natural sciences, the 'problems' consisted of scientific research projects that students completed under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Zimmerman and Campillo's (2003) self-regulatory framework of problem solving provided a holistic guide to data collection and analysis of this multi-case study, with five individual student cases. The study's results are explored in two manuscripts, each targeting a different audience. The first manuscript, intended for the Science Education Research community, presents a thick, rich description of the students' project experiences, consistent with a qualitative, case study analysis. Findings suggest that intrinsic interest was an important self-regulatory factor that helped motivate students throughout their project work, and that the self-regulatory cycle of forethought, performance monitoring, and self-reflection was an important component of the problem-solving process. Findings also support the application of Zimmerman and Campillo's framework to complex, ill-structured problems, particularly the cyclical nature of the framework. Finally, this study suggests that scientific research projects, with the appropriate support, can be a mechanism for improving students' selfregulatory behavior. The second manuscript, intended for Physics practitioners, combines the findings of the first manuscript with the perspectives of the primary, on-site research mentor, who has over a decade's worth of experience mentoring students doing physics research. His experience suggests that a successful research experience requires certain characteristics, including: a slow, 'on-ramp' to the research experience, space to experience productive failure, and an opportunity to enjoy the work they are doing.

Problem-Solving Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

CBR Express software solves problems by adapting sorted solutions to new problems specified by a user. It is applicable to a wide range of situations. The technology was originally developed by Inference Corporation for Johnson Space Center's Advanced Software Development Workstation. The project focused on the reuse of software designs, and Inference used CBR as part of the ACCESS prototype software. The commercial CBR Express is used as a "help desk" for customer support, enabling reuse of existing information when necessary. It has been adopted by several companies, among them American Airlines, which uses it to solve reservation system software problems.

Learning and Optimization of Cognitive Capabilities. Final Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lumsdaine, A.A.; And Others

The work of a three-year series of experimental studies of human cognition is summarized in this report. Proglem solving and learning in man-machine interaction was investigated, as well as relevant variables and processes. The work included four separate projects: (1) computer-aided problem solving, (2) computer-aided instruction techniques, (3)…

Hamline/3M Project: Liaison for Curricular Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rundquist, Andy

2002-03-01

This project was designed to catalyze curricular changes to better prepare students for the workplace. Industrial managers provided a list of 16 characteristics valued in the workplace: most were NOT related to science course content. The project formed 5 teams each including 3M professionals and students. Each team developed curricular changes in one of the 16 areas. Team goals were to improve skills in communication, data analysis, business/economics, team problem solving, and culture competency. Curricular changes realized include communication skill activities embodied in science courses and faculty communication teaching skill seminars, self learning tools in data analysis, statistics and model building, a new course developed with assistance from 3M personnel focussing on topics directly related to technological industries, high performance team problem solving training/coaching for faculty and workshops for students and faculty relative to importance of cultural competencies in the workplace, and a new course focusing on culture, team problem solving and conflict resolution in the technical workplace. Process for developing and content of curricular changes will be reported.

A Calculus Project that Really Makes Cents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Daniel L.

2006-01-01

This article describes a calculus project that exposes students to the concept of retirement annuities in both the saving and withdrawal phases, via revenue streams represented by integrals. Students use modeling skills to solve several related problems as the assumptions of the original problem are changed, and the project requires them to use a…

The Technology Fair: A Project-Based Learning Approach for Enhancing Problem Solving Skills and Interest in Design and Technology Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mettas, Alexandros C.; Constantinou, Constantinos C.

2008-01-01

This paper presents an innovative way in which university education can help pre-service teachers become better problem-solvers. The central idea is to use the "Technology Fair" as a means for promoting pre-service teachers pedagogical content knowledge about technological problem solving skills. This innovation is supported with results from a…

Self-Regulation in the Midst of Complexity: A Case Study of High School Physics Students Engaged in Ill-Structured Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milbourne, Jeffrey David

2016-01-01

The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore the experiences of high school physics students who were solving complex, ill-structured problems, in an effort to better understand how self-regulatory behavior mediated the project experience. Consistent with Voss, Green, Post, and Penner's (1983) conception of an ill-structured problem in…

Project-Based Pedagogy for the Facilitation of Webpage Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jakovljevic, Maria; Ankiewicz, Piet

2016-01-01

Real issues of web design and development include many problem-solving tasks. There are, however, some inadequacies associated with the implementation of appropriate pedagogy for organised and structured instruction that supports the rational problem-solving paradigm. The purpose of this article is to report on a study for the design and…

Promoting Staff Support in Schools: Solution Circles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Emma; Henderson, Linda

2012-01-01

The Solution Circle (SC) approach is a flexible tool which encourages participants to maintain a positive, creative approach to problem-solving. This project focussed on the introduction of this approach to staff in a primary and a secondary school. The rationale was to implement a problem-solving/discussion tool that would allow staff to utilise…

Robotic Toys as a Catalyst for Mathematical Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Highfield, Kate

2010-01-01

Robotic toys present unique opportunities for teachers of young children to integrate mathematics learning with engaging problem-solving tasks. This article describes a series of tasks using Bee-bots and Pro-bots, developed as part a larger project examining young children's use of robotic toys as tools in developing mathematical and metacognitive…

An Inter-Disciplinary Problem Solving Approach to Environmental Education, Interim Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Egan, Thomas A.; Seidel, Janet C.

Evaluation of an ESEA Title III project, "An Inter-Disciplinary Problem Solving Approach to Environmental Education" located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, is offered in this interim report. The report is primarily concerned with the degree to which operational and management process objectives are being achieved in each of four…

Creating Alien Life Forms: Problem Solving in Biology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grimnes, Karin A.

1996-01-01

Describes a project that helps students integrate biological concepts using both creativity and higher-order problem-solving skills. Involves students playing the roles of junior scientists aboard a starship in orbit around a class M planet and using a description of habitats, seasonal details, and a surface map of prominent geographic features to…

Michael Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz's Big6[TM] Information Problem-Solving Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carey, James O.

2003-01-01

Reviews the Big6 information problem-solving model. Highlights include benefits and dangers of the simplicity of the model; theories of instruction; testing of the model; the model as a process for completing research projects; and advice for school library media specialists considering use of the model. (LRW)

An Analysis of School Wide Supports and Barriers to Collaborative Problem Solving Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ciampaglia, Brie I.

2010-01-01

While there is preliminary evidence supporting the use of collaborative problem solving teams in schools (e.g., Telzrow, McNamara, & Hollinger, 2000) only a few outcome measures have been explored in relation to these procedures, and the results have been inconsistently demonstrated across projects (Burns & Symington, 2002). Additionally, it has…

Collaborative Problem Solving in Schools: Results of a Year-Long Consultation Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stetson, Erica A.; Plog, Amy E.

2016-01-01

Recent research indicates that children with challenging behavior often have underlying cognitive deficits. Despite this, rewards and consequences are usually the main tools used to try to address these behaviors. Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) offers an alternative approach that aims to foster a positive adult-child relationship and build…

Show, Don't Tell: Using Photographic "Snapsignments" to Advance and Assess Creative Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machin, Jane E.

2016-01-01

Traditional assignments that aim to develop and evaluate creative problem solving skills are frequently foregone in large marketing classes due to the daunting grading prospect they present. Here, a new assessment method is introduced: the "snapsignment." Through photography, individual projects can be assigned that promote higher order…

Students Use Graphic Organizers to Improve Mathematical Problem-Solving Communications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zollman, Alan

2009-01-01

Improving students' problem-solving abilities is a major, if not the major, goal of middle grades mathematics. To address this goal, the author, who is a university mathematics educator, and nine inner-city middle school teachers developed a math/science action research project. This article describes their unique approach to mathematical problem…

Categorization and analysis of explanatory writing in mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craig, Tracy S.

2011-10-01

The aim of this article is to present a scheme for coding and categorizing students' written explanations of mathematical problem-solving activities. The scheme was used successfully within a study project carried out to determine whether student problem-solving behaviour could be positively affected by writing explanatory strategies to mathematical problem-solving processes. The rationale for the study was the recognized importance of mathematical problem-solving, the widely acknowledged challenge of teaching problem-solving skills directly and the evidence in the literature that writing in mathematics provides a tool for learning. The study was carried out in a first-year mathematics course at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Students' written submissions were categorized and analysed through use of an adaptation of a journal entry classification scheme. The scheme successfully observed positive changes over the experimental period in students' level of engagement with the mathematical material and with their stance towards knowledge.

The P.A.C.E.S. Grading Rubric: Creating a Student-Owned Assessment Tool for Projects-The Design Brief Brings out All Kinds of "Out of the Box" Thinking, with Many Correct Answers to Solve the Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tufte, Robert B., Jr.

2005-01-01

P.A.C.E.S. stands for Participation, Appearance, Cleanup, Engineering, and Safety. The author has traditionally used design briefs to set the limits on processes and materials to solve a given problem. The design brief brings out all kinds of "out of the box" thinking, with many correct answers to solve the problem. The P.A.C.E.S. rubric ties the…

Multi-period project portfolio selection under risk considerations and stochastic income

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tofighian, Ali Asghar; Moezzi, Hamid; Khakzar Barfuei, Morteza; Shafiee, Mahmood

2018-02-01

This paper deals with multi-period project portfolio selection problem. In this problem, the available budget is invested on the best portfolio of projects in each period such that the net profit is maximized. We also consider more realistic assumptions to cover wider range of applications than those reported in previous studies. A novel mathematical model is presented to solve the problem, considering risks, stochastic incomes, and possibility of investing extra budget in each time period. Due to the complexity of the problem, an effective meta-heuristic method hybridized with a local search procedure is presented to solve the problem. The algorithm is based on genetic algorithm (GA), which is a prominent method to solve this type of problems. The GA is enhanced by a new solution representation and well selected operators. It also is hybridized with a local search mechanism to gain better solution in shorter time. The performance of the proposed algorithm is then compared with well-known algorithms, like basic genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and electromagnetism-like algorithm (EM-like) by means of some prominent indicators. The computation results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of accuracy, robustness and computation time. At last, the proposed algorithm is wisely combined with PSO to improve the computing time considerably.

Cheyenne/Laramie County MX Impact Human Service System Refinements Project. Refinements Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

following are but four of many possible examples ofthese types of questions. A. Assume that your agency has decided to address the problem of hunger . Should...they do not represent a long-term solution to problems . Conversely, community problem solving and attempts to bring about fundamental changes may be...are victims of acts of violence in the home... Problem solving approaches include education, the provision of food and temporary shel~er, counseling

Internet computer coaches for introductory physics problem solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu Ryan, Qing

The ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts is becoming increasingly important in our rapidly changing technological society. Problem-solving is a complex process that is important for everyday life and crucial for learning physics. Although there is a great deal of effort to improve student problem solving skills throughout the educational system, national studies have shown that the majority of students emerge from such courses having made little progress toward developing good problem-solving skills. The Physics Education Research Group at the University of Minnesota has been developing Internet computer coaches to help students become more expert-like problem solvers. During the Fall 2011 and Spring 2013 semesters, the coaches were introduced into large sections (200+ students) of the calculus based introductory mechanics course at the University of Minnesota. This dissertation, will address the research background of the project, including the pedagogical design of the coaches and the assessment of problem solving. The methodological framework of conducting experiments will be explained. The data collected from the large-scale experimental studies will be discussed from the following aspects: the usage and usability of these coaches; the usefulness perceived by students; and the usefulness measured by final exam and problem solving rubric. It will also address the implications drawn from this study, including using this data to direct future coach design and difficulties in conducting authentic assessment of problem-solving.

Hamster Math: Authentic Experiences in Data Collection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jorgensen, Beth

1996-01-01

Describes the data collection and interpretation project of primary grade students involving predicting, graphing, estimating, measuring, number problem construction, problem solving, and probability. (MKR)

Exploring a Structure for Mathematics Lessons That Foster Problem Solving and Reasoning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sullivan, Peter; Walker, Nadia; Borcek, Chris; Rennie, Mick

2015-01-01

While there is widespread agreement on the importance of incorporating problem solving and reasoning into mathematics classrooms, there is limited specific advice on how this can best happen. This is a report of an aspect of a project that is examining the opportunities and constraints in initiating learning by posing challenging mathematics tasks…

Evaluation of the First Year of a Statewide Problem Solving/Response to Intervention Initiative: Preliminary Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castillo, Jose Michael

2009-01-01

This program evaluation study examined the relationship between Problem Solving/Response to Intervention (PS/RtI) training and technical assistance and educator and implementation outcomes following the first year of a 3-year project. Educators from 40 pilot schools in eight districts participating in the study received ongoing professional…

Creative Problem Solving with Marginalized Populations: Reclaiming Lost Prizes through In-the-Trenches Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCluskey, Ken W.; Baker, Philip A.; McCluskey, Andrea L. A.

2005-01-01

This article describes several initiatives in which Creative Problem Solving, in combination with career exploration and mentoring, has been used successfully to identify and develop the talents of "at-risk" populations. During the past decade, the Lost Prizes project helped turn around the lives of talented but troubled high-school…

The Impact of a Standards Guided Equity and Problem Solving Institute on Participating Science Teachers and Their Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huber, Richard A.; Smith, Robert W.; Shotsberger, Paul G.

This study examined the effect of a teacher enhancement project combining training on the National Science Education Standards, problem solving and equity education on middle school science teachers' attitudes and practices and, in turn, the attitudes of their students. Participating teachers reported changes in their instructional methods that…

The Challenge of Assessing Creative Problem Solving in Client-Based Marketing Development Projects: A SOLO Taxonomy Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaskari, Minna-Maarit

2013-01-01

Creativity and marketing imagination are essential core competencies for marketers. Therefore, higher marketing education emphasizes creativity in several ways. However, assessing creativity and creative problem solving is challenging and tools for this purpose have not been developed in the context of marketing education. To address this gap, we…

Error and Complexity Analysis for a Collocation-Grid-Projection Plus Precorrected-FFT Algorithm for Solving Potential Integral Equations with LaPlace or Helmholtz Kernels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, J. R.

1996-01-01

In this paper we derive error bounds for a collocation-grid-projection scheme tuned for use in multilevel methods for solving boundary-element discretizations of potential integral equations. The grid-projection scheme is then combined with a precorrected FFT style multilevel method for solving potential integral equations with 1/r and e(sup ikr)/r kernels. A complexity analysis of this combined method is given to show that for homogeneous problems, the method is order n natural log n nearly independent of the kernel. In addition, it is shown analytically and experimentally that for an inhomogeneity generated by a very finely discretized surface, the combined method slows to order n(sup 4/3). Finally, examples are given to show that the collocation-based grid-projection plus precorrected-FFT scheme is competitive with fast-multipole algorithms when considering realistic problems and 1/r kernels, but can be used over a range of spatial frequencies with only a small performance penalty.

Writing Plays Using Creative Problem-Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raiser, Lynne; Hinson, Shirley

1995-01-01

This article describes a project which involved inner city elementary grade children with disabilities in writing and performing their own plays. A four-step playwriting process focuses on theme and character development, problem finding, and writing dialogue. The project has led to improved reading skills, attention, memory skills,…

Gesturing during mental problem solving reduces eye movements, especially for individuals with lower visual working memory capacity.

PubMed

Pouw, Wim T J L; Mavilidi, Myrto-Foteini; van Gog, Tamara; Paas, Fred

2016-08-01

Non-communicative hand gestures have been found to benefit problem-solving performance. These gestures seem to compensate for limited internal cognitive capacities, such as visual working memory capacity. Yet, it is not clear how gestures might perform this cognitive function. One hypothesis is that gesturing is a means to spatially index mental simulations, thereby reducing the need for visually projecting the mental simulation onto the visual presentation of the task. If that hypothesis is correct, less eye movements should be made when participants gesture during problem solving than when they do not gesture. We therefore used mobile eye tracking to investigate the effect of co-thought gesturing and visual working memory capacity on eye movements during mental solving of the Tower of Hanoi problem. Results revealed that gesturing indeed reduced the number of eye movements (lower saccade counts), especially for participants with a relatively lower visual working memory capacity. Subsequent problem-solving performance was not affected by having (not) gestured during the mental solving phase. The current findings suggest that our understanding of gestures in problem solving could be improved by taking into account eye movements during gesturing.

Object-Image Correspondence for Algebraic Curves under Projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burdis, Joseph M.; Kogan, Irina A.; Hong, Hoon

2013-03-01

We present a novel algorithm for deciding whether a given planar curve is an image of a given spatial curve, obtained by a central or a parallel projection with unknown parameters. The motivation comes from the problem of establishing a correspondence between an object and an image, taken by a camera with unknown position and parameters. A straightforward approach to this problem consists of setting up a system of conditions on the projection parameters and then checking whether or not this system has a solution. The computational advantage of the algorithm presented here, in comparison to algorithms based on the straightforward approach, lies in a significant reduction of a number of real parameters that need to be eliminated in order to establish existence or non-existence of a projection that maps a given spatial curve to a given planar curve. Our algorithm is based on projection criteria that reduce the projection problem to a certain modification of the equivalence p! roblem of planar curves under affine and projective transformations. To solve the latter problem we make an algebraic adaptation of signature construction that has been used to solve the equivalence problems for smooth curves. We introduce a notion of a classifying set of rational differential invariants and produce explicit formulas for such invariants for the actions of the projective and the affine groups on the plane.

A Project-Based Digital Storytelling Approach for Improving Students' Learning Motivation, Problem-Solving Competence and Learning Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hung, Chun-Ming; Hwang, Gwo-Jen; Huang, Iwen

2012-01-01

Although project-based learning is a well-known and widely used instructional strategy, it remains a challenging issue to effectively apply this approach to practical settings for improving the learning performance of students. In this study, a project-based digital storytelling approach is proposed to cope with this problem. With a…

Tertiary EE Student Projects: What the Academics Learnt

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meehan, Barry; Thomas, Ian

2006-01-01

Problem solving and teamwork abilities are important skills for graduates entering the environment profession. Through a problem based learning approach small groups of students from the environmental courses at RMIT University have been gaining these professional skills by undertaking projects in Vietnam. With three years experience in running…

Multiobjective Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling with a Time-Varying Number of Tasks

PubMed Central

Abello, Manuel Blanco

2014-01-01

In resource-constrained project scheduling (RCPS) problems, ongoing tasks are restricted to utilizing a fixed number of resources. This paper investigates a dynamic version of the RCPS problem where the number of tasks varies in time. Our previous work investigated a technique called mapping of task IDs for centroid-based approach with random immigrants (McBAR) that was used to solve the dynamic problem. However, the solution-searching ability of McBAR was investigated over only a few instances of the dynamic problem. As a consequence, only a small number of characteristics of McBAR, under the dynamics of the RCPS problem, were found. Further, only a few techniques were compared to McBAR with respect to its solution-searching ability for solving the dynamic problem. In this paper, (a) the significance of the subalgorithms of McBAR is investigated by comparing McBAR to several other techniques; and (b) the scope of investigation in the previous work is extended. In particular, McBAR is compared to a technique called, Estimation Distribution Algorithm (EDA). As with McBAR, EDA is applied to solve the dynamic problem, an application that is unique in the literature. PMID:24883398

Hamline/3M Corp. Project: Liason for Curricular Change*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artz, Jerry L.

2002-04-01

This project was designed to catalyze curricular changes to better prepare students for the workplace. Industrial managers provided a list of 16 characteristics valued in the workplace; most were NOT related to science course content. The project formed 5 teams each including 3M professionals and students. Each team developed curricular changes in one of the 16 areas. Team goals were to improve skills in communication, data analysis, business/economics, team problem solving, and cultural competency. Curricular changes realized include communication skill activities embodied in science courses and faculty communication teaching skill seminars; self learning tools in data analysis, statistics and model building; a new course developed with assistance from 3M personnel focusing on topics directly related to technological industries; high performance team problem solving training/coaching for faculty; workshops for students and faculty relative to importance of cultural competencies in the workplace; and a new course focusing on culture, team problem solving and conflict resolution in the technical workplace. Process for developing and content of curricular changes will be reported. *Thanks to: NSF GOALI CHE-99010782

The Social Essentials of Learning: An Experimental Investigation of Collaborative Problem Solving and Knowledge Construction in Mathematics Classrooms in Australia and China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Man Ching Esther; Clarke, David; Cao, Yiming

2018-01-01

Interactive problem solving and learning are priorities in contemporary education, but these complex processes have proved difficult to research. This project addresses the question "How do we optimise social interaction for the promotion of learning in a mathematics classroom?" Employing the logic of multi-theoretic research design,…

The Development of a Small-World Network of Higher Education Students, Using a Large-Group Problem-Solving Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sousa, Fernando Cardoso; Monteiro, Ileana Pardal; Pellissier, René

2014-01-01

This article presents the development of a small-world network using an adapted version of the large-group problem-solving method "Future Search." Two management classes in a higher education setting were selected and required to plan a project. The students completed a survey focused on the frequency of communications before and after…

Confidence versus Performance as an Indicator of the Presence of Alternative Conceptions and Inadequate Problem-Solving Skills in Mechanics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Potgieter, Marietjie; Malatje, Esther; Gaigher, Estelle; Venter, Elsie

2010-01-01

This study investigated the use of performance-confidence relationships to signal the presence of alternative conceptions and inadequate problem-solving skills in mechanics. A group of 33 students entering physics at a South African university participated in the project. The test instrument consisted of 20 items derived from existing standardised…

Development and Application of a Computer Simulation Program to Enhance the Clinical Problem-Solving Skills of Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boh, Larry E.; And Others

1987-01-01

A project to (1) develop and apply a microcomputer simulation program to enhance clinical medication problem solving in preclerkship and clerkship students and (2) perform an initial formative evaluation of the simulation is described. A systematic instructional design approach was used in applying the simulation to the disease state of rheumatoid…

Supporting Organizational Problem Solving with a Workstation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-01

G. [., and Sussman, G. J. AMORD: Explicit Control or Reasoning. In Proceedings of the Symposium on Artificial Intellignece and Programming Languagues...0505 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK Artificial Intelligence Laboratory AREA& WORK UNIT NUMBERS 545...extending ideas from the field of Artificial Intelligence (A), we describ office work as a problem solving activity. A knowledge embedding language called

Augmented neural networks and problem structure-based heuristics for the bin-packing problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasap, Nihat; Agarwal, Anurag

2012-08-01

In this article, we report on a research project where we applied augmented-neural-networks (AugNNs) approach for solving the classical bin-packing problem (BPP). AugNN is a metaheuristic that combines a priority rule heuristic with the iterative search approach of neural networks to generate good solutions fast. This is the first time this approach has been applied to the BPP. We also propose a decomposition approach for solving harder BPP, in which subproblems are solved using a combination of AugNN approach and heuristics that exploit the problem structure. We discuss the characteristics of problems on which such problem structure-based heuristics could be applied. We empirically show the effectiveness of the AugNN and the decomposition approach on many benchmark problems in the literature. For the 1210 benchmark problems tested, 917 problems were solved to optimality and the average gap between the obtained solution and the upper bound for all the problems was reduced to under 0.66% and computation time averaged below 33 s per problem. We also discuss the computational complexity of our approach.

Simulation Model for Scenario Optimization of the Ready-Mix Concrete Delivery Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galić, Mario; Kraus, Ivan

2016-12-01

This paper introduces a discrete simulation model for solving routing and network material flow problems in construction projects. Before the description of the model a detailed literature review is provided. The model is verified using a case study of solving the ready-mix concrete network flow and routing problem in metropolitan area in Croatia. Within this study real-time input parameters were taken into account. Simulation model is structured in Enterprise Dynamics simulation software and Microsoft Excel linked with Google Maps. The model is dynamic, easily managed and adjustable, but also provides good estimation for minimization of costs and realization time in solving discrete routing and material network flow problems.

Completing the physical representation of quantum algorithms provides a retrocausal explanation of the speedup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castagnoli, Giuseppe

2017-05-01

The usual representation of quantum algorithms, limited to the process of solving the problem, is physically incomplete as it lacks the initial measurement. We extend it to the process of setting the problem. An initial measurement selects a problem setting at random, and a unitary transformation sends it into the desired setting. The extended representation must be with respect to Bob, the problem setter, and any external observer. It cannot be with respect to Alice, the problem solver. It would tell her the problem setting and thus the solution of the problem implicit in it. In the representation to Alice, the projection of the quantum state due to the initial measurement should be postponed until the end of the quantum algorithm. In either representation, there is a unitary transformation between the initial and final measurement outcomes. As a consequence, the final measurement of any ℛ-th part of the solution could select back in time a corresponding part of the random outcome of the initial measurement; the associated projection of the quantum state should be advanced by the inverse of that unitary transformation. This, in the representation to Alice, would tell her, before she begins her problem solving action, that part of the solution. The quantum algorithm should be seen as a sum over classical histories in each of which Alice knows in advance one of the possible ℛ-th parts of the solution and performs the oracle queries still needed to find it - this for the value of ℛ that explains the algorithm's speedup. We have a relation between retrocausality ℛ and the number of oracle queries needed to solve an oracle problem quantumly. All the oracle problems examined can be solved with any value of ℛ up to an upper bound attained by the optimal quantum algorithm. This bound is always in the vicinity of 1/2 . Moreover, ℛ =1/2 always provides the order of magnitude of the number of queries needed to solve the problem in an optimal quantum way. If this were true for any oracle problem, as plausible, it would solve the quantum query complexity problem.

Human Body Interfacing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fryda, Lawrence J.; Harrington, Robert; Szumal, Clint

Electronics Engineering Technology majors in the Industrial and Engineering Technology department at Central Michigan University have developed many real-world projects that represent the type of problem-solving projects encouraged by industry. Two projects that can be used by other educators as freestanding projects or as the core for further…

Assessing problem-solving skills in construction education with the virtual construction simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castronovo, Fadi

The ability to solve complex problems is an essential skill that a construction and project manager must possess when entering the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. Such ability requires a mixture of problem-solving skills, ranging from lower to higher order thinking skills, composed of cognitive and metacognitive processes. These skills include the ability to develop and evaluate construction plans and manage the execution of such plans. However, in a typical construction program, introducing students to such complex problems can be a challenge, and most commonly the learner is presented with only part of a complex problem. To support this challenge, the traditional methodology of delivering design, engineering, and construction instruction has been going through a technological revolution, due to the rise of computer-based technology. For example, in construction classrooms, and other disciplines, simulations and educational games are being utilized to support the development of problem-solving skills. Previous engineering education research has illustrated the high potential that simulations and educational games have in engaging in lower and higher order thinking skills. Such research illustrated their capacity to support the development of problem-solving skills. This research presents evidence supporting the theory that educational simulation games can help with the learning and retention of transferable problem-solving skills, which are necessary to solve complex construction problems. The educational simulation game employed in this study is the Virtual Construction Simulator (VCS). The VCS is a game developed to provide students in an engaging learning activity that simulates the planning and managing phases of a construction project. Assessment of the third iteration of the VCS(3) game has shown pedagogical value in promoting students' motivation and a basic understanding of construction concepts. To further evaluate the benefits on problem-solving skills, a new version of the VCS(4) was developed, with new building modules and assessment framework. The design and development of the VCS4 leveraged research in educational psychology, multimedia learning, human-computer interaction, and Building Information Modeling. In this dissertation the researcher aimed to evaluate the pedagogical value of the VCS4 in fostering problem-solving skills. To answer the research questions, a crossover repeated measures quasi-experiment was designed to assess the educational gains that the VCS can provide to construction education. A group of 34 students, attending a fourth-year construction course at a university in the United States was chosen to participate in the experiment. The three learning modules of the VCS were used, which challenged the students to plan and manage the construction process of a wooden pavilion, the steel erection of a dormitory, and the concrete placement of the same dormitory. Based on the results the researcher was able to provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that the chosen sample of construction students were able to gain and retain problem-solving skills necessary to solve complex construction simulation problems, no matter what the sequence with which these modules were played. In conclusion, the presented results provide evidence supporting the theory that educational simulation games can help the learning and retention of transferable problem-solving skills, which are necessary to solve complex construction problems.

Effectiveness of Problem-Solving Therapy for Older, Primary Care Patients with Depression: Results from the IMPACT Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arean, Patricia; Hegel, Mark; Vannoy, Steven; Fan, Ming-Yu; Unuzter, Jurgen

2008-01-01

Purpose: We compared a primary-care-based psychotherapy, that is, problem-solving therapy for primary care (PST-PC), to community-based psychotherapy in treating late-life major depression and dysthymia. Design and Methods: The data here are from the IMPACT study, which compared collaborative care within a primary care clinic to care as usual in…

Solving Differential Equations Analytically. Elementary Differential Equations. Modules and Monographs in Undergraduate Mathematics and Its Applications Project. UMAP Unit 335.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldston, J. W.

This unit introduces analytic solutions of ordinary differential equations. The objective is to enable the student to decide whether a given function solves a given differential equation. Examples of problems from biology and chemistry are covered. Problem sets, quizzes, and a model exam are included, and answers to all items are provided. The…

Learning theoretical knowledge doesn't have to be boring.

PubMed

2014-11-29

Marta Kankofer was one of a small team that developed teaching materials for veterinary students to allow them to use their cognitive abilities to solve virtual problems. The VetVIP project promotes self-study based on solving problems and aims to increase satisfaction and motivation among second-year students, who find themselves in a theory-heavy stage of the veterinary course. British Veterinary Association.

Problem solving with genetic algorithms and Splicer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayer, Steven E.; Wang, Lui

1991-01-01

Genetic algorithms are highly parallel, adaptive search procedures (i.e., problem-solving methods) loosely based on the processes of population genetics and Darwinian survival of the fittest. Genetic algorithms have proven useful in domains where other optimization techniques perform poorly. The main purpose of the paper is to discuss a NASA-sponsored software development project to develop a general-purpose tool for using genetic algorithms. The tool, called Splicer, can be used to solve a wide variety of optimization problems and is currently available from NASA and COSMIC. This discussion is preceded by an introduction to basic genetic algorithm concepts and a discussion of genetic algorithm applications.

7 CFR 4280.149 - Requirements after project construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... sanitation problem has been solved. (3) The annual income and/or energy savings of the renewable energy... maintenance or operational problems associated with the facility. (6) Recommendations for development of...

Optimizing suicide and trespass prevention on railways: a problem-solving model from the RESTRAIL project.

PubMed

Havârneanu, Grigore M; Burkhardt, Jean-Marie; Silla, Anne

2017-12-01

Suicides and trespassing accidents result in more than 3800 fatalities in Europe, representing 88% of all fatalities occurring within the EU railway system. This paper presents a problem-solving model, which consists of a multistep approach structuring the analysis of a suicide or trespass-related problem on the railways. First, we present the method used to design, evaluate and improve the problem-solving model. Then we describe the model in detail: it comprises six steps with several subsequent actions, and each action is approached through a checklist of prompting questions and possible answers. At the end, we discuss the added value of this model for decision makers and its usability in the selection of optimal prevention measures.

Technology Projects for the Classroom [and] Teacher's Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Allan; Flowers, Jim

This book presents 20 projects for technology education students. The emphasis is on problem solving and hands-on learning through projects dealing with a wide variety of technologies/industries, including the following: robotics, information storage and retrieval, communications, transportation, electronics, manufacturing, construction, materials…

A Cascade Optimization Strategy for Solution of Difficult Multidisciplinary Design Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patnaik, Surya N.; Coroneos, Rula M.; Hopkins, Dale A.; Berke, Laszlo

1996-01-01

A research project to comparatively evaluate 10 nonlinear optimization algorithms was recently completed. A conclusion was that no single optimizer could successfully solve all 40 problems in the test bed, even though most optimizers successfully solved at least one-third of the problems. We realized that improved search directions and step lengths, available in the 10 optimizers compared, were not likely to alleviate the convergence difficulties. For the solution of those difficult problems we have devised an alternative approach called cascade optimization strategy. The cascade strategy uses several optimizers, one followed by another in a specified sequence, to solve a problem. A pseudorandom scheme perturbs design variables between the optimizers. The cascade strategy has been tested successfully in the design of supersonic and subsonic aircraft configurations and air-breathing engines for high-speed civil transport applications. These problems could not be successfully solved by an individual optimizer. The cascade optimization strategy, however, generated feasible optimum solutions for both aircraft and engine problems. This paper presents the cascade strategy and solutions to a number of these problems.

The Community Collaboration Stakeholder Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heath, Renee Guarriello

2010-01-01

Today's increasingly complex and diverse world demands 21st century communication skills to solve community and social justice problems. Interorganizational collaboration is at the heart of much community activism, such as that focused on solving environmental disputes, eradicating racially discriminating real estate practices, and bringing early…

Robotics and STEM Learning: Students' Achievements in Assignments According to the P3 Task Taxonomy--Practice, Problem Solving, and Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barak, Moshe; Assal, Muhammad

2018-01-01

This study presents the case of development and evaluation of a STEM-oriented 30-h robotics course for junior high school students (n = 32). Class activities were designed according to the P3 Task Taxonomy, which included: (1) practice-basic closed-ended tasks and exercises; (2) problem solving--small-scale open-ended assignments in which the…

Pilot interaction with automated airborne decision making systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rouse, W. B.; Hammer, J. M.; Morris, N. M.; Knaeuper, A. E.; Brown, E. N.; Lewis, C. M.; Yoon, W. C.

1984-01-01

Two project areas were pursued: the intelligent cockpit and human problem solving. The first area involves an investigation of the use of advanced software engineering methods to aid aircraft crews in procedure selection and execution. The second area is focused on human problem solving in dynamic environments, particulary in terms of identification of rule-based models land alternative approaches to training and aiding. Progress in each area is discussed.

Cultivating Environmental Citizenship in Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Carie; Medina-Jerez, William; Bryant, Carol

2016-01-01

Research on environmental action projects in teacher education is limited. Furthermore, projects that emphasize the role of citizens and governments in environmental problem-solving are scarce. The purpose of this study was to explore how participating in a political environmental action project influenced pre-service teachers' environmental…

GEE-WIS Anchored Problem Solving Using Real-Time Authentic Water Quality Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, M.; Wlodarczyk, M. S.; Branco, B.; Torgersen, T.

2002-05-01

GEE-WIS scientific problem solving consists of observing, hypothesizing, synthesis, argument building and reasoning, in the context of analysis, representation, modeling and sense-making of real-time authentic water quality data. Geoscience Environmental Education - Web-accessible Instrumented Systems, or GEE-WIS, an NSF Geoscience Education grant, has established a set of companion websites that stream real-time data from two campus retention ponds for research and use in secondary and undergraduate water quality lessons. We have targeted scientific problem solving skills because of the nature of the GEE-WIS environment, but further because they are central to state and federal efforts to establish science education curriculum standards and are at the core of performance-based testing. We have used a design experiment process to create and test two Anchored Instruction scenario problems. Customization such as that done through a design process, is acknowledged to be a fundamental component of educational research from an ecological psychology perspective. Our efforts have shared core design elements with other NSF water quality projects. Our method involves the analysis of student written scenario responses for level of scientific problem solving using a qualitative scoring rubric designed from participation in a related NSF project, SCALE (Synergy Communities: Aggregating Learning about Education). Student solutions of GEE-WIS anchor problems from Fall 2001 and Spring 2002 will be summarized. Implications are drawn for those interested in making secondary and high education geoscience more realistic and more motivating for students through the use of real-time authentic data via Internet.

Revisiting software specification and design for large astronomy projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiant, Scott; Berukoff, Steven

2016-07-01

The separation of science and engineering in the delivery of software systems overlooks the true nature of the problem being solved and the organization that will solve it. Use of a systems engineering approach to managing the requirements flow between these two groups as between a customer and contractor has been used with varying degrees of success by well-known entities such as the U.S. Department of Defense. However, treating science as the customer and engineering as the contractor fosters unfavorable consequences that can be avoided and opportunities that are missed. For example, the "problem" being solved is only partially specified through the requirements generation process since it focuses on detailed specification guiding the parties to a technical solution. Equally important is the portion of the problem that will be solved through the definition of processes and staff interacting through them. This interchange between people and processes is often underrepresented and under appreciated. By concentrating on the full problem and collaborating on a strategy for its solution a science-implementing organization can realize the benefits of driving towards common goals (not just requirements) and a cohesive solution to the entire problem. The initial phase of any project when well executed is often the most difficult yet most critical and thus it is essential to employ a methodology that reinforces collaboration and leverages the full suite of capabilities within the team. This paper describes an integrated approach to specifying the needs induced by a problem and the design of its solution.

An exploratory study into students' conceptual understanding of acid/base principles associated with chemical buffer systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacGowan, Catherine Elizabeth

The overall objective of this research project was to provide an insight into students' conceptual understanding of acid/base principles as it relates to the comprehension and correct application of scientific concepts during a problem-solving activity. The difficulties experienced learning science and in developing appropriate problem-solving strategies most likely are predetermined by students' existing conceptual and procedural knowledge constructs; with the assimilation of newly acquired knowledge hindering or aiding the learning process. Learning chemistry requires a restructuring of content knowledge which will allow the individual to assemble and to integrate his/her own perception of science with instructional knowledge. The epistemology of constructivism, the theoretical grounding for this research project, recognizes the student's role as an active participant in the learning process. The study's design was exploratory in nature and descriptive in design. The problem-solving activity, the preparation of a chemical buffer solution at pH of 9, was selected and modified to reflect and meet the study's objective. Qualitative research methods (i.e., think aloud protocols, retrospective interviews, survey questionnaires such as the Scale of Intellectual Development (SID), and archival data sources) were used in the collection and assessment of data. Given its constructivist grounding, simplicity, and interpretative view of knowledge acquisition and learning of collegiate aged individuals, the Perry Intellectual and Ethical Development Model (1970) was chosen as the applied model for evaluation student cognition. The study's participants were twelve traditional college age students from a small, private liberal arts college. All participants volunteered for the project and had completed or were completing a general college chemistry course at the time of the project. Upon analysis of the data the following observations and results were noted: (1) students' overall comprehension level of key acid/base principles was at the misconception/miscued level of understanding; (2) the level of a student's conceptual knowledge effected their problem-solving performance and influenced their use of problem-solving tactics; (3) students casual use of the terms "acid" and/or "base" played a significant role in the misuse and misunderstanding of the principles of acid/base chemistry; (4) as assessed from their think aloud protocols and described by the Perry Scheme positions of intellect the study's participants' overall level of cognition were ranked as dualistic/relativistic thinkers; and (5) the SID questionnaire survey rankings did not seem to assess or reflect the participants' cognitive ability to learn or correctly use acid/base concepts as they preformed the study's problem-solving activity--the preparation of buffer solution having a pH of 9.

A Qualitative Study Using Project-Based Learning in a Mainstream Middle School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wurdinger, Scott; Haar, Jean; Hugg, Robert; Bezon, Jennifer

2007-01-01

Project-based learning taps into students' interests by allowing them to create projects that result in meaningful learning experiences. The method requires teachers to identify projects that challenge students to work individually or in groups to create plans, solve problems they encounter, test their ideas, and present their projects to peers.…

Solving optimization problems on computational grids.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wright, S. J.; Mathematics and Computer Science

2001-05-01

Multiprocessor computing platforms, which have become more and more widely available since the mid-1980s, are now heavily used by organizations that need to solve very demanding computational problems. Parallel computing is now central to the culture of many research communities. Novel parallel approaches were developed for global optimization, network optimization, and direct-search methods for nonlinear optimization. Activity was particularly widespread in parallel branch-and-bound approaches for various problems in combinatorial and network optimization. As the cost of personal computers and low-end workstations has continued to fall, while the speed and capacity of processors and networks have increased dramatically, 'cluster' platforms havemore » become popular in many settings. A somewhat different type of parallel computing platform know as a computational grid (alternatively, metacomputer) has arisen in comparatively recent times. Broadly speaking, this term refers not to a multiprocessor with identical processing nodes but rather to a heterogeneous collection of devices that are widely distributed, possibly around the globe. The advantage of such platforms is obvious: they have the potential to deliver enormous computing power. Just as obviously, however, the complexity of grids makes them very difficult to use. The Condor team, headed by Miron Livny at the University of Wisconsin, were among the pioneers in providing infrastructure for grid computations. More recently, the Globus project has developed technologies to support computations on geographically distributed platforms consisting of high-end computers, storage and visualization devices, and other scientific instruments. In 1997, we started the metaneos project as a collaborative effort between optimization specialists and the Condor and Globus groups. Our aim was to address complex, difficult optimization problems in several areas, designing and implementing the algorithms and the software infrastructure need to solve these problems on computational grids. This article describes some of the results we have obtained during the first three years of the metaneos project. Our efforts have led to development of the runtime support library MW for implementing algorithms with master-worker control structure on Condor platforms. This work is discussed here, along with work on algorithms and codes for integer linear programming, the quadratic assignment problem, and stochastic linear programmming. Our experiences in the metaneos project have shown that cheap, powerful computational grids can be used to tackle large optimization problems of various types. In an industrial or commercial setting, the results demonstrate that one may not have to buy powerful computational servers to solve many of the large problems arising in areas such as scheduling, portfolio optimization, or logistics; the idle time on employee workstations (or, at worst, an investment in a modest cluster of PCs) may do the job. For the optimization research community, our results motivate further work on parallel, grid-enabled algorithms for solving very large problems of other types. The fact that very large problems can be solved cheaply allows researchers to better understand issues of 'practical' complexity and of the role of heuristics.« less

Realizing a Deflection-type D.C. Bridge-based Thermometer under Project-based Learning Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsahemas, T.; Ramadhiansyah; Ulum, A. I. N.; Yuliza, E.; Khairurrijal

2016-08-01

In addition to conventional learning, project-based learning (PBL) helps students developing skills and becoming more engaged in learning as they have a chance to solve real life problems of actual projects. As the name suggests, PBL is a model that organizes learning around projects. In this paper, the project that will be completed by a group of three students is about making a water temperature measuring instrument using a simple deflection-type d.c. bridge circuit. The project was done in the period of January to April 2015 when they was taking the Measurement and Data Processing Techniques, which is a compulsory course in the fourth semester of undergraduate program in Department of Physics at Institut Teknologi Bandung. With the help of a lecturer and a tutor as facilitators, they have followed this series of steps: 1. Start with a driving question, a problem to be solved, 2. Exploring the driving question by participating in authentic, situated inquiry, 3. Engaging collaborative activities with lecturer and tutor to find solutions to the driving question, 4. Scaffolding with learning technologies that help students participating in activities normally beyond their ability, and 5. Creating a set of tangible products that address the driving question. With this series of steps, the students have become easier to understand the lectures that have been given and the instrument has been realized to measure the temperature of water properly. When realizing the project under the PBL method, we learned other materials beside that have been taught in the course. Due to this project, we have had more skills like designing and soldering as well as problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, synthesis and analysis.

Rural Legal Research, Creighton Legal Information Center (Omaha, Nebraska, March 1977). An Exemplary Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stuart, Lorrie; Wise, H. Lake

Established to help solve the problems of rural attorneys in Nebraska via mail and telephone research services, the Creighton Legal Information Center (CLIC) is described in this manual in terms of project development and organization; project operations; replication and policy issues; costs and project budgeting; and program results.…

Simulation of Neural Firing Dynamics: A Student Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kletsky, E. J.

This paper describes a student project in digital simulation techniques that is part of a graduate systems analysis course entitled Biosimulation. The students chose different simulation techniques to solve a problem related to the neuron model. (MLH)

Can microbes economically remove sulfur

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, J.L.

Researchers have reported that refiners who now rely on costly physic-chemical procedures to desulfurize petroleum will soon have an alternative microbial-enzyme-based approach to this process. This new approach is still under development and considerable number chemical engineering problems need to be solved before this process is ready for large-scale use. This paper reviews the several research projects dedicated solving the problems that keep a biotechnology-based alternative from competing with chemical desulfurization.

Balanced Scorecard Goal Four: Provide Policy Management, Advocacy and Problem Solving Measuring Achievement of Internal Customer Objectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-01

Achievement of Internal Customer Objectives A Graduate Management Project Submitted to The Residency Committee In Candidacy for the Degree of Masters in...internal customer relations, the GPRMC has incorporated use of a Balanced Scorecard within its management scheme. The scorecard serves as a strategy map...headquarters. The goal, "Provide Policy Management , Advocacy and Problem Solving", addresses the relationship between the headquarters and its internal

Does Problem-Solving Training for Family Caregivers Benefit Their Care Recipients With Severe Disabilities? A Latent Growth Model of the Project CLUES Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Berry, Jack W.; Elliott, Timothy R.; Grant, Joan S.; Edwards, Gary; Fine, Philip R.

2012-01-01

Objective To examine whether an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities provides benefits to both caregivers and their care recipients. Design Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1 year. Participants Family caregivers (129 women, 18 men) and their care recipients (81 women, 66 men) consented to participate. Main Outcome Measures Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory–Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in 3 additional assessments throughout the year. Care recipient depression was assessed with a short form of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Results Latent growth modeling was used to analyze data from the dyads. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant decrease in depression over time, and they also displayed gains in constructive problem-solving abilities and decreases in dysfunctional problem-solving abilities. Care recipients displayed significant decreases in depression over time, and these decreases were significantly associated with decreases in caregiver depression in response to training. Conclusions PST significantly improved the problem-solving skills of community-residing caregivers and also lessened their depressive symptoms. Care recipients in the PST group also had reductions in depression over time, and it appears that decreases in caregiver depression may account for this effect. PMID:22686549

Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities? A latent growth model of the Project CLUES randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Berry, Jack W; Elliott, Timothy R; Grant, Joan S; Edwards, Gary; Fine, Philip R

2012-05-01

To examine whether an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities provides benefits to both caregivers and their care recipients. Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1 year. Family caregivers (129 women, 18 men) and their care recipients (81 women, 66 men) consented to participate. Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in 3 additional assessments throughout the year. Care recipient depression was assessed with a short form of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Latent growth modeling was used to analyze data from the dyads. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant decrease in depression over time, and they also displayed gains in constructive problem-solving abilities and decreases in dysfunctional problem-solving abilities. Care recipients displayed significant decreases in depression over time, and these decreases were significantly associated with decreases in caregiver depression in response to training. PST significantly improved the problem-solving skills of community-residing caregivers and also lessened their depressive symptoms. Care recipients in the PST group also had reductions in depression over time, and it appears that decreases in caregiver depression may account for this effect. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

Team Problem Solving Strategies with a Survey of These Methods Used by Faculty Members in Engineering Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marcus, Michael L.; Winters, Dixie L.

2004-01-01

Students from science, engineering, and technology programs should be able to work together as members of project teams to find solutions to technical problems. The exercise in this paper describes the methods actually used by a project team from a Biomedical Instrumentation Corporation in which scientists, technicians, and engineers from various…

Janice VanCleave's Electricity: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanCleave, Janice

This book is designed to provide guidance and ideas for science projects to help students learn more about science as they search for answers to specific problems. The 20 topics on electricity in this book suggest many possible problems to solve. Each topic has one detailed experiment followed by a section that provides additional questions about…

Benefits and Challenges of Introducing a Blended Project-Based Approach in Higher Education: Experiences from a Kenyan University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munezero, Myriam D.; Bekuta, Balozi K.

2016-01-01

This article investigates a blended project-based approach that was introduced to forestry and ICT undergraduates as an extracurricular activity at the University of Eldoret, Kenya. The approach blends problem-based learning and participatory design to solve real-life forestry problems. Even though the use of the approach itself is not novel, in…

The research on multi-projection correction based on color coding grid array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan; Han, Cheng; Bai, Baoxing; Zhang, Chao; Zhao, Yunxiu

2017-10-01

There are many disadvantages such as lower timeliness, greater manual intervention in multi-channel projection system, in order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a multi-projector correction technology based on color coding grid array. Firstly, a color structured light stripe is generated by using the De Bruijn sequences, then meshing the feature information of the color structured light stripe image. We put the meshing colored grid intersection as the center of the circle, and build a white solid circle as the feature sample set of projected images. It makes the constructed feature sample set not only has the perceptual localization, but also has good noise immunity. Secondly, we establish the subpixel geometric mapping relationship between the projection screen and the individual projectors by using the structure of light encoding and decoding based on the color array, and the geometrical mapping relation is used to solve the homography matrix of each projector. Lastly the brightness inconsistency of the multi-channel projection overlap area is seriously interfered, it leads to the corrected image doesn't fit well with the observer's visual needs, and we obtain the projection display image of visual consistency by using the luminance fusion correction algorithm. The experimental results show that this method not only effectively solved the problem of distortion of multi-projection screen and the issue of luminance interference in overlapping region, but also improved the calibration efficient of multi-channel projective system and reduced the maintenance cost of intelligent multi-projection system.

Applying Sociology to the Teaching of Applied Sociology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Richard Cheever

A college-level applied sociology course in which students use sociological theory or research methodology to solve social problems is described. Guidelines for determining appropriate projects are: (1) the student must feel there is a substantial need for the project; (2) the project must be approachable through recognized sociological…

Developing Learning Strategies Based on Research Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ampuero-Canellas, Olga; Gonzalez-Del-Rio, Jimena; Jorda-Albinana, Begona; Rojas-Sola, Jose Ignacio

2011-01-01

Research projects are a very important part of any professor life sheet. Through these projects, they use their knowledge to solve real problems within professional area. Besides being an advance in research area, they can essentially contribute to improving teaching process. This work originates from the idea that the experienced gotten from…

Get to Know Your Neighborhood Pest: An Interdisciplinary Project for Middle School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zipko, Stephen J.

1982-01-01

Describes an interdisciplinary, month-long minicourse project focusing on the gypsy moth. The project provided students with opportunities to develop analytical and problem-solving skills while studying content from entomology, botany, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, math, art, law, political science, history, English, consumer studies, and…

Professional Competence Development at the Cooper Union School of Engineering. Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bussard, Ellen

A 3-year project was developed to increase students' abilities to perform competently as professional engineers. The project sought to infuse into existing courses concern for, practice with, and development of three competencies critical to professional success: problem-solving, communication, and value clarification. Eight elementary and…

Project-Based Learning in Electronic Technology: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Li

2015-01-01

A case study of project-based learning (PBL) implemented in Tianjin University of Technology and Education is presented. This multidiscipline project is innovated to meet the novel requirements of industry while keeping its traditional effectiveness in driving students to apply knowledge to practice and problem-solving. The implementation of PBL…

Project-Based Learning and Student Knowledge Construction during Asynchronous Online Discussion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koh, Joyce Hwee Ling; Herring, Susan C.; Hew, Khe Foon

2010-01-01

Project-based learning engages students in problem solving through artefact design. However, previous studies of online project-based learning have focused primarily on the dynamics of online collaboration; students' knowledge construction throughout this process has not been examined thoroughly. This case study analyzed the relationship between…

Author Slide Shows & Texas Wildlife: Thematic Multimedia Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monahan, Susan; Susong, Dee

1996-01-01

Describes two multimedia projects at Brentwood Elementary School (Austin, Texas) that are models for training teachers, and students with special needs, about technology. Students authored a multimedia slide show and created HyperStudio stacks about Texas wildlife. The projects increased motivation and improved reading, writing, problem-solving,…

78 FR 46860 - Proposed Waiver and Extension of the Project Period for the Technical Assistance Coordination Center

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-02

... funded centers, professional organizations, and other stakeholders to collaborate, solve problems...; (b) maintaining a Web site that houses tools that TA&D Network projects have developed or can use in...

NAS Technical Summaries, March 1993 - February 1994

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

NASA created the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) Program in 1987 to focus resources on solving critical problems in aeroscience and related disciplines by utilizing the power of the most advanced supercomputers available. The NAS Program provides scientists with the necessary computing power to solve today's most demanding computational fluid dynamics problems and serves as a pathfinder in integrating leading-edge supercomputing technologies, thus benefitting other supercomputer centers in government and industry. The 1993-94 operational year concluded with 448 high-speed processor projects and 95 parallel projects representing NASA, the Department of Defense, other government agencies, private industry, and universities. This document provides a glimpse at some of the significant scientific results for the year.

NAS technical summaries. Numerical aerodynamic simulation program, March 1992 - February 1993

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

NASA created the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) Program in 1987 to focus resources on solving critical problems in aeroscience and related disciplines by utilizing the power of the most advanced supercomputers available. The NAS Program provides scientists with the necessary computing power to solve today's most demanding computational fluid dynamics problems and serves as a pathfinder in integrating leading-edge supercomputing technologies, thus benefitting other supercomputer centers in government and industry. The 1992-93 operational year concluded with 399 high-speed processor projects and 91 parallel projects representing NASA, the Department of Defense, other government agencies, private industry, and universities. This document provides a glimpse at some of the significant scientific results for the year.

The Caterer's Problem.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krause, Eugene F.

1983-01-01

An approach to teaching problem solving to preservice and in-service middle school teachers is described. They examined an unsolved question as a class research project. The process of developing the solution is detailed, and difficulties contained within the process are noted. (MP)

Project BELIEVE. Final Report. (A National Workplace Literacy Project with Bakery Europa and Straub Clinic & Hospital).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zane, Lawrence F. H.

Bakery Europa and the Straub Clinic in Hawaii participated in Project BELIEVE, a 3-year (1995-98) workplace literacy project conducted in partnership with the University of Hawaii's College of Education. Instruction focused on the literacy, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the baking and health care…

Computer Lab Modules as Problem Solving Tools. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ignatz, Mila E.; Ignatz, Milton

There are many problems involved in upgrading scientific literacy in high schools: poorly qualified teachers, the lack of good instructional materials, and economic and academic disadvantages all contribute to the problem. This document describes a project designed to increase the opportunities available to the high school science student to…

The Westminster Eighth Grade World Problems Course (Pilot Project).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barth, James P.; And Others

The rationale, objectives, and social studies units are provided in this curriculum guide for grade 8. Focus is upon students' assessing, hypothesizing, and synthesizing the world's critical problems. Teaching techniques are process education oriented emphasizing inquiry training, problem solving, and inductive learning in an attempt to prepare…

New Insights into Teaching Apparel Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capjack, Linda

1993-01-01

Describes projects intended to integrate competitive strategies, develop research skills, increase problem-solving ability, and foster a closer link with the apparel industry: the design of children's wear using computer-aided design technology and a project using the Functional Design Process. (Author/JOW)

Teaching Pre-Service Teachers to Make Digital Stories That Explain Complex Mathematical Concepts in a Real-World Context: The "Math-eo" Project, Creating "Cool New Tools"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walters, Lynne Masel; Green, Martha R.; Goldsby, Dianne; Walters, Timothy N.; Wang, Liangyan

2016-01-01

This mixed methods study examines whether engaging in a problem-solving project to create Math-eos (digital videos) increases pre-service teachers' understanding of the relationship between visual, auditory, and verbal representation and critical thinking in mathematics. Additionally, the study looks at what aspects of a digital problem solving…

Video Analysis of a Plucked String: An Example of Problem-based Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wentworth, Christopher D.; Buse, Eric

2009-11-01

Problem-based learning is a teaching methodology that grounds learning within the context of solving a real problem. Typically the problem initiates learning of concepts rather than simply being an application of the concept, and students take the lead in identifying what must be developed to solve the problem. Problem-based learning in upper-level physics courses can be challenging, because of the time and financial requirements necessary to generate real data. Here, we present a problem that motivates learning about partial differential equations and their solution in a mathematical methods for physics course. Students study a plucked elastic cord using high speed digital video. After creating video clips of the cord motion under different tensions they are asked to create a mathematical model. Ultimately, students develop and solve a model that includes damping effects that are clearly visible in the videos. The digital video files used in this project are available on the web at http://physics.doane.edu .

Problem-based learning in the NICU.

PubMed

Pilcher, Jobeth

2014-01-01

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational strategy that provides learners with the opportunity to investigate and solve realistic problem situations. It is also referred to as project-based learning or work-based learning. PBL combines several learning strategies including the use of case studies coupled with collaborative, facilitated, and self-directed learning. Research has demonstrated that use of PBL can result in learners having improved problem-solving skills, increased breadth and analysis of complex data, higher-level thinking skills, and improved collaboration. This article will include background information and a description of PBL, followed by examples of how this strategy can be used for learning in neonatal settings.

Multiobjective optimization in a pseudometric objective space as applied to a general model of business activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khachaturov, R. V.

2016-09-01

It is shown that finding the equivalence set for solving multiobjective discrete optimization problems is advantageous over finding the set of Pareto optimal decisions. An example of a set of key parameters characterizing the economic efficiency of a commercial firm is proposed, and a mathematical model of its activities is constructed. In contrast to the classical problem of finding the maximum profit for any business, this study deals with a multiobjective optimization problem. A method for solving inverse multiobjective problems in a multidimensional pseudometric space is proposed for finding the best project of firm's activities. The solution of a particular problem of this type is presented.

Computer-Based Cognitive Tools in Teacher Training: The COG-TECH Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orhun, Emrah

2003-01-01

The COG-TECH (Cognitive Technologies for Problem Solving and Learning) Network conducted three international projects between 1994 and 2001 under the auspices of the European Commission. The main purpose of these projects was to train teacher educators in the Mediterranean countries to use computers as effective pedagogical tools. The summer…

Defining Projects to Integrate Evolving Team Fundamentals and Project Management Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Harold, III; Smarkusky, Debra; Corrigall, Elizabeth

2008-01-01

Industry has indicated the desire for academic programs to produce graduates that are well-versed in collaborative problem solving and general project management concepts in addition to technical skills. The primary focus of a curriculum is typically centered on the technical training with minimal attention given to coalescing team and project…

Algae, Electronics and Ginger Beer: Explorations in Biotechnology at the Governor's School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wells, John; And Others

1992-01-01

Describes a variety of projects that were used in a summer program for gifted high school students to help teach biotechnical concepts and applications. Presents six projects utilizing algae as tool for solving problems. Also presents five production-oriented projects with hydroponics and fermentation as research and development themes. (PR)

Researcher Roles and the Organization of Interdisciplinary Groups. R&D for Higher Education, 1980:7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tornebohm, HaKan; And Others

Perspectives on interdisciplinary research are considered in terms of project planning, the choice of problem-solving approach, the research field, project organization, informal organization, and integration of knowledge. Interdisciplinary studies were investigaged through following a number of research projects by means of field trips,…

The Dilenowisco Four I's Project: "Career Education for Norton City Schools."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norton City School Board, VA.

The DILENOWISCO Educational Cooperative designed the Four I's Project (intervention, introduction, investigation, and involvement) and the K-12 Career Education Program for Norton City in an effort to assist in solving some of the educational problems existing in this isolated central Appalachian area of Virginia. The two projects are discussed…

Bilingual Children's Project. B.C.P., 1988-89. OREA Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berney, Tomi D.; Gritzer, Glenn

The goals of the Bilingual Children's Project (B.C.P.) were to help students acquire skills in the English language content area subjects, critical thinking, and problem solving. In its first year, the project served 740 kindergarten through third grade students of limited English proficiency at 12 schools. Participants' native languages were…

Project Reinvest: Invest in America's Future by Reinvesting in America's Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCabe, Robert H.

To help raise the level of funding for the nation's community colleges, Project Reinvest was created to help colleges communicate their role in solving the nation's problems and the importance of adequate funding. Specifically, the project seeks to encourage colleges' participation in efforts to develop a genuine understanding of their…

Case-Exercises, Diagnosis, and Explanations in a Knowledge Based Tutoring System for Project Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pulz, Michael; Lusti, Markus

PROJECTTUTOR is an intelligent tutoring system that enhances conventional classroom instruction by teaching problem solving in project planning. The domain knowledge covered by the expert module is divided into three functions. Structural analysis, identifies the activities that make up the project, time analysis, computes the earliest and latest…

Rebecca Erikson – Solving Problems with Love for Science

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erikson, Rebecca

Rebecca Erikson’s love for science began at a young age. Today, she’s a senior scientist at PNNL trying to solve problems that address national security concerns. Through one project, she developed a sleek, simple and inexpensive way to turn a cellphone into a high-powered, high-quality microscope that helps authorities determine if white powder that falls from an envelope is anthrax or something simple like baby powder. Listen as Rebecca describes her work in this Energy Department video.

Experience of valorization projects ISTC for laser technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sartory, A. V.; Stepennov, D. B.; Vlasova, E. Y.; Pokrovsky, K. K.

2002-04-01

Application of the achievements of the ISTC projects is one of the main problems being solved to achieve one of the basic goals of the ISTC, namely, to adapt Russian scientists to conditions of developing market economy in Russia. The present report is aimed at rendering of promotional services for ISTC project teams in the context of the program of projects outcomes valorization.

Friendship and Gender Differences in Task and Social Interpretations of Peer Collaborative Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strough, JoNell; Berg, Cynthia A.; Meegan, Sean P.

2001-01-01

Examined how social aspects of a peer collaborative context related to differences in adolescents' interpretations of task and social problems while collaborating with peers in a naturalistic classroom setting. Found that salience of social problems, gender, and friendship were important for understanding project performance. Explored the value of…

[Current problems in the data acquisition of digitized virtual human and the countermeasures].

PubMed

Zhong, Shi-zhen; Yuan, Lin

2003-06-01

As a relatively new field of medical science research that has attracted the attention from worldwide researchers, study of digitized virtual human still awaits long-term dedicated effort for its full development. In the full array of research projects of the integrated Virtual Chinese Human project, virtual visible human, virtual physical human, virtual physiome, and intellectualized virtual human must be included as the four essential constitutional opponents. The primary importance should be given to solving the problems concerning the data acquisition for the dataset of this immense project. Currently 9 virtual human datasets have been established worldwide, which are subjected to critical analyses in the paper with special attention given to the problems in the data storage and the techniques employed, for instance, in these datasets. On the basis of current research status of Virtual Chinese Human project, the authors propose some countermeasures for solving the problems in the data acquisition for the dataset, which include (1) giving the priority to the quality control instead of merely racing for quantity and speed, and (2) improving the setting up of the markers specific for the tissues and organs to meet the requirement from information technology, (3) with also attention to the development potential of the dataset which should have explicit pertinence to specific actual applications.

A family of conjugate gradient methods for large-scale nonlinear equations.

PubMed

Feng, Dexiang; Sun, Min; Wang, Xueyong

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present a family of conjugate gradient projection methods for solving large-scale nonlinear equations. At each iteration, it needs low storage and the subproblem can be easily solved. Compared with the existing solution methods for solving the problem, its global convergence is established without the restriction of the Lipschitz continuity on the underlying mapping. Preliminary numerical results are reported to show the efficiency of the proposed method.

Part 1. The GLOSAS Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utsumi, Takeshi; Mogalhaes, Maria Rosa Abreu

1993-01-01

Describes accomplishments of the Global Systems Analysis and Simulation (GLOSAS) project from 1973 to the present, including a system for global peace gaming. The capabilities of interactive multimedia to link people across political and geographic boundaries for joint study, debate, research, planetary problem solving, and political action are…

Why are things where they are

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathod, Nakul Pravin

The type of stores in an area gives us great insight into the people who live there. The geographic distribution of stores can be used to solve a variety of problems. Towards my goal of leveraging these patterns to solve novel problems, I have built a system to help new business owners figure out the most desirable place to open their store. I have also come up with a visualization that communicates the brands that any specific store likes to be near (or far from). This brand affinity can be used to rank the desirability of prospective rental locations. I present an analysis of how this idea went from conception to its final form with commentary on challenges faced and lessons learned. My hope is that this project not only serves as an interesting GIS project, but also a useful case study of implementing a complex software engineering project using Agile Development Methodology.

The Social Competency Program of the Reach Out to Schools Project. Project Report, 1991-92. No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krasnow, Jean H.; And Others

This document presents outcomes of the Social Competency Program: Reach Out to Schools Project, a program designed to help elementary students learn and practice interpersonal and problem-solving skills. It is based on the understanding that positive peer relationships and a supportive, caring classroom community are essential to students' social…

Building a Network of Services: 1963-1971. Final Report: Greater Cleveland Mental Retardation Development Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buckman, Rilma Oxley

The final report documents the Greater Cleveland Mental Retardation Development Project, a 5-year demonstration project concerned with solving such problems as how a community can provide all the services and programs needed by the retarded and their families, ensure successful and appropriate employment, and staff and finance such programs.…

"Infotectives" on the "Infobahn": Designing Internet-Aided Projects for the Social Studies Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maskin, Melvin R.

1996-01-01

Describes three social studies projects tackled by students at the Bronx High School of Science: an extracredit activity on doing business in Manhattan, a citizen-participation project on fixing the United States, and a cooperative activity to identify problems common to Tokyo and New York City. Using the Internet to solve real-world problems…

Serendipity in Paperdoll Animation: Low Budget Methods for a Children's Workshop.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Emily D.

Part of a larger project to design a production curriculum and measure the impact of this production activity on children's writing, visual thinking, and problem solving skills, a project developed an effective but inexpensive video for use in teaching animation processes to students at the elementary school level. The project used "cutout" or…

Speedup of lexicographic optimization by superiorization and its applications to cancer radiotherapy treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonacker, Esther; Gibali, Aviv; Küfer, Karl-Heinz; Süss, Philipp

2017-04-01

Multicriteria optimization problems occur in many real life applications, for example in cancer radiotherapy treatment and in particular in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In this work we focus on optimization problems with multiple objectives that are ranked according to their importance. We solve these problems numerically by combining lexicographic optimization with our recently proposed level set scheme, which yields a sequence of auxiliary convex feasibility problems; solved here via projection methods. The projection enables us to combine the newly introduced superiorization methodology with multicriteria optimization methods to speed up computation while guaranteeing convergence of the optimization. We demonstrate our scheme with a simple 2D academic example (used in the literature) and also present results from calculations on four real head neck cases in IMRT (Radiation Oncology of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany) for two different choices of superiorization parameter sets suited to yield fast convergence for each case individually or robust behavior for all four cases.

How to renovate a 50-year-old wastewater treating plant: Part 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hunter, M.L.

1996-01-01

How does an existing refinery cost-effectively renovate wastewater/stormwater treating systems to meet today`s environmental regulations and standards? Faced with solving this problem, Amoco`s Whiting Refinery developed a project team consisting of plant and operations engineers, corporate project and design engineers, contractors and vendors to map out a strategy to re-engineer the existing wastewater treating plant (WWTP) and auxiliary functions. This case history shows how an old refinery limited by existing equipment, building space, operation`s availability requirements and costs divided the project into several design phases. The design team used a proactive approach with empowerment responsibilities to solve construction, equipment usagemore » and regulatory problems throughout the project`s lifetime. Focusing on front-end planning and customer service (the refinery), team members applied value-based engineering designs to keep costs down, implemented safe work practices during construction, used HAZOP reviews to scrutinize proposed designs for operating and maintenance procedures, etc. The result has been the renovation of a 50-year-old WWTP completed under budget, ontime and in compliance with federal mandates.« less

Reasoning, Resilience, & Responsibility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cogan, Jeanine C.; Subotnik, Rena F.

2006-01-01

The Other 3Rs Project began with an investigation into the most important psychological components of academic success. The research pointed to reasoning, resilience, and responsibility. The objective of the project was to integrate these components into a useful problem solving model that could, with practice and guidance, be applied both inside…

The Improvement of Higher Education in Indonesia: A Project Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruitjer, Kees; Utomo, Tjipto

1983-01-01

An international project for improvement of an Indonesian university's chemical engineering curriculum and later extended to other institutions and departments, included these changes: greater emphasis on discussion and problem-solving techniques, use of learning modules, introduction of criterion-referenced grading, and extended and improved…

Improve Problem Solving Skills through Adapting Programming Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaykhian, Linda H.; Shaykhian, Gholam Ali

2007-01-01

There are numerous ways for engineers and students to become better problem-solvers. The use of command line and visual programming tools can help to model a problem and formulate a solution through visualization. The analysis of problem attributes and constraints provide insight into the scope and complexity of the problem. The visualization aspect of the problem-solving approach tends to make students and engineers more systematic in their thought process and help them catch errors before proceeding too far in the wrong direction. The problem-solver identifies and defines important terms, variables, rules, and procedures required for solving a problem. Every step required to construct the problem solution can be defined in program commands that produce intermediate output. This paper advocates improved problem solving skills through using a programming tool. MatLab created by MathWorks, is an interactive numerical computing environment and programming language. It is a matrix-based system that easily lends itself to matrix manipulation, and plotting of functions and data. MatLab can be used as an interactive command line or a sequence of commands that can be saved in a file as a script or named functions. Prior programming experience is not required to use MatLab commands. The GNU Octave, part of the GNU project, a free computer program for performing numerical computations, is comparable to MatLab. MatLab visual and command programming are presented here.

Sculpting in cyberspace: Parallel processing the development of new software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Rob

1993-01-01

Stimulating creativity in problem solving, particularly where software development is involved, is applicable to many disciplines. Metaphorical thinking keeps the problem in focus but in a different light, jarring people out of their mental ruts and sparking fresh insights. It forces the mind to stretch to find patterns between dissimilar concepts, in the hope of discovering unusual ideas in odd associations (Technology Review January 1993, p. 37). With a background in Engineering and Visual Design from MIT, I have for the past 30 years pursued a career as a sculptor of interdisciplinary monumental artworks that bridge the fields of science, engineering and art. Since 1979, I have pioneered the application of computer simulation to solve the complex problems associated with these projects. A recent project for the roof of the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh made particular use of the metaphoric creativity technique described above. The problem-solving process led to the creation of hybrid software combining scientific, architectural and engineering visualization techniques. David Steich, a Doctoral Candidate in Electrical Engineering at Penn State, was commissioned to develop special software that enabled me to create innovative free-form sculpture. This paper explores the process of inventing the software through a detailed analysis of the interaction between an artist and a computer programmer.

Engineering data management: Experience and projections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jefferson, D. K.; Thomson, B.

1978-01-01

Experiences in developing a large engineering data management system are described. Problems which were encountered are presented and projected to future systems. Business applications involving similar types of data bases are described. A data base management system architecture proposed by the business community is described and its applicability to engineering data management is discussed. It is concluded that the most difficult problems faced in engineering and business data management can best be solved by cooperative efforts.

Pre-Service Teacher Scientific Behavior: Comparative Study of Paired Science Project Assignments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bulunuz, Mizrap; Tapan Broutin, Menekse Seden; Bulunuz, Nermin

2016-01-01

Problem Statement: University students usually lack the skills to rigorously define a multi-dimensional real-life problem and its limitations in an explicit, clear and testable way, which prevents them from forming a reliable method, obtaining relevant results and making balanced judgments to solve a problem. Purpose of the Study: The study…

Comparison of TAPS Packages for Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sidhu, S. Manjit

2008-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to present the development of technology-assisted problem solving (TAPS) packages at University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). The project is the further work of the development of interactive multimedia based packages targeted for students having problems in understanding the subject of engineering mechanics dynamics.…

Solving Quantum Ground-State Problems with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

PubMed Central

Li, Zhaokai; Yung, Man-Hong; Chen, Hongwei; Lu, Dawei; Whitfield, James D.; Peng, Xinhua; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán; Du, Jiangfeng

2011-01-01

Quantum ground-state problems are computationally hard problems for general many-body Hamiltonians; there is no classical or quantum algorithm known to be able to solve them efficiently. Nevertheless, if a trial wavefunction approximating the ground state is available, as often happens for many problems in physics and chemistry, a quantum computer could employ this trial wavefunction to project the ground state by means of the phase estimation algorithm (PEA). We performed an experimental realization of this idea by implementing a variational-wavefunction approach to solve the ground-state problem of the Heisenberg spin model with an NMR quantum simulator. Our iterative phase estimation procedure yields a high accuracy for the eigenenergies (to the 10−5 decimal digit). The ground-state fidelity was distilled to be more than 80%, and the singlet-to-triplet switching near the critical field is reliably captured. This result shows that quantum simulators can better leverage classical trial wave functions than classical computers PMID:22355607

Projected regression method for solving Fredholm integral equations arising in the analytic continuation problem of quantum physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsenault, Louis-François; Neuberg, Richard; Hannah, Lauren A.; Millis, Andrew J.

2017-11-01

We present a supervised machine learning approach to the inversion of Fredholm integrals of the first kind as they arise, for example, in the analytic continuation problem of quantum many-body physics. The approach provides a natural regularization for the ill-conditioned inverse of the Fredholm kernel, as well as an efficient and stable treatment of constraints. The key observation is that the stability of the forward problem permits the construction of a large database of outputs for physically meaningful inputs. Applying machine learning to this database generates a regression function of controlled complexity, which returns approximate solutions for previously unseen inputs; the approximate solutions are then projected onto the subspace of functions satisfying relevant constraints. Under standard error metrics the method performs as well or better than the Maximum Entropy method for low input noise and is substantially more robust to increased input noise. We suggest that the methodology will be similarly effective for other problems involving a formally ill-conditioned inversion of an integral operator, provided that the forward problem can be efficiently solved.

Mass storage: The key to success in high performance computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Richard R.

1993-01-01

There are numerous High Performance Computing & Communications Initiatives in the world today. All are determined to help solve some 'Grand Challenges' type of problem, but each appears to be dominated by the pursuit of higher and higher levels of CPU performance and interconnection bandwidth as the approach to success, without any regard to the impact of Mass Storage. My colleagues and I at Data Storage Technologies believe that all will have their performance against their goals ultimately measured by their ability to efficiently store and retrieve the 'deluge of data' created by end-users who will be using these systems to solve Scientific Grand Challenges problems, and that the issue of Mass Storage will become then the determinant of success or failure in achieving each projects goals. In today's world of High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC), the critical path to success in solving problems can only be traveled by designing and implementing Mass Storage Systems capable of storing and manipulating the truly 'massive' amounts of data associated with solving these challenges. Within my presentation I will explore this critical issue and hypothesize solutions to this problem.

Assessment of Inquiry Skills in the SAILS Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Chris

2014-01-01

Inquiry provides both the impetus and experience that helps students acquire problem solving and lifelong learning skills. Teachers on the Strategies for Assessment of Inquiry Learning in Science Project (SAILS) strengthened their inquiry pedagogy, through focusing on seeking assessment evidence for formative action. This paper reports on both the…

University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP). What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2016

2016-01-01

"University of Chicago School Mathematics Project" ("UCSMP") is a core mathematics curriculum that emphasizes problem solving, real-world applications, and the use of technology. The curriculum is based on a student-centered approach with a focus on active learning that incorporates reading and uses a flexible lesson…

Professional Development Integrating Technology: Does Delivery Format Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Claesgens, Jennifer; Rubino-Hare, Lori; Bloom, Nena; Fredrickson, Kristi; Henderson-Dahms, Carol; Menasco, Jackie; Sample, James

2013-01-01

The goal of the two Power of Data (POD) projects was to increase science, technology and math skills through the implementation of project-based learning modules that teach students how to solve problems through data collection and analysis utilizing geospatial technologies. Professional development institutes in two formats were offered to…

Results of the Software Process Improvement Efforts of the Early Adopters in NAVAIR 4.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

and customer satisfaction. AIRSpeed utilizes a structured, problem solving methodology called DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control...widely used in business. DMAIC leads project teams through the logical steps from problem definition to problem resolution. Each phase has a specific set...costs and improving productivity and customer satisfaction. AIRSpeed utilizes the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) structured problem

Two Project Methods: Preliminary Observations on the Similarities and Differences between William Heard Kilpatrick's Project Method and John Dewey's Problem-Solving Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutinen, Ari

2013-01-01

The project method became a famous teaching method when William Heard Kilpatrick published his article "Project Method" in 1918. The key idea in Kilpatrick's project method is to try to explain how pupils learn things when they work in projects toward different common objects. The same idea of pupils learning by work or action in an…

Problem-Solving Environments (PSEs) to Support Innovation Clustering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Zann

1999-01-01

This paper argues that there is need for high level concepts to inform the development of Problem-Solving Environment (PSE) capability. A traditional approach to PSE implementation is to: (1) assemble a collection of tools; (2) integrate the tools; and (3) assume that collaborative work begins after the PSE is assembled. I argue for the need to start from the opposite premise, that promoting human collaboration and observing that process comes first, followed by the development of supporting tools, and finally evolution of PSE capability through input from collaborating project teams.

Improving performance through concept formation and conceptual clustering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Douglas H.

1992-01-01

Research from June 1989 through October 1992 focussed on concept formation, clustering, and supervised learning for purposes of improving the efficiency of problem-solving, planning, and diagnosis. These projects resulted in two dissertations on clustering, explanation-based learning, and means-ends planning, and publications in conferences and workshops, several book chapters, and journals; a complete Bibliography of NASA Ames supported publications is included. The following topics are studied: clustering of explanations and problem-solving experiences; clustering and means-end planning; and diagnosis of space shuttle and space station operating modes.

Software life cycle methodologies and environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fridge, Ernest

1991-01-01

Products of this project will significantly improve the quality and productivity of Space Station Freedom Program software processes by: improving software reliability and safety; and broadening the range of problems that can be solved with computational solutions. Projects brings in Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technology for: Environments such as Engineering Script Language/Parts Composition System (ESL/PCS) application generator, Intelligent User Interface for cost avoidance in setting up operational computer runs, Framework programmable platform for defining process and software development work flow control, Process for bringing CASE technology into an organization's culture, and CLIPS/CLIPS Ada language for developing expert systems; and methodologies such as Method for developing fault tolerant, distributed systems and a method for developing systems for common sense reasoning and for solving expert systems problems when only approximate truths are known.

The Chemical Engineering behind How Carbonated Beverages Go Flat: A Hands-On Experiment for Freshmen Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hohn, Keith L.

2007-01-01

A hands-on project was developed to educate new chemical engineering students about the types of problems chemical engineers solve and to improve student enthusiasm for studying chemical engineering. In this project, students studied the phenomenon of carbonated beverages going flat. The project was implemented in 2003 and 2004 at Kansas State…

Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Electrical Substation Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tanaka, Eduardo H.; Paludo, Juliana A.; Cordeiro, Carlúcio S.; Domingues, Leonardo R.; Gadbem, Edgar V.; Euflausino, Adriana

2015-01-01

Usually, distribution electricians are called upon to solve technical problems found in electrical substations. In this project, we apply problem-based learning to a training program for electricians, with the help of a virtual reality environment that simulates a real substation. Using this virtual substation, users may safely practice maneuvers…

Challenges for Engineering Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Infrastructure in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

applied engineering expertise that collectively can solve challenging infra- structure problems. USACE-ERDC’s researchers and engineers are field...Development Center (ERDC) possesses a unique combination of basic research and applied engineering expertise that collectively can solve challenging...restoration, and other projects. The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) possesses a unique combination of basic research and applied

Translation of an instrument. The US-Nordic Family Dynamics Nursing Research Project.

PubMed

White, M; Elander, G

1992-01-01

Translation of a research instrument questionnaire from English to another language is analyzed in relation to principles involved, procedures followed, and problems confronted by nurse researchers from the US-Nordic Family Dynamics Nursing Research Project. Of paramount importance in translation are translation equivalency, congruent value orientation, and careful use of colloquialisms. It is important to recognize that copyright guidelines apply in the translation of an instrument. Approaches to solving instrument translation problems are discussed.

Realizing Improvement through Team Empowerment (RITE): A Team-based, Project-based Multidisciplinary Improvement Program.

PubMed

Larson, David B; Mickelsen, L Jake; Garcia, Kandice

2016-01-01

Performance improvement in a complex health care environment depends on the cooperation of diverse individuals and groups, allocation of time and resources, and use of effective improvement methods. To address this challenge, we developed an 18-week multidisciplinary training program that would also provide a vehicle for effecting needed improvements, by using a team- and project-based model. The program began in the radiology department and subsequently expanded to include projects from throughout the medical center. Participants were taught a specific method for team-based problem solving, which included (a) articulating the problem, (b) observing the process, (c) analyzing possible causes of problems, (d) identifying key drivers, (e) testing and refining interventions, and (f) providing for sustainment of results. Progress was formally reviewed on a weekly basis. A total of 14 teams consisting of 78 participants completed the course in two cohorts; one project was discontinued. All completed projects resulted in at least modest improvement. Mean skill scores increased from 2.5/6 to 4.5/6 (P < .01), and the mean satisfaction score was 4.7/5. Identified keys to success include (a) engagement of frontline staff, (b) teams given authority to make process changes, (c) capable improvement coaches, (d) a physician-director with improvement expertise and organizational authority, (e) capable administrative direction, (f) supportive organizational leaders, (g) weekly progress reviews, (h) timely educational material, (i) structured problem-solving methods, and ( j ) multiple projects working simultaneously. The purpose of this article is to review the program, including the methods and results, and discuss perceived keys to program success. © RSNA, 2016.

WebMail versus WebApp: Comparing Problem-Based Learning Methods in a Business Research Methods Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams van Rooij, Shahron

2007-01-01

This study examined the impact of two Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approaches on knowledge transfer, problem-solving self-efficacy, and perceived learning gains among four intact classes of adult learners engaged in a group project in an online undergraduate business research methods course. With two of the classes using a text-only PBL workbook…

"Cast Your Net Widely": Three Steps to Expanding and Refining Your Problem before Action Learning Application

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reese, Simon R.

2015-01-01

This paper reflects upon a three-step process to expand the problem definition in the early stages of an action learning project. The process created a community-powered problem-solving approach within the action learning context. The simple three steps expanded upon in the paper create independence, dependence, and inter-dependence to aid the…

Energy Remote Sensing Applications Projects at the NASA Ames Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norman, S. D.; Likens, W. C.; Mouat, D. A.

1982-01-01

The NASA Ames Research Center is active in energy projects primarily in the role of providing assistance to users in the solution of a number of problems related to energy. Data bases were produced which can be used, in combination with other sources of information, to solve spatially related energy problems. Six project activities at Ames are described which relate to energy and remote sensing. Two projects involve power demand forecasting and estimations using remote sensing and geographic information systems; two others involve transmission line routing and corridor analysis; one involves a synfuel user needs assessment through remote sensing; and the sixth involves the siting of energy facilities.

Cognitive development in introductory physics: A research-based approach to curriculum reform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teodorescu, Raluca Elena

This project describes the research on a classification of physics problems in the context of introductory physics courses. This classification, called the Taxonomy of Introductory Physics Problems (TIPP), relates physics problems to the cognitive processes required to solve them. TIPP was created for designing and clarifying educational objectives, for developing assessments that can evaluate individual component processes of the problem-solving process, and for guiding curriculum design in introductory physics courses, specifically within the context of a "thinking-skills" curriculum. TIPP relies on the following resources: (1) cognitive research findings adopted by physics education research, (2) expert-novice research discoveries acknowledged by physics education research, (3) an educational psychology taxonomy for educational objectives, and (4) various collections of physics problems created by physics education researchers or developed by textbook authors. TIPP was used in the years 2006--2008 to reform the first semester of the introductory algebra-based physics course (called Phys 11) at The George Washington University. The reform sought to transform our curriculum into a "thinking-skills" curriculum that trades "breadth for depth" by focusing on fewer topics while targeting the students' cognitive development. We employed existing research on the physics problem-solving expert-novice behavior, cognitive science and behavioral science findings, and educational psychology recommendations. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol, learning progressions and concept maps that we have developed and implemented in our introductory physics course. These tools were designed based on TIPP. Their purpose is: (1) to help students build local and global coherent knowledge structures, (2) to develop more context-independent problem-solving abilities, (3) to gain confidence in problem solving, and (4) to establish connections between everyday phenomena and underlying physics concepts. We organize traditional and research-based physics problems such that students experience a gradual increase in complexity related to problem context, problem features and cognitive processes needed to solve the problem. The instructional environment that we designed allows for explicit monitoring, control and measurement of the cognitive processes exercised during the instruction period. It is easily adaptable to any kind of curriculum and can be readily adjusted throughout the semester. To assess the development of students' problem-solving abilities, we created rubrics that measure specific aspects of the thinking involved in physics problem solving. The Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey (CLASS) was administered pre- and post-instruction to determine students' shift in dispositions towards learning physics. The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) was administered pre- and post-instruction to determine students' level of conceptual understanding. The results feature improvements in students' problem-solving abilities and in their attitudes towards learning physics.

Business and Industrial Supervisors. Project TEAMS. (Techniques and Education for Achieving Management Skills).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Platte Technical Community Coll., Columbus, NE.

The result of a project to develop short courses to help business and industrial supervisors in developing practical, up-to-date managerial skills, this instructional workbook provides information and exercises applicable to on-the-job situations. Unit I covers the following aspects of management: leadership techniques, problem solving, decision…

Project Hill-Climb: Drafting and Design in Motion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crowl, William F.

2008-01-01

This article describes the Hill-Climb project of a second level Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) class. The author primarily designed the activity to increase student understanding of the assembly drawing process and its components. The emphasis on problem solving adds a dimension that can aid students in their other classes as well. By…

Meeting the Capstone Challenge in Postgraduate Food Science Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McSweeney, Peter; Calvo, Joaquin; Santhanam-Martin, Michael; Billman-Jacobe, Helen

2017-01-01

Project work and work placements can help prepare tertiary food science students for the workplace. Programs in the curriculum should support the development of transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and planning. This paper describes a case study of a new capstone project for Masters of Food Science students based on a work…

Interdisciplinary Project Experiences: Collaboration between Majors and Non-Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smarkusky, Debra L.; Toman, Sharon A.

2014-01-01

Students in computer science and information technology should be engaged in solving real-world problems received from government and industry as well as those that expose them to various areas of application. In this paper, we discuss interdisciplinary project experiences between majors and non-majors that offered a creative and innovative…

Videotaping EST/ESP Student Projects: "Real World" Research Projects for Professional and Academic Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallowich, Kay

Descriptive information and supporting documents for courses taught in the language center of a school of mines are presented here. The first is a four-semester engineering practices introductory course sequence that incorporates professional-level technical problem-solving, cooperative learning, and the preparation of written and oral…

Professional Competence Development at the Cooper Union School of Engineering. Course Development and Course Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bussard, Ellen

A 3-year project was developed to increase students' abilities to perform competently as professional engineers. The project sought to infuse into existing courses concern for, practice with, and development of three competencies critical to professional success: problem-solving, communication, and value clarification. Eight elementary and…

Framework for Implementing Engineering Senior Design Capstone Courses and Design Clinics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franchetti, Matthew; Hefzy, Mohamed Samir; Pourazady, Mehdi; Smallman, Christine

2012-01-01

Senior design capstone projects for engineering students are essential components of an undergraduate program that enhances communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills. Capstone projects with industry are well established in management, but not as heavily utilized in engineering. This paper outlines a general framework that can be used by…

University of Chicago School Mathematics Project 6-12 Curriculum. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2011

2011-01-01

The "University of Chicago School Mathematics Project ("UCSMP") 6-12 Curriculum" is a series of yearlong courses--(1) Transition Mathematics; (2) Algebra; (3) Geometry; (4) Advanced Algebra; (5) Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry; and (6) Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics--emphasizing problem solving, real-world applications, and the use…

Project T.E.A.M. (Technical Education Advancement Modules). Advanced Statistical Process Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunlap, Dale

This instructional guide, one of a series developed by the Technical Education Advancement Modules (TEAM) project, is a 20-hour advanced statistical process control (SPC) and quality improvement course designed to develop the following competencies: (1) understanding quality systems; (2) knowing the process; (3) solving quality problems; and (4)…

Project TEAMS (Techniques and Education for Achieving Management Skills): Health Care Administrators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Platte Technical Community Coll., Columbus, NE.

These Project TEAMS (Techniques and Education for Achieving Management Skills) instructional materials consist of five units for use in training health care administrators. Unit 1 contains materials designed to help the health care administrators increase their management skills in regard to self-awareness, time management, problem solving,…

Case Study: The Capstone Project at Chelsea High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Priti Johari

2017-01-01

Capstone projects serve as the centerpiece for an assessment system that values problem-solving and frames assessment as learning opportunities for students and teachers. Every January and May for one week, Chelsea High School, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, breaks from their traditional, four- periods-a-day bell schedule and the fast pace of a…

Project TEAMS (Techniques and Education for Achieving Management Skills): Business and Industrial Supervisors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Platte Technical Community Coll., Columbus, NE.

These Project TEAMS (Techniques and Education for Achieving Management Skills) instructional materials consist of five units for use in training business and industrial supervisors. Unit 1 is designed to help managers in business or industry increase management skills in regard to leadership techniques, problem solving and decision making, and…

Aerospace Employment Project: Finding New Careers in Local Government for Unemployed Engineers and Scientists. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United States Conference of Mayors, Washington, DC.

"If we can put a man on the moon, why can't we solve the problems of our cities?" The demand for urban services and the manpower needs of local governments were increasing dramatically. Skilled professional personnel were unemployed. The Aerospace Employment Project was set up as a special pilot project to test whether unemployed professional…

Enhancing Project-Based Learning through Student and Industry Engagement in a Video-Augmented 3-D Virtual Trade Fair

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Mark J. W.; Nikolic, Sasha; Vial, Peter J.; Ritz, Christian H.; Li, Wanqing; Goldfinch, Tom

2016-01-01

Project-based learning is a widely used pedagogical strategy in engineering education shown to be effective in fostering problem-solving, design, and teamwork skills. There are distinct benefits to be gained from giving students autonomy in determining the nature and scope of the projects that they wish to undertake, but a lack of expert guidance…

Teacher Perception of Project-Based Learning in a Technology-Infused Secondary School Culture: A Critical Cine-Ethnographic Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gratch, Jonathan

2012-01-01

Project-based learning has long been used in the educational realm as it emphasis a student-centered strategy which promotes meaning, enriched learning that enhances inquiry and problem-solving skills in a rich, authentic environment. The relevance and authentic design of projects may further be enhanced by the use of technology in the classroom.…

The Inventive Thinking Curriculum Project. An Outreach Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Commerce, Washington, DC.

The Inventive Thinking Curriculum Project is one of the many projects included in the national outreach program of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a thinking skills program as a means of applying critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills through the activity of creating an…

Regularization of nonlinear decomposition of spectral x-ray projection images.

PubMed

Ducros, Nicolas; Abascal, Juan Felipe Perez-Juste; Sixou, Bruno; Rit, Simon; Peyrin, Françoise

2017-09-01

Exploiting the x-ray measurements obtained in different energy bins, spectral computed tomography (CT) has the ability to recover the 3-D description of a patient in a material basis. This may be achieved solving two subproblems, namely the material decomposition and the tomographic reconstruction problems. In this work, we address the material decomposition of spectral x-ray projection images, which is a nonlinear ill-posed problem. Our main contribution is to introduce a material-dependent spatial regularization in the projection domain. The decomposition problem is solved iteratively using a Gauss-Newton algorithm that can benefit from fast linear solvers. A Matlab implementation is available online. The proposed regularized weighted least squares Gauss-Newton algorithm (RWLS-GN) is validated on numerical simulations of a thorax phantom made of up to five materials (soft tissue, bone, lung, adipose tissue, and gadolinium), which is scanned with a 120 kV source and imaged by a 4-bin photon counting detector. To evaluate the method performance of our algorithm, different scenarios are created by varying the number of incident photons, the concentration of the marker and the configuration of the phantom. The RWLS-GN method is compared to the reference maximum likelihood Nelder-Mead algorithm (ML-NM). The convergence of the proposed method and its dependence on the regularization parameter are also studied. We show that material decomposition is feasible with the proposed method and that it converges in few iterations. Material decomposition with ML-NM was very sensitive to noise, leading to decomposed images highly affected by noise, and artifacts even for the best case scenario. The proposed method was less sensitive to noise and improved contrast-to-noise ratio of the gadolinium image. Results were superior to those provided by ML-NM in terms of image quality and decomposition was 70 times faster. For the assessed experiments, material decomposition was possible with the proposed method when the number of incident photons was equal or larger than 10 5 and when the marker concentration was equal or larger than 0.03 g·cm -3 . The proposed method efficiently solves the nonlinear decomposition problem for spectral CT, which opens up new possibilities such as material-specific regularization in the projection domain and a parallelization framework, in which projections are solved in parallel. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

A New Model for Solving Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off Problems in Construction

PubMed Central

Fu, Fang; Zhang, Tao

2016-01-01

A poor quality affects project makespan and its total costs negatively, but it can be recovered by repair works during construction. We construct a new non-linear programming model based on the classic multi-mode resource constrained project scheduling problem considering repair works. In order to obtain satisfactory quality without a high increase of project cost, the objective is to minimize total quality cost which consists of the prevention cost and failure cost according to Quality-Cost Analysis. A binary dependent normal distribution function is adopted to describe the activity quality; Cumulative quality is defined to determine whether to initiate repair works, according to the different relationships among activity qualities, namely, the coordinative and precedence relationship. Furthermore, a shuffled frog-leaping algorithm is developed to solve this discrete trade-off problem based on an adaptive serial schedule generation scheme and adjusted activity list. In the program of the algorithm, the frog-leaping progress combines the crossover operator of genetic algorithm and a permutation-based local search. Finally, an example of a construction project for a framed railway overpass is provided to examine the algorithm performance, and it assist in decision making to search for the appropriate makespan and quality threshold with minimal cost. PMID:27911939

A one-layer recurrent neural network for constrained pseudoconvex optimization and its application for dynamic portfolio optimization.

PubMed

Liu, Qingshan; Guo, Zhishan; Wang, Jun

2012-02-01

In this paper, a one-layer recurrent neural network is proposed for solving pseudoconvex optimization problems subject to linear equality and bound constraints. Compared with the existing neural networks for optimization (e.g., the projection neural networks), the proposed neural network is capable of solving more general pseudoconvex optimization problems with equality and bound constraints. Moreover, it is capable of solving constrained fractional programming problems as a special case. The convergence of the state variables of the proposed neural network to achieve solution optimality is guaranteed as long as the designed parameters in the model are larger than the derived lower bounds. Numerical examples with simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and characteristics of the proposed neural network. In addition, an application for dynamic portfolio optimization is discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solving The Longstanding Problem Of Low-Energy Nuclear Reactions At the Highest Microscopic Level - Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Quaglioni, S.

2016-09-22

A 2011 DOE-NP Early Career Award (ECA) under Field Work Proposal (FWP) SCW1158 supported the project “Solving the Long-Standing Problem of Low-Energy Nuclear Reactions at the Highest Microscopic Level” in the five-year period from June 15, 2011 to June 14, 2016. This project, led by PI S. Quaglioni, aimed at developing a comprehensive and computationally efficient framework to arrive at a unified description of structural properties and reactions of light nuclei in terms of constituent protons and neutrons interacting through nucleon-nucleon (NN) and three-nucleon (3N) forces. Specifically, the project had three main goals: 1) arriving at the accurate predictions formore » fusion reactions that power stars and Earth-based fusion facilities; 2) realizing a comprehensive description of clustering and continuum effects in exotic nuclei, including light Borromean systems; and 3) achieving fundamental understanding of the role of the 3N force in nuclear reactions and nuclei at the drip line.« less

Conic Sampling: An Efficient Method for Solving Linear and Quadratic Programming by Randomly Linking Constraints within the Interior

PubMed Central

Serang, Oliver

2012-01-01

Linear programming (LP) problems are commonly used in analysis and resource allocation, frequently surfacing as approximations to more difficult problems. Existing approaches to LP have been dominated by a small group of methods, and randomized algorithms have not enjoyed popularity in practice. This paper introduces a novel randomized method of solving LP problems by moving along the facets and within the interior of the polytope along rays randomly sampled from the polyhedral cones defined by the bounding constraints. This conic sampling method is then applied to randomly sampled LPs, and its runtime performance is shown to compare favorably to the simplex and primal affine-scaling algorithms, especially on polytopes with certain characteristics. The conic sampling method is then adapted and applied to solve a certain quadratic program, which compute a projection onto a polytope; the proposed method is shown to outperform the proprietary software Mathematica on large, sparse QP problems constructed from mass spectometry-based proteomics. PMID:22952741

The Strength of the Strongest Ties in Collaborative Problem Solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Montjoye, Yves-Alexandre; Stopczynski, Arkadiusz; Shmueli, Erez; Pentland, Alex; Lehmann, Sune

2014-06-01

Complex problem solving in science, engineering, and business has become a highly collaborative endeavor. Teams of scientists or engineers collaborate on projects using their social networks to gather new ideas and feedback. Here we bridge the literature on team performance and information networks by studying teams' problem solving abilities as a function of both their within-team networks and their members' extended networks. We show that, while an assigned team's performance is strongly correlated with its networks of expressive and instrumental ties, only the strongest ties in both networks have an effect on performance. Both networks of strong ties explain more of the variance than other factors, such as measured or self-evaluated technical competencies, or the personalities of the team members. In fact, the inclusion of the network of strong ties renders these factors non-significant in the statistical analysis. Our results have consequences for the organization of teams of scientists, engineers, and other knowledge workers tackling today's most complex problems.

The strength of the strongest ties in collaborative problem solving.

PubMed

de Montjoye, Yves-Alexandre; Stopczynski, Arkadiusz; Shmueli, Erez; Pentland, Alex; Lehmann, Sune

2014-06-20

Complex problem solving in science, engineering, and business has become a highly collaborative endeavor. Teams of scientists or engineers collaborate on projects using their social networks to gather new ideas and feedback. Here we bridge the literature on team performance and information networks by studying teams' problem solving abilities as a function of both their within-team networks and their members' extended networks. We show that, while an assigned team's performance is strongly correlated with its networks of expressive and instrumental ties, only the strongest ties in both networks have an effect on performance. Both networks of strong ties explain more of the variance than other factors, such as measured or self-evaluated technical competencies, or the personalities of the team members. In fact, the inclusion of the network of strong ties renders these factors non-significant in the statistical analysis. Our results have consequences for the organization of teams of scientists, engineers, and other knowledge workers tackling today's most complex problems.

Mission operations and command assurance: Flight operations quality improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welz, Linda L.; Bruno, Kristin J.; Kazz, Sheri L.; Potts, Sherrill S.; Witkowski, Mona M.

1994-01-01

Mission Operations and Command Assurance (MO&CA) is a Total Quality Management (TQM) task on JPL projects to instill quality in flight mission operations. From a system engineering view, MO&CA facilitates communication and problem-solving among flight teams and provides continuous solving among flight teams and provides continuous process improvement to reduce risk in mission operations by addressing human factors. The MO&CA task has evolved from participating as a member of the spacecraft team, to an independent team reporting directly to flight project management and providing system level assurance. JPL flight projects have benefited significantly from MO&CA's effort to contain risk and prevent rather than rework errors. MO&CA's ability to provide direct transfer of knowledge allows new projects to benefit from previous and ongoing flight experience.

On The Behavior of Subgradient Projections Methods for Convex Feasibility Problems in Euclidean Spaces

PubMed Central

Butnariu, Dan; Censor, Yair; Gurfil, Pini; Hadar, Ethan

2010-01-01

We study some methods of subgradient projections for solving a convex feasibility problem with general (not necessarily hyperplanes or half-spaces) convex sets in the inconsistent case and propose a strategy that controls the relaxation parameters in a specific self-adapting manner. This strategy leaves enough user-flexibility but gives a mathematical guarantee for the algorithm’s behavior in the inconsistent case. We present numerical results of computational experiments that illustrate the computational advantage of the new method. PMID:20182556

On The Behavior of Subgradient Projections Methods for Convex Feasibility Problems in Euclidean Spaces.

PubMed

Butnariu, Dan; Censor, Yair; Gurfil, Pini; Hadar, Ethan

2008-07-03

We study some methods of subgradient projections for solving a convex feasibility problem with general (not necessarily hyperplanes or half-spaces) convex sets in the inconsistent case and propose a strategy that controls the relaxation parameters in a specific self-adapting manner. This strategy leaves enough user-flexibility but gives a mathematical guarantee for the algorithm's behavior in the inconsistent case. We present numerical results of computational experiments that illustrate the computational advantage of the new method.

Learning Probabilities in Computer Engineering by Using a Competency- and Problem-Based Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khoumsi, Ahmed; Hadjou, Brahim

2005-01-01

Our department has redesigned its electrical and computer engineering programs by adopting a learning methodology based on competence development, problem solving, and the realization of design projects. In this article, we show how this pedagogical approach has been successfully used for learning probabilities and their application to computer…

From Research to Practice in Adult Basic Education. Final Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schroeder, Wayne L., Comp.; Divita, Charles, Jr., Comp.

The strategies whereby relevant findings and implications of empirical research could become known to and employed by adult basic education practitioners in solving their problems are demonstrated. Efforts were made to: (1) Identify significant problems in the practice of adult basic education; (2) Conduct a thorough search of the research…

"Breaking the Mold" in the Dissertation: Implementing a Problem-Based, Decision-Oriented Thesis Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Archbald, Doug

2010-01-01

This article offers lessons from an initiative refashioning the doctoral thesis in an education leadership program. The program serves a practitioner clientele; most are teachers and administrators. The new model for the thesis emphasizes leadership, problem solving, decision making, and organizational improvement. The former model was a…

Global Design as the Integral Person Formation Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stepanov, Alexander V.; Fedorov, Vladimir A.; Vorobyeva, Julia A.; Marakulina, Ulyana ?.; Ovchinnikov, Vladislav I.

2016-01-01

The relevance of the problem under study is based on the society's need for educating an integral person who is able to solve ecumenical project tasks. Currently this problem (as natural order from the society) is emerging in the educational system and social practices but has yet to obtain substantial scientific and theoretical justification. The…

Introducing the "Decider" Design Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prasa, Anthony R., Jr.; Del Guercio, Ryan

2016-01-01

Engineers are faced with solving important problems every day and must follow a step-by-step design process to arrive at solutions. Students who are taught an effective design process to apply to engineering projects begin to see problems as an engineer would, consider all ideas, and arrive at the best solution. Using an effective design process…

Projects, Puzzles and Other Pedagogies: Working with Kids to Solve Local Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshman, Margaret

2012-01-01

Engaging and extending middle years students in mathematics is a continual challenge. One of the aims of the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" is to ensure that students are "confident, creative users and communicators of mathematics" (ACARA, 2011). Use of mathematical models and/or problems has been suggested as methods of…

The LACIE data bases: Design considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westberry, L. E. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The implementation of direct access storage devices for LACIE is discussed with emphasis on the storage and retrieval of image data. Topics covered include the definition of the problem, the solution methodology (design decisions), the initial operational structure, and the modifications which were incorporated. Some conclusions and projections of future problems to be solved are also presented.

Building Students' Sense of Agency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tishman, Shari; Clapp, Edward P.

2017-01-01

At the root of problem solving, Tishman and Clapp assert, is a sense of agency. The impetus to engage with a problem starts with a sense that it's possible to reshape something by directing one's actions purposefully. The authors--who participated in a long-term project observing how the "maker movement" is being implemented in…

Evaluation of a primary school drug drama project: methodological issues and key findings.

PubMed

Starkey, F; Orme, J

2001-10-01

This paper describes the impact evaluation of a primary school drug drama project developed by a health promotion service and a theatre's education department in England. The project targeted 10-11 year olds in 41 schools with an interactive drama production and workshop day on attitudes, choices, decisions and risks of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use. Parents were also involved in parents' evenings and watching children's performances. The research consisted of both process evaluation, consultation with pupils, teachers, parents, actors and health promotion staff on the project itself, and impact evaluation which looked at potential changes in children's knowledge, attitudes and decision-making skills. This paper reports findings of the impact evaluation, from six of the schools participating in the project. The impact evaluation consisted of pre- and post-project testing using a 'draw and write' and a problem-solving exercise. These findings suggest that the project had a significant impact on the children's knowledge of names of specific illegal drugs, and on their awareness that alcohol and cigarettes were also drugs, and secondly encouraged the children to think in less stereotypical terms about drugs and drug users. The problem-solving exercise, involving decision-making scenarios, showed small but positive trends between pre- and post-project solutions in more than half of the response categories. Methodological difficulties relating to evaluating such a project are discussed.

Bringing Lean Six Sigma to the Supply Chain Classroom: A Problem-Based Learning Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Keith E.; Hill, Craig; Miller, Antoinette R.

2016-01-01

The article describes a project that employs problem-based learning (PBL) to teach the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology as part of an undergraduate or graduate business course. It is scalable to a variety of course delivery and schedule formats, and uses data sets that can create distinct problem-solving scenarios for up to 16 student teams. It…

Nonlinear Multidimensional Assignment Problems Efficient Conic Optimization Methods and Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-24

WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Arizona State University School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences 901 S...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The major goals of this project were completed: the exact solution of previously unsolved challenging combinatorial optimization... combinatorial optimization problem, the Directional Sensor Problem, was solved in two ways. First, heuristically in an engineering fashion and second, exactly

"XANSONS for COD": a new small BOINC project in crystallography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neverov, Vladislav S.; Khrapov, Nikolay P.

2018-04-01

"XANSONS for COD" (http://xansons4cod.com) is a new BOINC project aimed at creating the open-access database of simulated x-ray and neutron powder diffraction patterns for nanocrystalline phase of materials from the collection of the Crystallography Open Database (COD). The project uses original open-source software XaNSoNS to simulate diffraction patterns on CPU and GPU. This paper describes the scientific problem this project solves, the project's internal structure, its operation principles and organization of the final database.

Water scarcity in Beijing and countermeasures to solve the problem at river basins scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lixia; Gao, Jixi; Zou, Changxin; Wang, Yan; Lin, Naifeng

2017-11-01

Beijing has been subject to water scarcity in recent decades. Over-exploitation of water resources reduced water availability, and water-saving measures were not enough to mitigate the water scarcity. To address this problem, water transfer projects across river basins are being built. This paper assessed water scarcity in Beijing and the feasibility of solving the problem at river basins scale. The results indicate that there was an average annual water deficit of 13×108 m3 y-1 in Beijing, which totaled 208.9 ×108 m3 for 1998-2014, despite the adoption of various measures to alleviate water scarcity. Three of the adjacent four sub-river basins suffered a serious water deficit from 1998-2014. It was therefore impossible to transfer enough water from the adjacent river basins to mitigate the water scarcity in Beijing. However, the annual water deficit will be eliminated after the comprehensive operation of the world’s largest water transfer project (the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, SNWTP) in 2020, but it will take approximately 200 years before Beijing’s water resources are restored to the 1998 levels.

A Finite Element Projection Method for the Solution of Particle Transport Problems with Anisotropic Scattering.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

piecewise constant energy dependence. This is a seven-dimensional problem with time dependence, three spatial and two angular or directional variables and...in extending the computer implementation of the method to time and energy dependent problems, and to solving and validating this technique on a...problems they have severe limitations. The Monte Carlo method, usually requires the use of many hours of expensive computer time , and for deep

Sustainable knowledge development across cultural boundaries: Experiences from the EU-project SILMAS (Toolbox for conflict solving instruments in Alpine Lake Management)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fegerl, Michael; Wieden, Wilfried

2013-04-01

Increasingly people have to communicate knowledge across cultural and language boundaries. Even though recent technologies offer powerful communication facilities people often feel confronted with barriers which clearly reduce their chances of making their interaction a success. Concrete evidence concerning such problems derives from a number of projects, where generated knowledge often results in dead-end products. In the Alpine Space-project SILMAS (Sustainable Instruments for Lake Management in Alpine Space), in which both authors were involved, a special approach (syneris® ) was taken to avoid this problem and to manage project knowledge in sustainable form. Under this approach knowledge input and output are handled interactively: Relevant knowledge can be developed continuously and users can always access the latest state of expertise. Resort to the respective tools and procedures can also assist in closing knowledge gaps and in developing innovative responses to familiar or novel problems. This contribution intends to describe possible ways and means which have been found to increase the chances of success of knowledge communication across cultural boundaries. The process of trans-cultural discussions of experts to find a standardized solution is highlighted as well as the problem of dissemination of expert knowledge to variant stakeholders. Finally lessons learned are made accessible, where a main task lies in the creation of a tool box for conflict solving instruments, as a demonstrable result of the project and for the time thereafter. The interactive web-based toolbox enables lake managers to access best practice instruments in standardized, explicit and cross-linguistic form.

Systems Engineering Technical Leadership Development Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

leading others in creative problem solving, complexity, and why projects fail . These topics were additionally supported by case studies designed to...Your Core Values Dominick Wed 12:30-1:30 Lunch Wed 1:30-2:45 Case Study: Why Projects Fail Pennotti Wed 2:45-3:00 Break Wed 3:00-4:30 Project...Case Study: When Good Wasn’t Good Enough 11. Technical Value-5: Group Project: AR2D2 RFP 12. Customer Expectation-1: Lecture: Why Systems Fail

Professional Development for Design-Based Learning in Engineering Education: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gómez Puente, Sonia M.; van Eijck, Michiel; Jochems, Wim

2015-01-01

Design-based learning (DBL) is an educational approach in which students gather and apply theoretical knowledge to solve design problems. In this study, we examined how critical DBL dimensions (project characteristics, design elements, the teacher's role, assessment, and social context) are applied by teachers in the redesign of DBL projects.…

Group Projects Using Clients versus Not Using Clients: Do Students Perceive Any Differences?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, Amy L.; Lepkowska-White, Elzbieta

2009-01-01

Today's educators are faced with the challenge of preparing undergraduate students to be productive employees who can communicate effectively, work well in teams, and solve problems, as well as demonstrate content knowledge. Group projects are one tool that educators can use to help students develop these key skills. Educators may be tempted to…

Evaluating the Social Validity of Project "TEAM": A Problem-Solving Intervention to Teach Transition Age Youth with Developmental Disabilities to Resolve Environmental Barriers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, Jessica M.; Hwang, I-Ting; Helfrich, Christine A.; Samuel, Preethy S.; Carrellas, Ann

2018-01-01

Project "TEAM" teaches transition-age youth with developmental disabilities (DD) to identify physical and social environmental barriers and supports, generate solutions to barriers, and request modifications to increase participation. Establishing the social validity of this environment focused intervention with youth and their parents…

The Clock Project: Gears as Visual-Tangible Representations for Mathematical Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrade, Alejandro

2011-01-01

As we have noticed from our own classroom experiences, children often find it difficult to identify the adequate operations learned in mathematics class when they are solving mechanical-operators problems in Technology class. We wanted to design a project that exploits the idea of a hands-on relationship between mathematics and technology to teach…

PLTW and Epics-High: Curriculum Comparisons to Support Problem Solving in the Context of Engineering Design. Research in Engineering and Technology Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelley, Todd; Brenner, Daniel C.; Pieper, Jon T.

2010-01-01

A comparative study was conducted to compare two approaches to engineering design curriculum between different schools (inter-school) and between two curricular approaches, "Project Lead the Way" (PLTW) and "Engineering Projects in Community Service" (EPIC High) (inter-curricular). The researchers collected curriculum…

Tri-P-LETS: Changing the Face of High School Computer Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherrell, Linda; Malasri, Kriangsiri; Mills, David; Thomas, Allen; Greer, James

2012-01-01

From 2004-2007, the University of Memphis carried out the NSF-funded Tri-P-LETS (Three P Learning Environment for Teachers and Students) project to improve local high-school computer science curricula. The project reached a total of 58 classrooms in eleven high schools emphasizing problem solving skills, programming concepts as opposed to syntax,…

Cam Design Projects in an Advanced CAD Course for Mechanical Engineers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ault, H. K.

2009-01-01

The objective of this paper is to present applications of solid modeling aimed at modeling of complex geometries such as splines and blended surfaces in advanced CAD courses. These projects, in CAD-based Mechanical Engineering courses, are focused on the use of the CAD system to solve design problems for applications in machine design, namely the…

Online Project-Based Learning: How Collaborative Strategies and Problem Solving Processes Impact Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, W. Randall; Macgregor, S. Kim

2005-01-01

The goal of this study was to gain insights into the interactions that occur in online communications in a project-based learning activity implemented in an undergraduate course. A multi-case study was conducted of six collaborative groups, focusing on the types and frequencies of interactions that occurred within each group and the perceptions…

The Development of Thai Learners' Key Competencies by Project-Based Learning Using ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soparat, Sasithorn; Arnold, Savitree Rochanasmita; Klaysom, Saowadee

2015-01-01

This research aimed to study the use of Project-based Learning using ICT (PBL using ICT) to develop learners' five key competencies based on Thai Basic Education Curriculum 2008, which consists of 1) communication capability 2) thinking capability 3) problem solving capability 4) capability in applying life skills and 5) capability in…

Project Relationship: Creating and Sustaining a Nurturing Community [Manual and Video].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poulsen, Marie Kanne; Cole, Carol K.

This manual and related 41-minute video was produced by a 5-year federally funded project to foster collaboration between special education and child care staff in early childhood programs. The approach is based on a structured, relationship-based, problem solving framework, "Going Around the Circle." The process involves five steps: (1)…

An Examination of Tri-Level Collaboration around Student Achievement Using the Gap Analysis Approach: School Site Leadership Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salinas, Esther Charlotte

2013-01-01

Using the Gap Analysis problem-solving framework (Clark & Estes, 2008), this project examined collaboration around student achievement at the school site leadership level in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). This project is one of three concurrent studies focused on collaboration around student achievement in the PUSD that include…

Remote Areas Development Manual. Appropriate Technologies for Development. Reprint No. R-36.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peace Corps, Washington, DC. Information Collection and Exchange Div.

This manual, developed for use by Peace Corps volunteers, attempts to help development counselors to understand the needs of remote-area groups and to provide for those needs through effective self-help projects. The projects covered are those that can solve most effectively, on the village level, the most pressing problems. The manual is written…

"A Cellular Encounter": Constructing the Cell as a Whole System Using Illustrative Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Joel I.

2014-01-01

A standard part of biology curricula is a project-based assessment of cell structure and function. However, these are often individual assignments that promote little problem-solving or group learning and avoid the subject of organelle chemical interactions. I evaluate a model-based cell project designed to foster group and individual guided…

Integrating IS Curriculum Knowledge through a Cluster-Computing Project--A Successful Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kitchens, Fred L.; Sharma, Sushil K.; Harris, Thomas

2004-01-01

MIS curricula in business schools are challenged to provide MIS courses that give students a strong practical understanding of the basic technologies, while also providing enough hands-on experience to solve real life problems. As an experimental capstone MIS course, the authors developed a cluster-computing project to expose business students to…

Solutions Unlimited: Evaluation of Prototype Units 1 and 3. Research Report 89.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agency for Instructional Television, Bloomington, IN.

Solutions Unlimited is a computer/video project developed by the Agency for Instructional Television (AIT) in collaboration with a consortium of state, provincial, and local education agencies. The goal of the project is to improve the problem-solving skills of students in grades 6 through 8 through the use of brief instructional television…

Money Management and the Consumer, Basic Economic Skills: "Baffled, Bothered, Bewildered".

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This document, one in a series of six Project SCAT (Skills for Consumers Applied Today) units for senior high school students, provides an overview of basic economic skills and consumer practices. Project SCAT is designed to help students develop basic skills, solve problems, and apply consumer knowledge necessary for making wise choices in the…

Can Instructional Reform in Urban Middle Schools Help Students Narrow the Mathematics Performance Gap? Some Evidence from the QUASAR Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silver, Edward A.; Lane, Suzanne

1995-01-01

Compared mathematical performance of middle school students in low-income communities involved in the QUASAR project to those of a demographically similar school and of a nationally representative sample. QUASAR mathematics instruction emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding. Quasar students outperformed NAEP's disadvantaged urban…

Distance Learning Engineering Students Languish under Project-Based Learning, but Thrive in Case Studies and Practical Workshops

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swart, Arthur James

2016-01-01

The International Engineering Alliance lists 12 important graduate attributes that students must demonstrate during their higher educational career. One of these important graduate attributes is the ability to solve problems, which can be demonstrated by the use of project-based learning, case studies, and practical workshops. The purpose of this…

Cornell OEO Project: An Exploration in Urban Extension Activity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ostrander, Edward; And Others

To explore ways of adapting cooperative extension education to help urban poor families solve their home management and consumer problems, the Cornell-OEO project trained and then employed 38 South Brooklyn women as family assistants to work with over 500 local families. The dynamic program changed frequently during its 2 year term as its range…

An Examination of Tri-Level Collaboration around Student Achievement Using the Gap Analysis Approach: Teacher Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carruthers, Anthony Steven

2013-01-01

Using the Gap Analysis problem-solving framework (Clark & Estes, 2008), this project examined collaboration around student achievement in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) from the teacher perspective. As part of a tri-level study, two other projects examined collaboration around student achievement in PUSD from the perspectives of…

In-Service Workshop Model. Development Work, Volunteer Service and Project Review. Core Curriculum Resource Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Dan

A model is provided for an inservice workshop to provide systematic project review, conduct individual volunteer support and problem solving, and conduct future work planning. Information on model use and general instructions are presented. Materials are provided for 12 sessions covering a 5-day period. The first session on climate setting and…

Fulfilling the "Missing Link" between University and Authentic Workplace in Teacher Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mugaloglu, Ebru Zeynep; Doganca, Zerrin

2009-01-01

Purpose: This study aims to enable pre-service teachers to cooperate with teachers and to participate in solving classroom problems with the guidance of academic staff in an action research (AR) project. Design/methodology/approach: Eight pre-service teachers took an AR course and simultaneously participated in a collaborative AR project. While…

12 Years of Action Learning at EM Normandie: Monitored Field Projects as Regular Pedagogical Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anger, Sophie Gay; Hachard, Virginie

2011-01-01

The Master Grande Ecole curriculum at EM Normandie School is organized around junior consulting projects and real problem solving activities aiming at bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and professional competencies. Since the 90's, students are involved in regular consulting activities for local and national companies following the…

Pace's Maxims for Homegrown Library Projects. Coming Full Circle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pace, Andrew K.

2005-01-01

This article discusses six maxims by which to run library automation. The following maxims are discussed: (1) Solve only known problems; (2) Avoid changing data to fix display problems; (3) Aut viam inveniam aut faciam; (4) If you cannot make it yourself, buy something; (5) Kill the alligator closest to the boat; and (6) Just because yours is…

University Research and the City: A Report from the President of New York University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hester, James M.

This report describes selected urban-oriented research projects of New York University that are designed to draw on the city's resources to develop new knowledge for the improvement of urban society. The university's efforts to solve urban problems take 2 forms: (1) research leadership, directed at identifying and analyzing major problems and…

Local Responses to Global Problems: A Key to Meeting Basic Human Needs. Worldwatch Paper 17.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stokes, Bruce

The booklet maintains that the key to meeting basic human needs is the participation of individuals and communities in local problem solving. Some of the most important achievements in providing food, upgrading housing, improving human health, and tapping new energy sources, comes through local self-help projects. Proponents of local efforts at…

Undergraduate Student Task Group Approach to Complex Problem Solving Employing Computer Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, LeRoy D.

A project formulated a computer simulation game for use as an instructional device to improve financial decision making. The author constructed a hypothetical firm, specifying its environment, variables, and a maximization problem. Students, assisted by a professor and computer consultants and having access to B5500 and B6700 facilities, held 16…

Examining Learning Styles and Perceived Benefits of Analogical Problem Construction on SQL Knowledge Acquisition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Robert J.; Dupin-Bryant, Pamela A.; Johnson, John D.; Beaulieu, Tanya Y.

2015-01-01

The demand for Information Systems (IS) graduates with expertise in Structured Query Language (SQL) and database management is vast and projected to increase as "big data" becomes ubiquitous. To prepare students to solve complex problems in a data-driven world, educators must explore instructional strategies to help link prior knowledge…

Planning and managing future space facility projects. [management by objectives and group dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sieber, J. E.; Wilhelm, J. A.; Tanner, T. A.; Helmreich, R. L.; Burgenbauch, S. F.

1979-01-01

To learn how ground-based personnel of a space project plan and organize their work and how such planning and organizing relate to work outcomes, longitudinal study of the management and execution of the Space Lab Mission Development Test 3 (SMD 3) was performed at NASA Ames Research Center. A view of the problems likely to arise in organizations and some methods of coping with these problems are presented as well as the conclusions and recommendations that pertain strictly to SMD 3 management. Emphasis is placed on the broader context of future space facility projects and additional problems that may be anticipated. A model of management that may be used to facilitate problem solving and communication - management by objectives (MBO) is presented. Some problems of communication and emotion management that MBO does not address directly are considered. Models for promoting mature, constructive and satisfying emotional relationships among group members are discussed.

Research at USAFA 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

field repair technique for enamel -coated steel used in reinforcing concrete structures. In addition to solving real problems, these efforts provide...projects are varied and range from designing and validating repairs, performing residual life analysis, augmenting the current crack growth prediction

Profit from Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schrader, Clifford L.

1993-01-01

Describes a chemistry classroom project of forming a company to acquire 10,000 pounds of zinc sulfate monohydrate from a company that wanted to dispose of it. The zinc was eventually sold to an agricultural company for use in fertilizer. (PR)

76 FR 21712 - Meeting of the Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Industry Sub-Panel

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-18

... creative problem-solving to overcome impediments to industry progress toward deploying operational projects... held at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20005...

78 FR 57266 - Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period for the Individuals With Disabilities Education...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-18

... affiliates need continued support to engage in meaningful dialogue, continual learning, and problem solving... Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov . Specifically, through...

Evaluation of South Carolina's virtual transit enterprise

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-09-09

The evaluation presents an assessment of South Carolina's Virtual Transit Enterprise (VTE) project up to February 2005. The VTE is a shared technology solution to bring the state's public transit providers together to solve mutual problems. The corne...

Network model of project "Lean Production"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khisamova, E. D.

2018-05-01

Economical production implies primarily new approaches to culture of management and organization of production and offers a set of tools and techniques that allows reducing losses significantly and making the process cheaper and faster. Economical production tools are simple solutions that allow one to see opportunities for improvement of all aspects of the business, to reduce losses significantly, to constantly improve the whole spectrum of business processes, to increase significantly the transparency and manageability of the organization, to take advantage of the potential of each employee of the company, to increase competitiveness, and to obtain significant economic benefits without making large financial expenditures. Each of economical production tools solves a specific part of the problems, and only application of their combination will allow one to solve the problem or minimize it to acceptable values. The research of the governance process project "Lean Production" permitted studying the methods and tools of lean production and developing measures for their improvement.

Review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Common Sense Initiative (The National Shipbuilding Research Program)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-01

Falls Church, VA 22042 Robert Yancey Jr., President Aahland Petroleum P.O. Box 391 Ashland KY 41114 ROSTER - PRINTING SECTOR SUBCOMMlTTEE, CSI Co...Regulatory Initiative Project Workgroup ChaiR: Rick Johns Statement of Project Objective: To explore auto specific concerns with the Title V...and Recycling Workgroup Chair: Rick Reibstein, Massachusetts OTA Solving the “Obscure Policy” Problem Statement of Project or Activity Objective: TO

The Energy Problem: What the Helios Project Can Do About it (LBNL Science at the Theater)

ScienceCinema

Chu, Steven

2018-06-15

The energy problem is one of the most important issues that science and technology has to solve. Nobel laureate and Berkeley Lab Director Steven Chu proposes an aggressive research program to transform the existing and future energy systems of the world away from technologies that emit greenhouse gases. Berkeley Lab's Helios Project concentrates on renewable fuels, such as biofuels, and solar technologies, including a new generation of solar photovoltaic cells and the conversion of electricity into chemical storage to meet future demand.

Lafayette Adult Reading Academy (LARA) and St. Elizabeth Hospital Employee Literacy Program. Final Performance Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lafayette School Corp., IN.

A two-pronged project model aimed to reduce the volume and increase the usefulness of health care materials and improve the literacy, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills of hospital employees. Regular meetings with hospital staff led project personnel to begin training with the cleaning staff in the areas of fire safety, back care,…

Learning Curve: How College Graduates Solve Information Problems Once They Join the Workplace. Project Information Literacy Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Head, Allison J.

2012-01-01

Qualitative findings about the information-seeking behavior of today's college graduates as they transition from the campus to the workplace. Included are findings from interviews with 23 US employers and focus groups with 33 recent graduates from four US colleges and universities, conducted as an exploratory study for Project Information…

Impact of Middle School Student Energy Monitoring Activities on Climate Change Beliefs and Intentions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christensen, Rhonda; Knezek, Gerald

2018-01-01

The Going Green! Middle Schoolers Out to Save the World project aims to direct middle school students' enthusiasm for hands-on activities toward interest in science and other STEM areas while guiding them to solve real-world problems. Students in this project are taught by their teachers to use energy monitoring equipment to audit standby power…

Project-Based Instruction: A Great Match for Informational Texts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duke, Nell K.

2016-01-01

In a project-based learning approach, students work over an extended time period for a purpose beyond satisfying a school requirement--to build something, to create something, to respond to a question they have, to solve a real problem, or to address a real need. For example, students might work to plan, plant, and cultivate a garden to help feed…

An Analysis of Collaborative Problem-Solving Mechanisms in Sponsored Projects: Applying the 5-Day Sprint Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raubenolt, Amy

2016-01-01

In May 2016, the office of Finance and Sponsored Projects at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital conducted a 5-day design sprint session to re-evaluate and redesign a flawed final reporting process within the department. The department sprint was modeled after the design sprint sessions that occur routinely in software…

Exploring the Potential of Social Network Sites in Relation to Intercultural Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lang, Anouk

2012-01-01

This article reports on the results of a project which used a social network site to support students on a year abroad and foster informal learning, particularly in the area of intercultural communication. The project employed a peer-mentoring structure to solve the problem of role conflict, in which users of these sites may feel some tension as…

Curricular Reform: Systems Modeling and Sustainability in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Vermont

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzo, D. M.; Hayden, N. J.; Dewoolkar, M.; Neumann, M.; Lathem, S.

2009-12-01

Researchers at the University of Vermont were awarded a NSF-sponsored Department Level Reform (DLR) grant to incorporate a systems approach to engineering problem solving within the civil and environmental engineering programs. A systems approach challenges students to consider the environmental, social, and economic aspects within engineering solutions. Likewise, sustainability requires a holistic approach to problem solving that includes economic, social and environmental factors. Our reform has taken a multi-pronged approach in two main areas that include implementing: a) a sequence of three systems courses related to environmental and transportation systems that introduce systems thinking, sustainability, and systems analysis and modeling; and b) service-learning (SL) projects as a means of practicing the systems approach. Our SL projects are good examples of inquiry-based learning that allow students to emphasize research and learning in areas of most interest to them. The SL projects address real-world open-ended problems. Activities that enhance IT and soft skills for students are incorporated throughout the curricula. Likewise, sustainability has been a central piece of the reform. We present examples of sustainability in the SL and modeling projects within the systems courses (e.g., students have used STELLA™ systems modeling software to address the impact of different carbon sequestration strategies on global climate change). Sustainability in SL projects include mentoring home schooled children in biomimicry projects, developing ECHO exhibits and the design of green roofs, bioretention ponds and porous pavement solutions. Assessment includes formative and summative methods involving student surveys and focus groups, faculty interviews and observations, and evaluation of student work.

Leadership Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchison, Cathleen; And Others

1988-01-01

Lists skills identified by the Leadership Development Task Force as being critical skills for a leader. Discussion focuses on information managing skills, including problem solving, decision making, setting goals and objectives; project management; and people managing skills, including interpersonal communications, conflict management, motivation,…

Fact Sheet: Roles and Responsibilities of One EPA Web Editors-in-Chief (EICs)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Skills and abilities expected of EICs include project management, communication, leadership, and problem solving. The EIC is responsible to serve as the lead for their web topic, and coordinate content development and maintenance.

Joining Others for Community Economic Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Borgen, Joseph A.; Shade, William B.

1984-01-01

Examines the basic principles of economic development and provides a case study of the Communitywide Work Force Development Project, which was designed to involve the community in solving the economic development and work force problems of Terre Haute, Indiana. (DMM)

The effects of duration of exposure to the REAPS model in developing students' general creativity and creative problem solving in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhusaini, Abdulnasser Alashaal F.

The Real Engagement in Active Problem Solving (REAPS) model was developed in 2004 by C. June Maker and colleagues as an intervention for gifted students to develop creative problem solving ability through the use of real-world problems. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the REAPS model on developing students' general creativity and creative problem solving in science with two durations as independent variables. The long duration of the REAPS model implementation lasted five academic quarters or approximately 10 months; the short duration lasted two quarters or approximately four months. The dependent variables were students' general creativity and creative problem solving in science. The second purpose of the study was to explore which aspects of creative problem solving (i.e., generating ideas, generating different types of ideas, generating original ideas, adding details to ideas, generating ideas with social impact, finding problems, generating and elaborating on solutions, and classifying elements) were most affected by the long duration of the intervention. The REAPS model in conjunction with Amabile's (1983; 1996) model of creative performance provided the theoretical framework for this study. The study was conducted using data from the Project of Differentiation for Diverse Learners in Regular Classrooms (i.e., the Australian Project) in which one public elementary school in the eastern region of Australia cooperated with the DISCOVER research team at the University of Arizona. All students in the school from first to sixth grade participated in the study. The total sample was 360 students, of which 115 were exposed to a long duration and 245 to a short duration of the REAPS model. The principal investigators used a quasi-experimental research design in which all students in the school received the treatment for different durations. Students in both groups completed pre- and posttests using the Test of Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT-DP) and the Test of Creative Problem Solving in Science (TCPS-S). A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to control for differences between the two groups on pretest results. Statistically significant differences were not found between posttest scores on the TCT-DP for the two durations of REAPS model implementation. However, statistically significant differences were found between posttest scores on the TCPS-S. These findings are consistent with Amabile's (1983; 1996) model of creative performance, particularly her explanation that domain-specific creativity requires knowledge such as specific content and technical skills that must be learned prior to being applied creatively. The findings are also consistent with literature in which researchers have found that longer interventions typically result in expected positive growth in domain-specific creativity, while both longer and shorter interventions have been found effective in improving domain-general creativity. Change scores were also calculated between pre- and posttest scores on the 8 aspects of creativity (Maker, Jo, Alfaiz, & Alhusaini, 2015a), and a binary logistic regression was conducted to assess which were the most affected by the long duration of the intervention. The regression model was statistically significant, with aspects of generating ideas, adding details to ideas, and finding problems being the most affected by the long duration of the intervention. Based on these findings, the researcher believes that the REAPS model is a useful intervention to develop students' creativity. Future researchers should implement the model for longer durations if they are interested in developing students' domain-specific creative problem solving ability.

Building up explanations in physics teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pessoa de Carvalho, Anna Maria; Paulo, Sao

2004-02-01

The purpose of this research project was to study how students in the first years of elementary school (children from 7 to 10 years of age) are initiated into the construction of explanations of physical phenomena in the teaching of science. With this purpose in mind, we organized classes based on the proposition of investigative problems, where children, working in groups, could solve problems by raising and testing their own hypotheses. They would then attempt, by means of general discussion organized by the teacher, to discuss how each problem was solved and why it worked. We videotaped a series of classes in which the students solved 15 different investigative problems. We also analysed the teacher/student interactions that took place (in this paper, we present data on two of these classes). Based on our data we found that students construct their own causal explanations by following a sequence of stages that includes the appearance of novelties. We also discuss how our data relate to the teacher's role in the classroom and to the organization of science teaching at this level.

Completing the Physical Representation of Quantum Algorithms Provides a Quantitative Explanation of Their Computational Speedup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castagnoli, Giuseppe

2018-03-01

The usual representation of quantum algorithms, limited to the process of solving the problem, is physically incomplete. We complete it in three steps: (i) extending the representation to the process of setting the problem, (ii) relativizing the extended representation to the problem solver to whom the problem setting must be concealed, and (iii) symmetrizing the relativized representation for time reversal to represent the reversibility of the underlying physical process. The third steps projects the input state of the representation, where the problem solver is completely ignorant of the setting and thus the solution of the problem, on one where she knows half solution (half of the information specifying it when the solution is an unstructured bit string). Completing the physical representation shows that the number of computation steps (oracle queries) required to solve any oracle problem in an optimal quantum way should be that of a classical algorithm endowed with the advanced knowledge of half solution.

National Clearinghouse for Drug Abuse Information Report Series, Series 22, No. 1. Community Action Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Inst. on Drug Abuse (DHEW/PHS), Rockville, MD. National Clearinghouse for Drug Abuse Information.

Based on the principle that drug abuse is no longer a problem restricted to certain economic, social, educational, or intellectual levels or ethnic groups, this pamphlet relates some examples of on-going community action programs and projects. Essentially, these programs are striving to solve some of the drug related problems in their immediate…

Teaching Guide and Problem Supplement. A Publication of the Exemplary Project Problem Solving Computer Style 1969-1970.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Orleans Public Schools, LA.

Secondary school teachers incorporating the use of a computer in algebra, trigonometry, advanced mathematics, chemistry, or physics classes are the individuals for whom this book is intended. The content included in it is designed to aid the learning of programing techniques and basic scientific or mathematical principles, and to offer some…

Advising a Bus Company on Number of Needed Buses: How High-School Physics Students' Deal With a "Complex Problem"?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balukovic, Jasmina; Slisko, Josip; Hadzibegovic, Zalkida

2011-01-01

Since 2003, international project PISA evaluates 15-year old students in solving problems that include "decision taking", "analysis and design of systems" and "trouble-shooting". This article presents the results of a pilot research conducted with 215 students from first to fourth grade of a high school in Sarajevo…

Problem-Oriented and Project-Based Learning (POPBL) as an Innovative Learning Strategy for Sustainable Development in Engineering Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lehmann, M.; Christensen, P.; Du, X.; Thrane, M.

2008-01-01

In a world where systems are increasingly larger, where their boundaries are often difficult to identify, and where societal rather than technical issues play increasingly bigger roles, problems cannot be solved by applying a technical solution alone. It thus becomes important for engineers to be skilled not only in terms of their particular…

The Baltimore applications project: A new look at technology transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The history of cooperation between Goddard Space Flight Center and Baltimore City administrators in solving urban problems is summarized. NASA provided consultation and advisory services as well as technology resources and demonstrations. Research and development programs for 69 tasks are briefly described. Technology utilization for incinerator energy, data collection, Health Department problems, and solarization experiments are presented as case histories.

Solution of cavity resonance and waveguide scattering problems using the eigenmode projection technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasr, Mamdouh H.; Othman, Mohamed A. K.; Eshrah, Islam A.; Abuelfadl, Tamer M.

2017-04-01

New developments in the eigenmode projection technique (EPT) are introduced in solving problems of electromagnetic resonance in closed cavities as well as scattering from discontinuities in guided-wave structures. The EPT invokes the eigenmodes of a canonical predefined cavity in the solution procedure and uses the expansion of these eigenmodes to solve Maxwell's equations, in conjunction with a convenient choice of port boundary conditions. For closed cavities, a new spurious-mode separation method is developed, showing robust and efficient spurious-mode separation. This has been tested using more complex and practical examples demonstrating the powerful use of the presented approach. For waveguide scattering problems, convergence studies are being performed showing stable solutions for a relatively small number of expansion modes, and the proposed method has advantages over conventional solvers in analyzing electromagnetic problems with inhomogeneous materials. These convergence studies also lead to an efficient rule-of-thumb for the number of modes to be used in the simulation. The ability to handle closed and open structures is presented in a unified framework that highlights the generality of the EPT which could be used to analyze and design a variety of microwave components.

A projection gradient method for computing ground state of spin-2 Bose–Einstein condensates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hanquan, E-mail: hanquan.wang@gmail.com; Yunnan Tongchang Scientific Computing and Data Mining Research Center, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650221

In this paper, a projection gradient method is presented for computing ground state of spin-2 Bose–Einstein condensates (BEC). We first propose the general projection gradient method for solving energy functional minimization problem under multiple constraints, in which the energy functional takes real functions as independent variables. We next extend the method to solve a similar problem, where the energy functional now takes complex functions as independent variables. We finally employ the method into finding the ground state of spin-2 BEC. The key of our method is: by constructing continuous gradient flows (CGFs), the ground state of spin-2 BEC can bemore » computed as the steady state solution of such CGFs. We discretized the CGFs by a conservative finite difference method along with a proper way to deal with the nonlinear terms. We show that the numerical discretization is normalization and magnetization conservative and energy diminishing. Numerical results of the ground state and their energy of spin-2 BEC are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the numerical method.« less

Are We Serious about Preparing Chemists for the 21st Century Workplace or Are We Just Teaching Chemistry?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerr, Sylvia; Runquist, Olaf

2005-02-01

What characteristics of employees do you value in the workplace? Sixteen leaders from world-class chemistry-based industries responded: "We want competent scientists who have high-level communication skills, cultural competencies, knowledge of how for-profit organizations function, excellent team problem-solving skills, broad backgrounds, strong work ethics, the ability to move effortlessly from science to business to humanitarian issues, and data-analysis skills." A wish list of 16 valued characteristics was generated. In response to the concern of industrial leaders and as a result of a National Science Foundation grant the Hamline University 3M Project was initiated. This unique project brought 3M professionals and Hamline University faculty members together in teams to address the concerns of industry leaders and to design and initiate curricular changes to better prepare students for the 21st century technological workplace. Each of five teams focused on one of five skill areas: namely, communications, team problem solving, data analysis, cultural competency, business, and economics. The Hamline 3M Project demonstrated a model for utilizing the industrial intellectual community to enhance undergraduate science education.

A comparative study on first-time and experienced project-based learning students in an engineering design module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chua, K. J.

2014-09-01

This study aims to compare and evaluate the learning ability and performance differences between two groups of students undergoing project-based learning (PjBL), with one group having prior PjBL experience, while the other group is being freshly exposed to PjBL. More specifically, it examines if there are significant differences in knowledge score, problem-solving ability, and eventual project-deliverable outcomes between the two sets of students. Performances were compared via qualitative and quantitative analyses. Key findings have indicated a significant increase in fundamental formative knowledge; enhanced problem-solving abilities; and production of better performing artefacts with regard to the set of design skills between experienced and first-time PjBL groups. This study also highlighted that experienced PjBL students have less conflicts within their groups, and are more receptive to PjBL compared to first-time PjBL students. Results from this study provide a starting point for educators to seek new learning/facilitating strategies that are relevant based on the experience and learning styles of students.

The NASA/Baltimore Applications Project: An experiment in technology transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, T. S.

1981-01-01

Conclusions drawn from the experiment thus far are presented. The problems of a large city most often do not require highly sophisticated solutions; the simpler the solution, the better. A problem focused approach is a greater help to the city than a product focused approach. Most problem situations involve several individuals or organized groups within the city. Mutual trust and good interpersonal relationships between the technologist and the administrator is as important for solving problems as technological know-how.

Solving problems in social-ecological systems: definition, practice and barriers of transdisciplinary research.

PubMed

Angelstam, Per; Andersson, Kjell; Annerstedt, Matilda; Axelsson, Robert; Elbakidze, Marine; Garrido, Pablo; Grahn, Patrik; Jönsson, K Ingemar; Pedersen, Simen; Schlyter, Peter; Skärbäck, Erik; Smith, Mike; Stjernquist, Ingrid

2013-03-01

Translating policies about sustainable development as a social process and sustainability outcomes into the real world of social-ecological systems involves several challenges. Hence, research policies advocate improved innovative problem-solving capacity. One approach is transdisciplinary research that integrates research disciplines, as well as researchers and practitioners. Drawing upon 14 experiences of problem-solving, we used group modeling to map perceived barriers and bridges for researchers' and practitioners' joint knowledge production and learning towards transdisciplinary research. The analysis indicated that the transdisciplinary research process is influenced by (1) the amount of traditional disciplinary formal and informal control, (2) adaptation of project applications to fill the transdisciplinary research agenda, (3) stakeholder participation, and (4) functional team building/development based on self-reflection and experienced leadership. Focusing on implementation of green infrastructure policy as a common denominator for the delivery of ecosystem services and human well-being, we discuss how to diagnose social-ecological systems, and use knowledge production and collaborative learning as treatments.

Conjugate gradient based projection - A new explicit methodology for frictional contact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamma, Kumar K.; Li, Maocheng; Sha, Desong

1993-01-01

With special attention towards the applicability to parallel computation or vectorization, a new and effective explicit approach for linear complementary formulations involving a conjugate gradient based projection methodology is proposed in this study for contact problems with Coulomb friction. The overall objectives are focussed towards providing an explicit methodology of computation for the complete contact problem with friction. In this regard, the primary idea for solving the linear complementary formulations stems from an established search direction which is projected to a feasible region determined by the non-negative constraint condition; this direction is then applied to the Fletcher-Reeves conjugate gradient method resulting in a powerful explicit methodology which possesses high accuracy, excellent convergence characteristics, fast computational speed and is relatively simple to implement for contact problems involving Coulomb friction.

Projection methods for the numerical solution of Markov chain models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saad, Youcef

1989-01-01

Projection methods for computing stationary probability distributions for Markov chain models are presented. A general projection method is a method which seeks an approximation from a subspace of small dimension to the original problem. Thus, the original matrix problem of size N is approximated by one of dimension m, typically much smaller than N. A particularly successful class of methods based on this principle is that of Krylov subspace methods which utilize subspaces of the form span(v,av,...,A(exp m-1)v). These methods are effective in solving linear systems and eigenvalue problems (Lanczos, Arnoldi,...) as well as nonlinear equations. They can be combined with more traditional iterative methods such as successive overrelaxation, symmetric successive overrelaxation, or with incomplete factorization methods to enhance convergence.

Sequentially reweighted TV minimization for CT metal artifact reduction.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaomeng; Xing, Lei

2013-07-01

Metal artifact reduction has long been an important topic in x-ray CT image reconstruction. In this work, the authors propose an iterative method that sequentially minimizes a reweighted total variation (TV) of the image and produces substantially artifact-reduced reconstructions. A sequentially reweighted TV minimization algorithm is proposed to fully exploit the sparseness of image gradients (IG). The authors first formulate a constrained optimization model that minimizes a weighted TV of the image, subject to the constraint that the estimated projection data are within a specified tolerance of the available projection measurements, with image non-negativity enforced. The authors then solve a sequence of weighted TV minimization problems where weights used for the next iteration are computed from the current solution. Using the complete projection data, the algorithm first reconstructs an image from which a binary metal image can be extracted. Forward projection of the binary image identifies metal traces in the projection space. The metal-free background image is then reconstructed from the metal-trace-excluded projection data by employing a different set of weights. Each minimization problem is solved using a gradient method that alternates projection-onto-convex-sets and steepest descent. A series of simulation and experimental studies are performed to evaluate the proposed approach. Our study shows that the sequentially reweighted scheme, by altering a single parameter in the weighting function, flexibly controls the sparsity of the IG and reconstructs artifacts-free images in a two-stage process. It successfully produces images with significantly reduced streak artifacts, suppressed noise and well-preserved contrast and edge properties. The sequentially reweighed TV minimization provides a systematic approach for suppressing CT metal artifacts. The technique can also be generalized to other "missing data" problems in CT image reconstruction.

A Matlab toolkit for three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography: a contribution to the Electrical Impedance and Diffuse Optical Reconstruction Software project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polydorides, Nick; Lionheart, William R. B.

2002-12-01

The objective of the Electrical Impedance and Diffuse Optical Reconstruction Software project is to develop freely available software that can be used to reconstruct electrical or optical material properties from boundary measurements. Nonlinear and ill posed problems such as electrical impedance and optical tomography are typically approached using a finite element model for the forward calculations and a regularized nonlinear solver for obtaining a unique and stable inverse solution. Most of the commercially available finite element programs are unsuitable for solving these problems because of their conventional inefficient way of calculating the Jacobian, and their lack of accurate electrode modelling. A complete package for the two-dimensional EIT problem was officially released by Vauhkonen et al at the second half of 2000. However most industrial and medical electrical imaging problems are fundamentally three-dimensional. To assist the development we have developed and released a free toolkit of Matlab routines which can be employed to solve the forward and inverse EIT problems in three dimensions based on the complete electrode model along with some basic visualization utilities, in the hope that it will stimulate further development. We also include a derivation of the formula for the Jacobian (or sensitivity) matrix based on the complete electrode model.

Students and Scientists Take a "Lichen" To Air Quality Assessment in Ireland.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphy, Anthony P.

1998-01-01

Describes a cooperative project in which students in a number of areas in Ireland collect environmental data for use by scientists working to solve real-life problems. Reports on the follow-up survey to the study. (DDR)

Air Conditioning Modifications for the GMC RTSII Series 01 Coach (Model TH 8201)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-10-01

As part of its bus and paratransit technology research and development efforts, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration is conducting the Bus Subsystems Technology Project to help the transit bus industry solve serious equipment problems. The pr...

Needs, barriers, and analysis methods for integrated urban freight transportation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

In this joint project University of Maryland, West Virginia University, and Morgan State University worked together to : solve critical problems associated with urban freight systems. A review of literature and case studies on freight : villages and ...

Sculpting the Barnyard Gene Pool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Childers, Gina; Wolfe, Kim; Dupree, Alan; Young, Sheila; Caver, Jessica; Quintanilla, Ruby; Thornton, Laura

2016-01-01

Project-based learning (PBL) takes student engagement to a higher level through reflective collaboration, inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and personal relevance. This article explains how six high school teachers developed an interconnected, interdisciplinary STEM-focused PBL called "Sculpting the Barnyard Gene Pool." The…

Orbivirus of livestock

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Arthropod Borne Animal Diseases Unit (ABADRU) mission is to solve major endemic, emerging, and exotic arthropod-borne disease problems in livestock. The ABADRU has four 5-year project plans under two ARS National Research Programs; Animal Health NP103 and Veterinary, Medical, and Urban Entomolog...

Making Sense of the Data from Complex Assessments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mislevy, Robert J.; Steinberg, Linda S.; Breyer, F. Jay; Almond, Russell G.; Johnson, Lynn

2002-01-01

Presents a design framework that incorporates integrated structures for modeling knowledge and skills, designing tasks, and extracting and synthesizing evidence. Illustrates these ideas in the context of a project that assesses problem solving in dental hygiene through computer-based simulations. (SLD)

Building Community in School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaps, Eric; And Others

1996-01-01

Evaluation studies of the Child Development Project revealed unexpected findings concerning students' sense of classroom community. Teachers should systematically build relationships with students, involve them in planning and problem solving, help them learn classmates' strengths and interests, downplay competition, and involve all children in…

Teacher’s Stimulus Helps Students Achieve Mathematics Reasoning and Problem Solving Competences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayah, Isti; Pujiastuti, Emi; Chrisna, Jeanet Eva

2017-04-01

The students’ problem-solving ability in mathematics learning still becomes a challenge for teachers, especially in primary education. The scientific approach, with its activities including observing, asking, collecting information/experimenting/trying, associating/analysing information/reasoning, communicating/presenting/ networking is expected to be able to help students to achieve their competence of reasoning and problem-solving. The Missouri Mathematics Project learning by using student worksheet and manipulative (classical and group) have helped students achieved problem-solving competence. The implementation of scientific approach in the activities of observing, experimenting, and communicating are good. However, the questioning and associating activities are still less promoted. The result of observation towards four meetings of learning by using teaching aids shows that the expected activity which did not emerge during the learning is “students ask questions from the factual thing to hypothetical thing, starting with guidance from teacher until they can do by themselves”. The result of analysis towards theoretical background and research result conclude that the students’ asking and thinking abilities can be developed gradually by delivering stimuli in the form of tasks which have been designed by the teacher. The task could be a problem or a clue; then the students determine things such as: “what the question?”, “facts from pictures/text/graphs/tables”, “find the hidden question”, what’s extra?”, “what’s missing?”, “what’s wrong?”, alternatively, “make up the problem.

Software engineering with application-specific languages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, David J.; Barker, Linda; Mitchell, Deborah; Pollack, Robert H.

1993-01-01

Application-Specific Languages (ASL's) are small, special-purpose languages that are targeted to solve a specific class of problems. Using ASL's on software development projects can provide considerable cost savings, reduce risk, and enhance quality and reliability. ASL's provide a platform for reuse within a project or across many projects and enable less-experienced programmers to tap into the expertise of application-area experts. ASL's have been used on several software development projects for the Space Shuttle Program. On these projects, the use of ASL's resulted in considerable cost savings over conventional development techniques. Two of these projects are described.

Eight-dimensional methodology for innovative thinking about the case and ethics of the Mount Graham, Large Binocular Telescope project.

PubMed

Berne, Rosalyn W; Raviv, Daniel

2004-04-01

This paper introduces the Eight Dimensional Methodology for Innovative Thinking (the Eight Dimensional Methodology), for innovative problem solving, as a unified approach to case analysis that builds on comprehensive problem solving knowledge from industry, business, marketing, math, science, engineering, technology, arts, and daily life. It is designed to stimulate innovation by quickly generating unique "out of the box" unexpected and high quality solutions. It gives new insights and thinking strategies to solve everyday problems faced in the workplace, by helping decision makers to see otherwise obscure alternatives and solutions. Daniel Raviv, the engineer who developed the Eight Dimensional Methodology, and paper co-author, technology ethicist Rosalyn Berne, suggest that this tool can be especially useful in identifying solutions and alternatives for particular problems of engineering, and for the ethical challenges which arise with them. First, the Eight Dimensional Methodology helps to elucidate how what may appear to be a basic engineering problem also has ethical dimensions. In addition, it offers to the engineer a methodology for penetrating and seeing new dimensions of those problems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Eight Dimensional Methodology as an analytical tool for thinking about ethical challenges to engineering, the paper presents the case of the construction of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) on Mount Graham in Arizona. Analysis of the case offers to decision makers the use of the Eight Dimensional Methodology in considering alternative solutions for how they can proceed in their goals of exploring space. It then follows that same process through the second stage of exploring the ethics of each of those different solutions. The LBT project pools resources from an international partnership of universities and research institutes for the construction and maintenance of a highly sophisticated, powerful new telescope. It will soon mark the erection of the world's largest and most powerful optical telescope, designed to see fine detail otherwise visible only from space. It also represents a controversial engineering project that is being undertaken on land considered to be sacred by the local, native Apache people. As presented, the case features the University of Virginia, and its challenges in consideration of whether and how to join the LBT project consortium.

Improving problem solving in primary school students: The effect of a training programme focusing on metacognition and working memory.

PubMed

Cornoldi, Cesare; Carretti, Barbara; Drusi, Silvia; Tencati, Chiara

2015-09-01

Despite doubts voiced on their efficacy, a series of studies has been carried out on the capacity of training programmes to improve academic and reasoning skills by focusing on underlying cognitive abilities and working memory in particular. No systematic efforts have been made, however, to test training programmes that involve both general and specific underlying abilities. If effective, these programmes could help to increase students' motivation and competence. This study examined the feasibility of improving problem-solving skills in school children by means of a training programme that addresses general and specific abilities involved in problem solving, focusing on metacognition and working memory. The project involved a sample of 135 primary school children attending eight classes in the third, fourth, and fifth grades (age range 8-10 years). The classes were assigned to two groups, one attending the training programme in the first 3 months of the study (Training Group 1) and the other serving as a waiting-list control group (Training Group 2). In the second phase of the study, the role of the two groups was reversed, with Training Group 2 attending the training instead of Training Group 1. The training programme led to improvements in both metacognitive and working memory tasks, with positive-related effects on the ability to solve problems. The gains seen in Training Group 1 were also maintained at the second post-test (after 3 months). Specific activities focusing on metacognition and working memory may contribute to modifying arithmetical problem-solving performance in primary school children. © 2015 The British Psychological Society.

Algorithms and software for solving finite element equations on serial and parallel architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Alan

1989-01-01

Over the past 15 years numerous new techniques have been developed for solving systems of equations and eigenvalue problems arising in finite element computations. A package called SPARSPAK has been developed by the author and his co-workers which exploits these new methods. The broad objective of this research project is to incorporate some of this software in the Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) testbed, and to extend the techniques for use on multiprocessor architectures.

Mechatronics in monitoring, simulation, and diagnostics of industrial and biological processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golnik, Natalia; Dobosz, Marek; Jakubowska, Małgorzata; Kościelny, Jan M.; Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Pałko, Tadeusz; Putz, Barbara; Sitnik, Robert; Wnuk, Paweł; Woźniak, Adam

2013-10-01

The paper describes a number of research projects of the Faculty of Mechatronics of Warsaw University of Technology in order to illustrate the use of common mechatronics and optomechatronics approach in solving multidisciplinary technical problems. Projects on sensors development, measurement and industrial control systems, multimodal data capture and advance systems for monitoring and diagnostics of industrial processes are presented and discussed.

Tools for Teaching Problem Solving: An Evaluation of a Modeling and Systems Thinking Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuman, John P.; Weaver, Suzie L.

During the summer of 1986 a group of 15 racially diverse students entering 10th and 11th grades participated in an intensive 4-week course taught by members of an NSF-funded project. The project's goals were to develop science and mathematics curricula based on the principles of systems dynamics. The course was a test of materials intended to…

Assessment of knowledge transfer in the context of biomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchison, Randolph E.

The dynamic act of knowledge transfer, or the connection of a student's prior knowledge to features of a new problem, could be considered one of the primary goals of education. Yet studies highlight more instances of failure than success. This dissertation focuses on how knowledge transfer takes place during individual problem solving, in classroom settings and during group work. Through the lens of dynamic transfer, or how students connect prior knowledge to problem features, this qualitative study focuses on a methodology to assess transfer in the context of biomechanics. The first phase of this work investigates how a pedagogical technique based on situated cognition theory affects students' ability to transfer knowledge gained in a biomechanics class to later experiences both in and out of the classroom. A post-class focus group examined events the students remembered from the class, what they learned from them, and how they connected them to later relevant experiences inside and outside the classroom. These results were triangulated with conceptual gains evaluated through concept inventories and pre- and post- content tests. Based on these results, the next two phases of the project take a more in-depth look at dynamic knowledge transfer during independent problem-solving and group project interactions, respectively. By categorizing prior knowledge (Source Tools), problem features (Target Tools) and the connections between them, results from the second phase of this study showed that within individual problem solving, source tools were almost exclusively derived from "propagated sources," i.e. those based on an authoritative source. This differs from findings in the third phase of the project, in which a mixture of "propagated" sources and "fabricated" sources, i.e. those based on student experiences, were identified within the group project work. This methodology is effective at assessing knowledge transfer in the context of biomechanics through evidence of the ability to identify differing patterns of how different students apply prior knowledge and make new connections between prior knowledge and current problem features in different learning situations. Implications for the use of this methodology include providing insight into not only students' prior knowledge, but also how they connect this prior knowledge to problem features (i.e. dynamic knowledge transfer). It also allows the identification of instances in which external input from other students or the instructor prompted knowledge transfer to take place. The use of this dynamic knowledge transfer lens allows the addressing of gaps in student understanding, and permits further investigations of techniques that increase instances of successful knowledge transfer.

Using Technology to Facilitate and Enhance Project-based Learning in Mathematical Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, Gintaras

2011-04-01

Problem-based and project-based learning are two pedagogical techniques that have several clear advantages over traditional instructional methods: 1) both techniques are active and student centered, 2) students confront real-world and/or highly complex problems, and 3) such exercises model the way science and engineering are done professionally. This talk will present an experiment in project/problem-based learning in a mathematical physics course. The group project in the course involved modeling a zombie outbreak of the type seen in AMC's ``The Walking Dead.'' Students researched, devised, and solved their mathematical models for the spread of zombie-like infection. Students used technology in all stages; in fact, since analytical solutions to the models were often impossible, technology was a necessary and critical component of the challenge. This talk will explore the use of technology in general in problem and project-based learning and will detail some specific examples of how technology was used to enhance student learning in this course. A larger issue of how students use the Internet to learn will also be explored.

An alternative extragradient projection method for quasi-equilibrium problems.

PubMed

Chen, Haibin; Wang, Yiju; Xu, Yi

2018-01-01

For the quasi-equilibrium problem where the players' costs and their strategies both depend on the rival's decisions, an alternative extragradient projection method for solving it is designed. Different from the classical extragradient projection method whose generated sequence has the contraction property with respect to the solution set, the newly designed method possesses an expansion property with respect to a given initial point. The global convergence of the method is established under the assumptions of pseudomonotonicity of the equilibrium function and of continuity of the underlying multi-valued mapping. Furthermore, we show that the generated sequence converges to the nearest point in the solution set to the initial point. Numerical experiments show the efficiency of the method.

Teleoperator/robot technology can help solve biomedical problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heer, E.; Bejczy, A. K.

1975-01-01

Teleoperator and robot technology appears to offer the possibility to apply these techniques to the benefit for the severely handicapped giving them greater self reliance and independence. Major problem areas in the development of prostheses and remotely controlled devices for the handicapped are briefly discussed, and the parallelism with problems in the development of teleoperator/robots identified. A brief description of specific ongoing and projected developments in the area of remotely controlled devices (wheelchairs and manipulators) is provided.

Efficient operator splitting algorithm for joint sparsity-regularized SPIRiT-based parallel MR imaging reconstruction.

PubMed

Duan, Jizhong; Liu, Yu; Jing, Peiguang

2018-02-01

Self-consistent parallel imaging (SPIRiT) is an auto-calibrating model for the reconstruction of parallel magnetic resonance imaging, which can be formulated as a regularized SPIRiT problem. The Projection Over Convex Sets (POCS) method was used to solve the formulated regularized SPIRiT problem. However, the quality of the reconstructed image still needs to be improved. Though methods such as NonLinear Conjugate Gradients (NLCG) can achieve higher spatial resolution, these methods always demand very complex computation and converge slowly. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm to solve the formulated Cartesian SPIRiT problem with the JTV and JL1 regularization terms. The proposed algorithm uses the operator splitting (OS) technique to decompose the problem into a gradient problem and a denoising problem with two regularization terms, which is solved by our proposed split Bregman based denoising algorithm, and adopts the Barzilai and Borwein method to update step size. Simulation experiments on two in vivo data sets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is 1.3 times faster than ADMM for datasets with 8 channels. Especially, our proposal is 2 times faster than ADMM for the dataset with 32 channels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

No Solutions: Resisting Certainty in Water Supply Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cockerill, K.; Armstrong, M.; Richter, J.; Okie, J. G.

2017-12-01

Although most scholars and water managers implicitly understand that managing water resources is an ongoing need, both popular and academic literature routinely use the words `solution' and `solve' in discussing water management concerns. The word `solution' reflects a quest for certainty, stability, permanence. A focus on `solving' creates a simplistic expectation that some person or institution is responsible for implementing a solution and that once `solved' the issue no longer requires attention. The reality, however, is water management is a wicked problem, meaning it is amorphous, involves multiple definitions, is embedded in complex systems, and hence is intractable. By definition, wicked problems defy solution. Our interdisciplinary project integrates research from across a broad spectrum of biological, physical, and social sciences. We find that framing a problem in terms of `solving' affects how people think, feel, behave toward the problem. Further, our work suggests that the prevalence of solution- based language has simultaneously generated expectations that science / scientists can predict and control biophysical systems and that science is not to be trusted because it has failed to deliver on previous promises to permanently `solve' events like floods or droughts. Hydrologic systems, are, of course highly uncertain. Hence, reiterating a simplistic insistence on `solving' water management concerns may result in decreased public attention to or support for more complex policy discussions that could provide long-term management strategies. Using the language of `solutions' with expectations of certainty sets hydrologic researchers and water managers up to fail. Managing water is a social responsibility and it will require consistent attention in the future, just as it has throughout human history. Scientists have a key role to play in explaining how various hydrologic systems function, but they should not be expected to `solve' pressing water management needs. Rather, reconsidering the language used to frame water management concerns can help us recognize our own culpability in creating water problems and our responsibility in continuously managing this most essential resource.

Applications of Decision Theory to Test-Based Decision Making. Project Psychometric Aspects of Item Banking No. 23. Research Report 87-9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Linden, Wim J.

The use of Bayesian decision theory to solve problems in test-based decision making is discussed. Four basic decision problems are distinguished: (1) selection; (2) mastery; (3) placement; and (4) classification, the situation where each treatment has its own criterion. Each type of decision can be identified as a specific configuration of one or…

Center of Gravity within the Ill-Structured Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Chad Livingston...Simon, Decision Making and Problem Solving 28 Cardon and Leonard, Unleashing Design, Planning and the Art of Battle Command, 2 11 complex, ill...Command. "Commander’s Appreciation and Campaign Design." Fort Monroe, VA, January 2008. Edward Cardon and Steve Leonard. "Unleashing Design, Planning

A Responsive Cyber Risk Ecosystem

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-19

UNCLASSIFIED - Distribution A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited AIR FORCE CYBERWORX REPORT 16-003: A RESPONSIVE CYBER RISK...right problem to solve and find meaningful solutions by exploring a wide range of possible answers to the design problem. For the Responsive Cyber ...Risk Dashboard Design Project, CyberWorx brought together a design team of 25 participants from UASFA and Industry to explore how cyber risk to AF

Achievement of First-, Second-, and Third-Grade Students on Multiplication and Division Word Problems in Two Different Solution Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Brien, Aileen; Cabral, Sheryl Ann

This is a project in an emerging line of research investigating children's informed knowledge of mathematics questions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ability of students who had not received multiplication or division instruction to solve multiplication and division word problems. The study consisted of videotaped interviews with 89…

Social Science Research Serving Rural America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miron, Mary, Ed.

This collection of articles provides an overview of some of the recent social science research projects performed by state agricultural experiment stations. The examples highlight social science's contribution to problem-solving in rural business, industry, farming, communities, government, education, and families. The following programs are…

Team Learning in Technology-Mediated Distributed Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andres, Hayward P.; Shipps, Belinda P.

2010-01-01

This study examines technological, educational/learning, and social affordances associated with the facilitation of project-based learning and problem solving in technology-mediated distributed teams. An empirical interpretive research approach using direct observation is used to interpret, evaluate and rate observable manifested behaviors and…

The BIOSCI electronic newsgroup network for the biological sciences. Final report, October 1, 1992--June 30, 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kristofferson, D.; Mack, D.

1996-10-01

This is the final report for a DOE funded project on BIOSCI Electronic Newsgroup Network for the biological sciences. A usable network for scientific discussion, major announcements, problem solving, etc. has been created.

Jupiter Environmental Research & Field Studies Academy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huttemeyer, Bob

1996-01-01

Describes the development and workings of the Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy that focuses on enabling both teachers and students to participate in real-life learning experiences. Discusses qualifications for admittance, curriculum, location, ongoing projects, students, academics, preparation for life, problem solving, and…

Project evaluation and selection using fuzzy Delphi method and zero - one goal programming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alias, Suriana; Adna, Nofarziah; Arsad, Roslah; Soid, Siti Khuzaimah; Ali, Zaileha Md

2014-12-01

Project evaluation and selection is a factor affecting the impotence of board director in which is trying to maximize all the possible goals. Assessment of the problem occurred in organization plan is the first phase for decision making process. The company needs a group of expert to evaluate the problems. The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) is a systematic procedure to evoke the group's opinion in order to get the best result to evaluate the project performance. This paper proposes an evaluation and selection of the best alternative project based on combination of FDM and Zero - One Goal Programming (ZOGP) formulation. ZOGP is used to solve the multi-criteria decision making for final decision part by using optimization software LINDO 6.1. An empirical example on an ongoing decision making project in Johor, Malaysia is implemented for case study.

Highlight removal based on the regional-projection fringe projection method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Zhaoshuai; Wang, Zhao; Huang, Junhui; Xing, Chao; Gao, Jianmin

2018-04-01

In fringe projection profilometry, highlight usually causes the saturation and blooming in captured fringes and reduces the measurement accuracy. To solve the problem, a regional-projection fringe projection (RP-FP) method is proposed. Regional projection patterns (RP patterns) are projected onto the tested object surface to avoid the saturation and blooming. Then, an image inpainting technique is employed to reconstruct the missing phases in the captured RP patterns and a complete surface of the tested object is obtained. Experiments verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. The method can be widely used in industrial inspections and quality controlling in mechanical and manufacturing industries.

Compressed Air System Overhaul Improves Production at a Powdered Metal Manufacturing Plant (GKN Sinter Metals in Salem, IN)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

In 1998, GKN Sinter Metals completed a successful compressed air system improvement project at its Salem, Indiana manufacturing facility. The project was performed after GKN undertook a survey of its system in order to solve air quality problems and to evaluate whether the capacity of their compressed air system would meet their anticipated plant expansion. Once the project was implemented, the plant was able to increase production by 31% without having to add any additional compressor capacity.

Asteroids@Home

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durech, Josef; Hanus, J.; Vanco, R.

2012-10-01

We present a new project called Asteroids@home (http://asteroidsathome.net/boinc). It is a volunteer-computing project that uses an open-source BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing) software to distribute tasks to volunteers, who provide their computing resources. The project was created at the Astronomical Institute, Charles University in Prague, in cooperation with the Czech National Team. The scientific aim of the project is to solve a time-consuming inverse problem of shape reconstruction of asteroids from sparse-in-time photometry. The time-demanding nature of the problem comes from the fact that with sparse-in-time photometry the rotation period of an asteroid is not apriori known and a huge parameter space must be densely scanned for the best solution. The nature of the problem makes it an ideal task to be solved by distributed computing - the period parameter space can be divided into small bins that can be scanned separately and then joined together to give the globally best solution. In the framework of the the project, we process asteroid photometric data from surveys together with asteroid lightcurves and we derive asteroid shapes and spin states. The algorithm is based on the lightcurve inversion method developed by Kaasalainen et al. (Icarus 153, 37, 2001). The enormous potential of distributed computing will enable us to effectively process also the data from future surveys (Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, Gaia mission, etc.). We also plan to process data of a synthetic asteroid population to reveal biases of the method. In our presentation, we will describe the project, show the first results (new models of asteroids), and discuss the possibilities of its further development. This work has been supported by the grant GACR P209/10/0537 of the Czech Science Foundation and by the Research Program MSM0021620860 of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic.

Writing Invention: Sometimes an Anti-Social Act, or the Relationship of Anger and the Impulse To Write. [Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corso, Gail S.

Writing teachers notice how students who succeed with their written projects often do so after they have moved to a kind of anger either with themselves or the project, with external stimuli, or with a general sense of injustice. They are stimulated by the emotion to creative problem solving, and as an effect, they may succeed at eliminating the…

Assessing the Potential of Societal Verification by Means of New Media

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) “Red Balloon Challenge” in 2009 by finding 10 tethered weather balloons scattered across the...Institute of Technology (MIT) managed to locate 10 weather balloons tethered at undisclosed locations across the continental United States in less than...suited for complex problem solving, and the 2009 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) “Red Balloon Challenge” has already demonstrated

Group dynamics for the acquisition of competences in Project Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taguas, E. V.; Aguilar, M. C.; Castillo, C.; Polo, M. J.; Pérez, R.

2012-04-01

The Bologna Process promotes European citizens' employability from teaching fields in the University which implies the design of activities addressed to the development of skills for the labor market and engagement of employers. This work has been conceived for improving the formation of Engineering Project Management through group dynamics focused on: 1) the use of the creativity for solving problems; 2) promoting leadership capacities and social skills in multidisciplinary/multicultural work groups; 3) the ethical, social and environmental compromise; 4) the continuous learning. Different types of activities were designed: short activities of 15-30 minutes where fragments of books or songs are presented and discussed and long activities (2 h) where groups of students take different roles for solving common problems and situations within the Engineering Projects context. An electronic book with the content of the dynamics and the material for the students has been carried out. A sample of 20 students of Electronic Engineering degree which had participated at least in two dynamics, evaluated the utility for improving their formation in Engineering Project Management with a mark of 8.2 (scale 0-10, standard deviation equal to 0.9). On the other hand, the teachers observed how this type of work, promotes the interdisciplinary training and the acquisition of social skills, usually not-included in the objectives of the subjects.

Computational simulations of supersonic magnetohydrodynamic flow control, power and propulsion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Tian

This work is motivated by the lack of fully coupled computational tool that solves successfully the turbulent chemically reacting Navier-Stokes equation, the electron energy conservation equation and the electric current Poisson equation. In the present work, the abovementioned equations are solved in a fully coupled manner using fully implicit parallel GMRES methods. The system of Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a GMRES method with combined Schwarz and ILU(0) preconditioners. The electron energy equation and the electric current Poisson equation are solved using a GMRES method with combined SOR and Jacobi preconditioners. The fully coupled method has also been implemented successfully in an unstructured solver, US3D, and convergence test results were presented. This new method is shown two to five times faster than the original DPLR method. The Poisson solver is validated with analytic test problems. Then, four problems are selected; two of them are computed to explore the possibility of onboard MHD control and power generation, and the other two are simulation of experiments. First, the possibility of onboard reentry shock control by a magnetic field is explored. As part of a previous project, MHD power generation onboard a re-entry vehicle is also simulated. Then, the MHD acceleration experiments conducted at NASA Ames research center are simulated. Lastly, the MHD power generation experiments known as the HVEPS project are simulated. For code validation, the scramjet experiments at University of Queensland are simulated first. The generator section of the HVEPS test facility is computed then. The main conclusion is that the computational tool is accurate for different types of problems and flow conditions, and its accuracy and efficiency are necessary when the flow complexity increases.

Teaching Simulation and Modelling at Royal Military College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonin, Hugues W.; Weir, Ronald D.

1984-01-01

Describes a course designed to assist students in writing differential equations to represent chemical processes and to solve these problems on digital computers. Course outline and discussion of computer projects and the simulation and optimization of a continuously stirred tank reactor process are included. (JN)

Student Monitoring in Distance Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holt, Peter; And Others

1987-01-01

Reviews a computerized monitoring system for distance education students at Athabasca University designed to solve the problems of tracking student performance. A pilot project for tutors is described which includes an electronic conferencing system and electronic mail, and an evaluation currently in progress is briefly discussed. (LRW)

Structuring Effective Student Teams.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickson, Ellen L.

1997-01-01

Experience with student teams working on policy analysis projects indicates the need for faculty supervision of teams in the process of addressing complex issues. The problem-solving approach adopted in one policy analysis course is described, including assignments and tasks, issues and sponsors, team dynamics, conflict management, and the…

The Levi Strauss Project: Development of a Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Jill

1982-01-01

A program initiated by a garment company and carried out in cooperation with a board of education focused on conversational skills and industry jargon as well as problem-solving language. The program's development is described, including an evaluation and suggestions by a company manager. (MSE)

Teaming. The Key to World Class Manufacturing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, John R.

1999-01-01

Lean manufacturing, a streamlined system of flow and job shop techniques, relies on self-directed work teams. Technology educators can prepare students for work in this environment by using problem-solving teams in the classroom to work on design briefs and other group projects. (SK)

Providing Management Assistance to Clients of a Small Business Development Center while Helping to Prepare Students for Business.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roebuck, Deborah Britt

1993-01-01

Describes a project that helps students solve real business problems, share leadership roles, delegate duties, write collaboratively, present orally as a team, and manage conflict as they serve as consultants to small business owners. (RS)

High Tech High.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardy, Lawrence

2001-01-01

In an era of high-stakes testing and prescriptive teaching styles, a San Diego charter high school embraces project learning, multilevel classrooms, and video portfolios of student work. The school lacks dining, music, and athletic facilities, but features hefty teacher salaries, student freedom, and real-world problem solving. (MLH)

Second-Graders Beautify for Butterflies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Andrea E.; Meier, Jessica A.

2016-01-01

This practical article presents activities that support previous research suggesting the integration of art with science is beneficial to the learning and cooperative processes of children. The project showcased here highlights the ability of elementary school children to collaborate with their peers for problem solving and critical thinking…

Multi-objective optimization of discrete time-cost tradeoff problem in project networks using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahriari, Mohammadreza

2016-06-01

The time-cost tradeoff problem is one of the most important and applicable problems in project scheduling area. There are many factors that force the mangers to crash the time. This factor could be early utilization, early commissioning and operation, improving the project cash flow, avoiding unfavorable weather conditions, compensating the delays, and so on. Since there is a need to allocate extra resources to short the finishing time of project and the project managers are intended to spend the lowest possible amount of money and achieve the maximum crashing time, as a result, both direct and indirect costs will be influenced in the project, and here, we are facing into the time value of money. It means that when we crash the starting activities in a project, the extra investment will be tied in until the end date of the project; however, when we crash the final activities, the extra investment will be tied in for a much shorter period. This study is presenting a two-objective mathematical model for balancing compressing the project time with activities delay to prepare a suitable tool for decision makers caught in available facilities and due to the time of projects. Also drawing the scheduling problem to real world conditions by considering nonlinear objective function and the time value of money are considered. The presented problem was solved using NSGA-II, and the effect of time compressing reports on the non-dominant set.

Racial and sex differences in "images of the future".

PubMed

Torrance, E P; Allen, W R

1980-02-01

Scenarios of future careers were written by 454 senior high school students in a southeastern high school. Random samples of 40 black females, 40 black males, 40 white males, and 40 white females were scored for eight characteristics and means were compared through analysis of variance. Only one sex difference was found, girls rated higher than boys on perception of self as changed in the future. The blacks projected greater career satisfaction for the future but the whites wrote longer scenarios and projected greater perceptions of changes in the world/mankind, greater awareness of future problems, more proposals of solutions to future problems, and stronger perceptions of self as a creative problem solver. There were no differences in commitments to making a better world or solving future problems.

Interior point techniques for LP and NLP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evtushenko, Y.

By using surjective mapping the initial constrained optimization problem is transformed to a problem in a new space with only equality constraints. For the numerical solution of the latter problem we use the generalized gradient-projection method and Newton`s method. After inverse transformation to the initial space we obtain the family of numerical methods for solving optimization problems with equality and inequality constraints. In the linear programming case after some simplification we obtain Dikin`s algorithm, affine scaling algorithm and generalized primal dual interior point linear programming algorithm.

Toward Solving the Problem of Problem Solving: An Analysis Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roesler, Rebecca A.

2016-01-01

Teaching is replete with problem solving. Problem solving as a skill, however, is seldom addressed directly within music teacher education curricula, and research in music education has not examined problem solving systematically. A framework detailing problem-solving component skills would provide a needed foundation. I observed problem solving…

Steering Bell-diagonal states

PubMed Central

Quan, Quan; Zhu, Huangjun; Liu, Si-Yuan; Fei, Shao-Ming; Fan, Heng; Yang, Wen-Li

2016-01-01

We investigate the steerability of two-qubit Bell-diagonal states under projective measurements by the steering party. In the simplest nontrivial scenario of two projective measurements, we solve this problem completely by virtue of the connection between the steering problem and the joint-measurement problem. A necessary and sufficient criterion is derived together with a simple geometrical interpretation. Our study shows that a Bell-diagonal state is steerable by two projective measurements iff it violates the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) inequality, in sharp contrast with the strict hierarchy expected between steering and Bell nonlocality. We also introduce a steering measure and clarify its connections with concurrence and the volume of the steering ellipsoid. In particular, we determine the maximal concurrence and ellipsoid volume of Bell-diagonal states that are not steerable by two projective measurements. Finally, we explore the steerability of Bell-diagonal states under three projective measurements. A simple sufficient criterion is derived, which can detect the steerability of many states that are not steerable by two projective measurements. Our study offers valuable insight on steering of Bell-diagonal states as well as the connections between entanglement, steering, and Bell nonlocality. PMID:26911250

Hybrid Optimization Parallel Search PACKage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2009-11-10

HOPSPACK is open source software for solving optimization problems without derivatives. Application problems may have a fully nonlinear objective function, bound constraints, and linear and nonlinear constraints. Problem variables may be continuous, integer-valued, or a mixture of both. The software provides a framework that supports any derivative-free type of solver algorithm. Through the framework, solvers request parallel function evaluation, which may use MPI (multiple machines) or multithreading (multiple processors/cores on one machine). The framework provides a Cache and Pending Cache of saved evaluations that reduces execution time and facilitates restarts. Solvers can dynamically create other algorithms to solve subproblems, amore » useful technique for handling multiple start points and integer-valued variables. HOPSPACK ships with the Generating Set Search (GSS) algorithm, developed at Sandia as part of the APPSPACK open source software project.« less

Solving large sparse eigenvalue problems on supercomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Philippe, Bernard; Saad, Youcef

1988-01-01

An important problem in scientific computing consists in finding a few eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a very large and sparse matrix. The most popular methods to solve these problems are based on projection techniques on appropriate subspaces. The main attraction of these methods is that they only require the use of the matrix in the form of matrix by vector multiplications. The implementations on supercomputers of two such methods for symmetric matrices, namely Lanczos' method and Davidson's method are compared. Since one of the most important operations in these two methods is the multiplication of vectors by the sparse matrix, methods of performing this operation efficiently are discussed. The advantages and the disadvantages of each method are compared and implementation aspects are discussed. Numerical experiments on a one processor CRAY 2 and CRAY X-MP are reported. Possible parallel implementations are also discussed.

Systems engineering real estate development projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusakova, Elena; Titarenko, Boris; Stepanov, Vitaliy

2017-10-01

In recent years, real estate development has accumulated a wealth of experience in implementing major projects, which requires comprehension and systematization. The scientific instrument of system engineering is studied in the article and is substantively interpreted with reference to real estate development projects. The most perspective approaches and models are substantiated, allowing strategically to plan the life cycle of the project as a whole, and also to solve the engineering butt problems of the project. The relevance of further scientific studies of regularities and specifics of the life cycle of real estate development projects conducted at the Moscow State University of Economics and Management at the ISTA department is shown.

DEFENSE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Adopting Best Practices Can Improve Innovation Investments and Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

automation, and digitalization technologies. Siemens’s products include gas, steam, and wind turbines , integrated power plant solutions, power grid...Quick Reaction responds to urgent technology needs and solves problems for warfighters. Existing systems refers to projects responsive to immediate...polymer, chemical and biological science to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems , such as the need for fresh food, safer and

Goals and everyday problem solving: examining the link between age-related goals and problem-solving strategy use.

PubMed

Hoppmann, Christiane A; Coats, Abby Heckman; Blanchard-Fields, Fredda

2008-07-01

Qualitative interviews on family and financial problems from 332 adolescents, young, middle-aged, and older adults, demonstrated that developmentally relevant goals predicted problem-solving strategy use over and above problem domain. Four focal goals concerned autonomy, generativity, maintaining good relationships with others, and changing another person. We examined both self- and other-focused problem-solving strategies. Autonomy goals were associated with self-focused instrumental problem solving and generative goals were related to other-focused instrumental problem solving in family and financial problems. Goals of changing another person were related to other-focused instrumental problem solving in the family domain only. The match between goals and strategies, an indicator of problem-solving adaptiveness, showed that young individuals displayed the greatest match between autonomy goals and self-focused problem solving, whereas older adults showed a greater match between generative goals and other-focused problem solving. Findings speak to the importance of considering goals in investigations of age-related differences in everyday problem solving.

Discrete-continuous variable structural synthesis using dual methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmit, L. A.; Fleury, C.

1980-01-01

Approximation concepts and dual methods are extended to solve structural synthesis problems involving a mix of discrete and continuous sizing type of design variables. Pure discrete and pure continuous variable problems can be handled as special cases. The basic mathematical programming statement of the structural synthesis problem is converted into a sequence of explicit approximate primal problems of separable form. These problems are solved by constructing continuous explicit dual functions, which are maximized subject to simple nonnegativity constraints on the dual variables. A newly devised gradient projection type of algorithm called DUAL 1, which includes special features for handling dual function gradient discontinuities that arise from the discrete primal variables, is used to find the solution of each dual problem. Computational implementation is accomplished by incorporating the DUAL 1 algorithm into the ACCESS 3 program as a new optimizer option. The power of the method set forth is demonstrated by presenting numerical results for several example problems, including a pure discrete variable treatment of a metallic swept wing and a mixed discrete-continuous variable solution for a thin delta wing with fiber composite skins.

Application of L1-norm regularization to epicardial potential reconstruction based on gradient projection.

PubMed

Wang, Liansheng; Qin, Jing; Wong, Tien Tsin; Heng, Pheng Ann

2011-10-07

The epicardial potential (EP)-targeted inverse problem of electrocardiography (ECG) has been widely investigated as it is demonstrated that EPs reflect underlying myocardial activity. It is a well-known ill-posed problem as small noises in input data may yield a highly unstable solution. Traditionally, L2-norm regularization methods have been proposed to solve this ill-posed problem. But the L2-norm penalty function inherently leads to considerable smoothing of the solution, which reduces the accuracy of distinguishing abnormalities and locating diseased regions. Directly using the L1-norm penalty function, however, may greatly increase computational complexity due to its non-differentiability. We propose an L1-norm regularization method in order to reduce the computational complexity and make rapid convergence possible. Variable splitting is employed to make the L1-norm penalty function differentiable based on the observation that both positive and negative potentials exist on the epicardial surface. Then, the inverse problem of ECG is further formulated as a bound-constrained quadratic problem, which can be efficiently solved by gradient projection in an iterative manner. Extensive experiments conducted on both synthetic data and real data demonstrate that the proposed method can handle both measurement noise and geometry noise and obtain more accurate results than previous L2- and L1-norm regularization methods, especially when the noises are large.

Resources in Technology: Problem-Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technology Teacher, 1986

1986-01-01

This instructional module examines a key function of science and technology: problem solving. It studies the meaning of problem solving, looks at techniques for problem solving, examines case studies that exemplify the problem-solving approach, presents problems for the reader to solve, and provides a student self-quiz. (Author/CT)

Psychoeducation with problem-solving (PEPS) therapy for adults with personality disorder: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a manualised intervention to improve social functioning.

PubMed

McMurran, Mary; Crawford, Mike J; Reilly, Joe; Delport, Juan; McCrone, Paul; Whitham, Diane; Tan, Wei; Duggan, Conor; Montgomery, Alan A; Williams, Hywel C; Adams, Clive E; Jin, Huajie; Lewis, Matthew; Day, Florence

2016-07-01

If effective, less intensive treatments for people with personality disorder have the potential to serve more people. To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of psychoeducation with problem-solving (PEPS) therapy plus usual treatment against usual treatment alone in improving social problem-solving with adults with personality disorder. Multisite two-arm, parallel-group, pragmatic randomised controlled superiority trial. Community mental health services in three NHS trusts in England and Wales. Community-dwelling adults with any personality disorder recruited from community mental health services. Up to four individual sessions of psychoeducation, a collaborative dialogue about personality disorder, followed by 12 group sessions of problem-solving therapy to help participants learn a process for solving interpersonal problems. The primary outcome was measured by the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ). Secondary outcomes were service use (general practitioner records), mood (measured via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and client-specified three main problems rated by severity. We studied the mechanism of change using the Social Problem-Solving Inventory. Costs were identified using the Client Service Receipt Inventory and quality of life was identified by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire. Research assistants blinded to treatment allocation collected follow-up information. There were 739 people referred for the trial and 444 were eligible. More adverse events in the PEPS arm led to a halt to recruitment after 306 people were randomised (90% of planned sample size); 154 participants received PEPS and 152 received usual treatment. The mean age was 38 years and 67% were women. Follow-up at 72 weeks after randomisation was completed for 62% of participants in the usual-treatment arm and 73% in the PEPS arm. Intention-to-treat analyses compared individuals as randomised, regardless of treatment received or availability of 72-week follow-up SFQ data. Median attendance at psychoeducation sessions was approximately 90% and for problem-solving sessions was approximately 50%. PEPS therapy plus usual treatment was no more effective than usual treatment alone for the primary outcome [adjusted difference in means for SFQ -0.73 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.83 to 0.38 points; p = 0.19], any of the secondary outcomes or social problem-solving. Over the follow-up, PEPS costs were, on average, £182 less than for usual treatment. It also resulted in 0.0148 more quality-adjusted life-years. Neither difference was statistically significant. At the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence thresholds, the intervention had a 64% likelihood of being the more cost-effective option. More adverse events, mainly incidents of self-harm, occurred in the PEPS arm, but the difference was not significant (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.24, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.64). There was possible bias in adverse event recording because of dependence on self-disclosure or reporting by the clinical team. Non-completion of problem-solving sessions and non-standardisation of usual treatment were limitations. We found no evidence to support the use of PEPS therapy alongside standard care for improving social functioning of adults with personality disorder living in the community. We aim to investigate adverse events by accessing centrally held NHS data on deaths and hospitalisation for all PEPS trial participants. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70660936. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 52. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The ABCs of Math: A Genetic Analysis of Mathematics and Its Links With Reading Ability and General Cognitive Ability

PubMed Central

Hart, Sara A.; Petrill, Stephen A.; Thompson, Lee A.; Plomin, Robert

2009-01-01

The goal of this first major report from the Western Reserve Reading Project Math component is to explore the etiology of the relationship among tester-administered measures of mathematics ability, reading ability, and general cognitive ability. Data are available on 314 pairs of monozygotic and same-sex dizygotic twins analyzed across 5 waves of assessment. Univariate analyses provide a range of estimates of genetic (h2 = .00 –.63) and shared (c2 = .15–.52) environmental influences across math calculation, fluency, and problem solving measures. Multivariate analyses indicate genetic overlap between math problem solving with general cognitive ability and reading decoding, whereas math fluency shares significant genetic overlap with reading fluency and general cognitive ability. Further, math fluency has unique genetic influences. In general, math ability has shared environmental overlap with general cognitive ability and decoding. These results indicate that aspects of math that include problem solving have different genetic and environmental influences than math calculation. Moreover, math fluency, a timed measure of calculation, is the only measured math ability with unique genetic influences. PMID:20157630

The Daily Readiness Huddle: a process to rapidly identify issues and foster improvement through problem-solving accountability.

PubMed

Donnelly, Lane F; Cherian, Shirley S; Chua, Kimberly B; Thankachan, Sam; Millecker, Laura A; Koroll, Alex G; Bisset, George S

2017-01-01

Because of the increasing complexities of providing imaging for pediatric health care services, a more reliable process to manage the daily delivery of care is necessary. Objective We describe our Daily Readiness Huddle and the effects of the process on problem identification and improvement. Our Daily Readiness Huddle has four elements: metrics review, clinical volume review, daily readiness assessment, and problem accountability. It is attended by radiologists, directors, managers, front-line staff with concerns, representatives from support services (information technology [IT] and biomedical engineering [biomed]), and representatives who join the meeting in a virtual format from off-site locations. Data are visually displayed on erasable whiteboards. The daily readiness assessment uses queues to determine whether anyone has concerns or outlier data in regard to S-MESA (Safety, Methods, Equipment, Supplies or Associates). Through this assessment, problems are identified and categorized as quick hits (will be resolved in 24-48 h, not requiring project management) and complex issues. Complex issues are assigned an owner, quality coach and report-back date. Additionally, projects are defined as improvements that are often strategic, are anticipated to take more than 60 days, and do not necessarily arise out of identified issues during the Daily Readiness Huddle. We tracked and calculated the mean, median and range of days to resolution and completion for complex issues and for projects during the first full year of implementing this process. During the first 12 months, 91 complex issues were identified and resolved, 11 projects were in progress and 33 completed, with 23 other projects active or in planning. Time to resolution of complex issues (in days) was mean 37.5, median 34.0, and range 1-105. For projects, time to completion (in days) was mean 86.0, median 84.0, and range 5-280. The Daily Readiness Huddle process has given us a framework to rapidly identify issues, bring accountability to problem-solving, and foster improvement. It has also had a positive effect on team-building and coordination.

Mathematics in Student-­Centred Inquiry Learning: Student Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calder, Nigel

2013-01-01

This paper examines how mathematical understandings might be facilitated through student-centred inquiry. Data is drawn from a research project on student-centred inquiry learning that situated mathematics within authentic problem-solving contexts and involved students in a collaboratively constructed curriculum. A contemporary interpretive frame…

Buffalo Public Schools Action Plan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reville, Eugene T.

This report discusses improvements in Buffalo, New York, public schools since 1976, the first year of a court-ordered desegregation plan. Problems, solved and ongoing, are identified and programs addressing them are described. Recommendations are offered for further advancement, and projections about the future of Buffalo schools are also…

Nuclear Science Teaching Aids and Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodburn, John H.

This publication is a sourcebook for science teachers. It provides guides for basic laboratory work in nuclear energy, suggesting various teacher and student demonstrations. Ideas for science clubs, science fairs, and project research seminars are presented. Problem-solving activities for both science and mathematics classes are included, as well…

Theories Project: Improving Theories of Health Behavior & Theory at a Glance | BRP | DCCPS/NCI/NIH

Cancer.gov

This monograph describes influential theories of health-related behaviors, processes of shaping behavior, and the effects of community and environmental factors on behavior. Read this guide for tools to solve problems and assess the effectiveness of health promotion programs.

A Software Laboratory Environment for Computer-Based Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurtz, Barry L.; O'Neal, Micheal B.

This paper describes a National Science Foundation-sponsored project at Louisiana Technological University to develop computer-based laboratories for "hands-on" introductions to major topics of computer science. The underlying strategy is to develop structured laboratory environments that present abstract concepts through the use of…

Designing a Children's Recreation Room

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Mi Yeon

2015-01-01

Project-based learning (PBL) is an effective approach to STEM education because it allows students to experience scientific inquiry by using their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to solve realistic problems. PBL consists of four components: (1) posing and comprehending a driving question; (2)…

Achieving Adult Literacy. Fastback 330.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farris, Pamela J.

Leaders in business and industry are demanding workers who not only can read and write but can think creatively and critically and solve problems. Federal- and state-funded programs and volunteer organizations are involved with adult literacy. Increasingly, corporations are funding adult literacy projects. Adults read for different reasons than…

PISA 2012 Technical Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing, 2014

2014-01-01

The "PISA 2012 Technical Report" describes the methodology underlying the PISA 2012 survey, which tested 15-year-olds' competencies in mathematics, reading and science and, in some countries, problem solving and financial literacy. It examines the design and implementation of the project at a level of detail that allows researchers to…

Evaluation of Learning Gains through Integrated STEM Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corlu, Mehmet Ali; Aydin, Emin

2016-01-01

New approaches to instruction are needed in all educational levels in order to develop the skills suited to the twenty-first century (i.e., inquiry, problem solving, innovation, entrepreneurship, technological communication, experimental design, and investigativeness). This research evaluated the outcomes of an approach aiming to develop such…

MYTH-MAKING, MORAL COMMUNITIES, AND POLICY FAILURE IN SOLVING THE RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROBLEM. (R823191)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

CONSTRUCTING A PROBLEM SOLVING ENVIRONMENT TOOL FOR HYDROLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF LAND USE CHANGE. (R825760)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

International Field Experiences Promote Professional Development for Sustainability Leaders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hull, R. Bruce; Kimmel, Courtney; Robertson, David P.; Mortimer, Michael

2016-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to describe, explain and evaluate a graduate education program that provides international project experiences and builds competencies related to collaborative problem-solving, cultural capacity to work globally and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative analysis of survey data from 28 students…

Analyzing Team Based Engineering Design Process in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Dong-Kuk; Lee, Eun-Sang

2016-01-01

The engineering design process has been largely implemented in a collaborative project format. Recently, technological advancement has helped collaborative problem solving processes such as engineering design to have efficient implementation using computers or online technology. In this study, we investigated college students' interaction and…

Collaboration between Writers and Graphic Designers in Documentation Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirel, Barbara; And Others

1995-01-01

Analyzes collaborations between software manual writers and graphic designers to discover how their processes of collaboration directly affect the form of a finished manual. Identifies three models of collaboration: assembly line (linear drafting), swap meet (iterative drafting and joint problem solving), and symphony (codevelopment in every…

Apollo: Changing the Way We Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schroeder, John R.; Bleed, Ron

In January 1994, Arizona's Maricopa Community College District issued a request for proposals to develop new administrative software applications to solve problems related to high maintenance costs for existing systems and difficulties in updating software. The result was the Apollo Project, in which the District contracted with Oracle Corporation…

Just Desserts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Janzen, Kathryn

2002-01-01

Presents a lesson used with middle-school students where they created their own three-dimensional desserts with the aim of making them lifelike. Explains that the students utilized a problem-solving model in order to complete the project. Discusses the benefits and the methods used to make the desserts look real. (CMK)

Laser Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger Technology Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, Scott; Wright, Sarah; Wallace, Sarah; Hamilton, Tanner; Dennis, Alexander; Zuhlke, Craig; Roth, Nick; Sanders, John

2017-01-01

The reliance on non-permanent coatings in Condensing Heat Exchanger (CHX) designs is a significant technical issue to be solved before long-duration spaceflight can occur. Therefore, high reliability CHXs have been identified by the Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) as critical technologies needed to move beyond low earth orbit. The Laser Processed Condensing Heat Exchanger project aims to solve these problems through the use of femtosecond laser processed surfaces, which have unique wetting properties and potentially exhibit anti-microbial growth properties. These surfaces were investigated to identify if they would be suitable candidates for a replacement CHX surface. Among the areas researched in this project include microbial growth testing, siloxane flow testing in which laser processed surfaces were exposed to siloxanes in an air stream, and manufacturability.

The P1-RKDG method for two-dimensional Euler equations of gas dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cockburn, Bernardo; Shu, Chi-Wang

1991-01-01

A class of nonlinearly stable Runge-Kutta local projection discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) finite element methods for conservation laws is investigated. Two dimensional Euler equations for gas dynamics are solved using P1 elements. The generalization of the local projections, which for scalar nonlinear conservation laws was designed to satisfy a local maximum principle, to systems of conservation laws such as the Euler equations of gas dynamics using local characteristic decompositions is discussed. Numerical examples include the standard regular shock reflection problem, the forward facing step problem, and the double Mach reflection problem. These preliminary numerical examples are chosen to show the capacity of the approach to obtain nonlinearly stable results comparable with the modern nonoscillatory finite difference methods.

Preconditioned Alternating Projection Algorithms for Maximum a Posteriori ECT Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Krol, Andrzej; Li, Si; Shen, Lixin; Xu, Yuesheng

2012-01-01

We propose a preconditioned alternating projection algorithm (PAPA) for solving the maximum a posteriori (MAP) emission computed tomography (ECT) reconstruction problem. Specifically, we formulate the reconstruction problem as a constrained convex optimization problem with the total variation (TV) regularization. We then characterize the solution of the constrained convex optimization problem and show that it satisfies a system of fixed-point equations defined in terms of two proximity operators raised from the convex functions that define the TV-norm and the constrain involved in the problem. The characterization (of the solution) via the proximity operators that define two projection operators naturally leads to an alternating projection algorithm for finding the solution. For efficient numerical computation, we introduce to the alternating projection algorithm a preconditioning matrix (the EM-preconditioner) for the dense system matrix involved in the optimization problem. We prove theoretically convergence of the preconditioned alternating projection algorithm. In numerical experiments, performance of our algorithms, with an appropriately selected preconditioning matrix, is compared with performance of the conventional MAP expectation-maximization (MAP-EM) algorithm with TV regularizer (EM-TV) and that of the recently developed nested EM-TV algorithm for ECT reconstruction. Based on the numerical experiments performed in this work, we observe that the alternating projection algorithm with the EM-preconditioner outperforms significantly the EM-TV in all aspects including the convergence speed, the noise in the reconstructed images and the image quality. It also outperforms the nested EM-TV in the convergence speed while providing comparable image quality. PMID:23271835

A Cognitive Analysis of Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving Ability on Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusyda, N. A.; Kusnandi, K.; Suhendra, S.

2017-09-01

The purpose of this research is to analyze of mathematical problem solving ability of students in one of secondary school on geometry. This research was conducted by using quantitative approach with descriptive method. Population in this research was all students of that school and the sample was twenty five students that was chosen by purposive sampling technique. Data of mathematical problem solving were collected through essay test. The results showed the percentage of achievement of mathematical problem solving indicators of students were: 1) solve closed mathematical problems with context in math was 50%; 2) solve the closed mathematical problems with the context beyond mathematics was 24%; 3) solving open mathematical problems with contexts in mathematics was 35%; And 4) solving open mathematical problems with contexts outside mathematics was 44%. Based on the percentage, it can be concluded that the level of achievement of mathematical problem solving ability in geometry still low. This is because students are not used to solving problems that measure mathematical problem solving ability, weaknesses remember previous knowledge, and lack of problem solving framework. So the students’ ability of mathematical problems solving need to be improved with implement appropriate learning strategy.

A Strategy for Autogeneration of Space Shuttle Ground Processing Simulation Models for Project Makespan Estimations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madden, Michael G.; Wyrick, Roberta; O'Neill, Dale E.

2005-01-01

Space Shuttle Processing is a complicated and highly variable project. The planning and scheduling problem, categorized as a Resource Constrained - Stochastic Project Scheduling Problem (RC-SPSP), has a great deal of variability in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) process flow from one flight to the next. Simulation Modeling is a useful tool in estimation of the makespan of the overall process. However, simulation requires a model to be developed, which itself is a labor and time consuming effort. With such a dynamic process, often the model would potentially be out of synchronization with the actual process, limiting the applicability of the simulation answers in solving the actual estimation problem. Integration of TEAMS model enabling software with our existing schedule program software is the basis of our solution. This paper explains the approach used to develop an auto-generated simulation model from planning and schedule efforts and available data.

The earth as a problem: A curriculum inquiry into the nature of environmental education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, William Frank

1998-12-01

This thesis is a contribution to curriculum theory in environmental education. Its purpose is to analyze the concept of education as used by environmental educators and to examine how educational purposes are related to differing concepts of human-environment interactions and the environmental problematique. It examines three published written curricula using curriculum inquiry methodology as a means of examining two major claims. The first claim is that curricula in environmental education have been affected by a focus on environmental issues or problems, which has resulted in definitions, descriptions and curriculum proposals in the field having a syntax or narrative structure in the form of problem solving. The second claim of the thesis is that while different programs share the common underlying syntax they resolve issues concerning the nature of education, the concept of environment, the role of environmental action projects, and the nature of schooling in significantly different ways. The thesis critiques the curriculum writings of William B. Stapp, Harold R. Hungerford, and Michael J. Cohen. Each has published curriculum work in environmental education and has been active in the development of the field. Their works were chosen because of their publicly accessible form. The inquiry demonstrates that the three programs present analyses of current global environmental problems as serious and in need of urgent attention. All three focus on solving or preventing environmental problems as a major purpose of environmental education. In spite of the common emphasis on problem solving, the inquiry also reveals significant differences among the three programs in regard to concepts of education, views of the environment and the place and role of humans in it, approaches to environmental action projects as curricular elements, and ideas about the place of environmental education in schools. I conclude that although some environmental educators view the continuing debate about the nature and conceptualization of environmental education as needless repetition of issues which have been satisfactorily resolved, important questions remain to be addressed by curriculum theory in this field. In order for environmental education to nurture education as opposed to particular ideologies and beliefs curriculum writers should develop clear concepts of the nature of education and widen the focus of human environment relations beyond problem solving.

Defense AT and L Magazine. Volume 47, Number 2, March-April 2018

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-03-01

laboratories, they are easily trans- ferable to government organizations and industry efforts to solve problems and improve the management of projects ...Instead, the change can occur at the funda- mental management level by suggesting a new, innovative way to lead DoD space projects . One DoD space program...payloads and managed services that can fill military needs. ALSO 20 MDAP/MAIS Program Manager Changes 42 2017 Defense Acquisition Workforce Awards

Worldwide Buoy Technology Survey. Volume 2. Appendix B. Buoy Records. Book 2. Germany - USA

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

arrangement and effectiveness of the complete system could not be addressed in detail within the constraints of this project. In an overall evaluation of...the SRA system , such considerations should also be addressed. The USCG’s Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) is considering this matter as...project. The task includes the screening of worldwide engineering and technical information on buoy systems , approaches to problem solving (particularly

Hiring the right people and management of research staff.

PubMed

Kang, Duck-Hee; Davis, Linda; Habermann, Barbara; Rice, Marti; Broome, Marion

2005-12-01

Research grant or project management requires substantial skills and experiences of the principal investigator and the investigative team. Hiring the right people for appropriate positions and ongoing staff training and management are critical keys to successful conduct of the research projects. Necessary activities include the clear identification of positions and qualifications, recruiting the best, and hiring, training, and retaining the right staff. Tips and strategies for problem solving during each step are included.

Meeting the challenge of policy-relevant science: lessons from a water resource project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lamb, Berton L.

1986-01-01

Water resource scientists face complex tasks in evaluating aspects of water projects, but relatively few assessment procedures have been applied and accepted as standard applications. Decision-makers often rely on environmental assessments to evaluate the value and operation of projects. There is often confusion about scientists' role in policy decisions. The scientist can affect policy-making as an expert withess, an advocate or a surrogate. By understanding the policy process, scientists can make their work more “policy relevant.” Using the Terror Lake hydro project in Alaska as a guide, three lessons are discussed: (1) not all problems are able to be solved with technology; (2) policy-relevant technology is rarely imposed on a problem; and (3) the scientist need not just react to the policy process, but can have an impact on how that process unfolds.

On randomized algorithms for numerical solution of applied Fredholm integral equations of the second kind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voytishek, Anton V.; Shipilov, Nikolay M.

2017-11-01

In this paper, the systematization of numerical (implemented on a computer) randomized functional algorithms for approximation of a solution of Fredholm integral equation of the second kind is carried out. Wherein, three types of such algorithms are distinguished: the projection, the mesh and the projection-mesh methods. The possibilities for usage of these algorithms for solution of practically important problems is investigated in detail. The disadvantages of the mesh algorithms, related to the necessity of calculation values of the kernels of integral equations in fixed points, are identified. On practice, these kernels have integrated singularities, and calculation of their values is impossible. Thus, for applied problems, related to solving Fredholm integral equation of the second kind, it is expedient to use not mesh, but the projection and the projection-mesh randomized algorithms.

Multimode resource-constrained multiple project scheduling problem under fuzzy random environment and its application to a large scale hydropower construction project.

PubMed

Xu, Jiuping; Feng, Cuiying

2014-01-01

This paper presents an extension of the multimode resource-constrained project scheduling problem for a large scale construction project where multiple parallel projects and a fuzzy random environment are considered. By taking into account the most typical goals in project management, a cost/weighted makespan/quality trade-off optimization model is constructed. To deal with the uncertainties, a hybrid crisp approach is used to transform the fuzzy random parameters into fuzzy variables that are subsequently defuzzified using an expected value operator with an optimistic-pessimistic index. Then a combinatorial-priority-based hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed to solve the proposed model, where the combinatorial particle swarm optimization and priority-based particle swarm optimization are designed to assign modes to activities and to schedule activities, respectively. Finally, the results and analysis of a practical example at a large scale hydropower construction project are presented to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the proposed model and optimization method.

Multimode Resource-Constrained Multiple Project Scheduling Problem under Fuzzy Random Environment and Its Application to a Large Scale Hydropower Construction Project

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiuping

2014-01-01

This paper presents an extension of the multimode resource-constrained project scheduling problem for a large scale construction project where multiple parallel projects and a fuzzy random environment are considered. By taking into account the most typical goals in project management, a cost/weighted makespan/quality trade-off optimization model is constructed. To deal with the uncertainties, a hybrid crisp approach is used to transform the fuzzy random parameters into fuzzy variables that are subsequently defuzzified using an expected value operator with an optimistic-pessimistic index. Then a combinatorial-priority-based hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed to solve the proposed model, where the combinatorial particle swarm optimization and priority-based particle swarm optimization are designed to assign modes to activities and to schedule activities, respectively. Finally, the results and analysis of a practical example at a large scale hydropower construction project are presented to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the proposed model and optimization method. PMID:24550708

Universal Skills and Competencies for Geoscientists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosher, S.

2015-12-01

Geoscience students worldwide face a changing future workforce, but all geoscience work has universal cross-cutting skills and competencies that are critical for success. A recent Geoscience Employers Workshop, and employers' input on the "Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education" survey, identified three major areas. Geoscience work requires spatial and temporal (3D & 4D) thinking, understanding that the Earth is a system of interacting parts and processes, and geoscience reasoning and synthesis. Thus, students need to be able to solve problems in the context of an open and dynamic system, recognizing that most geoscience problems have no clear, unambiguous answers. Students must learn to manage uncertainty, work by analogy and inference, and make predations with limited data. Being able to visualize and solve problems in 3D, incorporate the element of time, and understand scale is critical. Additionally students must learn how to tackle problems using real data, including understand the problems' context, identify appropriate questions to ask, and determine how to proceed. Geoscience work requires integration of quantitative, technical, and computational skills and the ability to be intellectually flexible in applying skills to new situations. Students need experience using high-level math and computational methods to solve geoscience problems, including probability and statistics to understand risk. Increasingly important is the ability to use "Big Data", GIS, visualization and modeling tools. Employers also agree a strong field component in geoscience education is important. Success as a geoscientist also requires non-technical skills. Because most work environments involve working on projects with a diverse team, students need experience with project management in team settings, including goal setting, conflict resolution, time management and being both leader and follower. Written and verbal scientific communication, as well as public speaking and listening skills, are important. Success also depends on interpersonal skills and professionalism, including business acumen, risk management, ethical conduct, and leadership. A global perspective is increasingly important, including cultural literacy and understanding societal relevance.

Strengthening the capacity for health promotion in South Africa through international collaboration.

PubMed

Van den Broucke, Stephan; Jooste, Heila; Tlali, Maki; Moodley, Vimla; Van Zyl, Greer; Nyamwaya, David; Tang, Kwok-Cho

2010-06-01

This paper describes a project to strengthen the capacity for health promotion in two Provinces in South Africa. The project draws on the key health promotion capacity dimensions of partnership and networking, infrastructure, problem-solving capacity, and knowledge transfer. The project was carried out in a partnership between the Provinces, the Ministry of Health of South Africa, the government of Flanders, Belgium, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The project aimed to: (i) integrate health promotion into national, Provincial and district level health policy plans (ii) strengthen the health promotion capacity in the two Provinces; and (iii) support the development of tools to monitor and evaluate health promotion interventions. Starting from a situation analysis and identification of priority health issues and existing actions in each Province, capacity-building workshops were organized for senior participants from various sectors. Community-based health promotion interventions were then planned and implemented in both Provinces. A systematic evaluation of the project involving an internal audit of project activities and results based on document analysis, site visits, focus groups and interviews with key persons demonstrated that stakeholders in both Provinces saw an increase of capacity in terms of networking, knowledge transfer, problem solving, and to a lesser extent infrastructure. Health promotion had been well integrated in the Provincial health plans, and roll-out processes with local stakeholders had started after the conclusion of the project. The development of tools for monitoring and evaluation of health promotion was less well achieved. The project illustrates how capacities to deliver health promotion interventions in a developing country can be enhanced through international collaboration. The conceptual model of capacity building that served as a basis for the project provided a useful framework to plan, identify and assess the key components of health promotion capacity in an African context.

Application of remote sensing to state and regional problems. [for Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, W. F.; Bouchillon, C. W.; Harris, J. C.; Carter, B.; Whisler, F. D.; Robinette, R.

1974-01-01

The primary purpose of the remote sensing applications program is for various members of the university community to participate in activities that improve the effective communication between the scientific community engaged in remote sensing research and development and the potential users of modern remote sensing technology. Activities of this program are assisting the State of Mississippi in recognizing and solving its environmental, resource and socio-economic problems through inventory, analysis, and monitoring by appropriate remote sensing systems. Objectives, accomplishments, and current status of the following individual projects are reported: (1) bark beetle project; (2) state park location planning; and (3) waste source location and stream channel geometry monitoring.

Forestry applications project/timber resource. Sam Houston National forest inventory and development of a survey planning model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colwell, R. N.

1976-01-01

The Forestry Applications Project has been directed towards solving the problem of meeting informational needs of the resource managers utilizing remote sensing data sources including satellite data, conventional aerial photography, and direct measurement on the ground in such combinations as needed to best achieve these goals. It is recognized that sampling plays an important role in generating relevant information for managing large geographic populations. The central problem, therefore, is to define the kind and amount of sampling and the place of remote sensing data sources in that sampling system to do the best possible job of meeting the manager's informational needs.

Data Literacy: Real-World Learning through Problem-Solving with Data Sets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erwin, Robin W., Jr.

2015-01-01

The achievement of deep learning by secondary students requires teaching approaches that draw students into task commitment, integrated curricula, and analytical thinking. By using real-world data sets in project based instructional units, teachers can guide students in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting quantitative data. Working with…

Disinfection of Common Waterborne Pathogens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swim, Edward W.

2010-01-01

As part of an integrative learning experience at the end of a sophomore Calculus II course at the United States Military Academy, this project served as a multidisciplinary problem-solving exercise that explored the connections among mathematics, biology, and other fields of study. During a seven-lesson block of instruction, this module was…

76 FR 37090 - Final Priorities; Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-24

... development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems, or to... of universal design in its product research and development. Universal design is the design of... adaptation or specialized design (North Carolina State University, 1997, The Center for Universal Design...

Integrating Innovation Skills in an Introductory Engineering Design-Build Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liebenberg, Leon; Mathews, Edward Henry

2012-01-01

Modern engineering curricula have started to emphasize design, mostly in the form of design-build experiences. Apart from instilling important problem-solving skills, such pedagogical frameworks address the critical social skill aspects of engineering education due to their team-based, project-based nature. However, it is required of the…

Developing Creative Leadership. Gifted Treasury Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parker, Jeanette Plauche; Begnaud, Lucy Gremillion

This book provides an overview of leadership in grades 6-12. Drawing upon theories based on cognitive and affective leadership and the role of leadership in gifted education, it discusses leadership as it pertains to research projects, problem solving, interpersonal communication, and decision-making. The book offers strategies for curriculum…

An Integrated Learning Project in Introductory Soils.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, C. A.; Schafer, J.

1993-01-01

Describes a problem-solving teaching method used in the Introductory Soils course at Iowa State University whereby students are assigned to groups and asked to serve as an advisor to a landowner. Using a computerized database for most data acquisition, students recommend farm usage and urban/alternate development plans. Includes the program…

What Makes Green Schools Better?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schimmel, Barry

2011-01-01

Green energy represents a way to empower students by demonstrating creative problem-solving with an eye on protecting precious resources, both capital and natural. Many school districts have already taken the initiative during the past five years to implement energy projects, whether for the educational or economic opportunities, or both.…

The Dissertation in Practice: A Student's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stacy, Jaime C.

2013-01-01

This article describes the impact that coursework related to Virginia Commonwealth University's inaugural EdD program had on a public school administrator; particularly how the Carnegie Project for the Educational Doctorate's (CPED) working principles continue to play a role in solving "Problems of Practice" in an at-risk school long…

Literacy and Trowel Trades Project. Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Masonry Inst., Washington, DC.

In a workplace literacy program designed by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen and the International Masonry Institute, the basic skills of 615 participants were assessed in mathematics, reading, writing, presentation, listening-responding, and problem-solving at sites in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Available data…

Developing 21st Century Process Skills through Project Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoo, Jeong-Ju; MacDonald, Nora M.

2014-01-01

The goal of this paper is to illustrate how the promotion of 21st Century process skills can be used to enhance student learning and workplace skill development: thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, leadership, and management. As an illustrative case, fashion merchandising and design students conducted research for a…

Capacity Building for Rural Development in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murray, Michael; Dunn, Larry

1995-01-01

An essential component of community-based rural development is the leadership and problem-solving abilities of local people. The Colorado Rural Revitalization Project--a joint venture of two universities and a state agency--provided educational, consultative, and technical assistance services for a 1-year capacity-building program in 47…

The Activity Summary Board

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Touitou, Israel; Barry, Stephen; Bielik, Tom; Schneider, Barbara; Krajcik, Joseph

2018-01-01

Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach to science teaching that supports the "Next Generation Science Standards" (Krajcik 2015; NGSS Lead States 2013). In a PBL lesson, students design and solve real-world problems or explain scientific phenomena. Students using a PBL model learn and retain more than those not using…

Hidden in the Middle: Culture, Value and Reward in Bioinformatics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Jamie; Bartlett, Andrew; Atkinson, Paul

2016-01-01

Bioinformatics--the so-called shotgun marriage between biology and computer science--is an interdiscipline. Despite interdisciplinarity being seen as a virtue, for having the capacity to solve complex problems and foster innovation, it has the potential to place projects and people in anomalous categories. For example, valorised…

Improving Translational Accuracy between Dash-Wedge Diagrams and Newman Projections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchison, John M.

2017-01-01

The use of structural representations to convey spatial and chemical information is an integral part of organic chemistry. As a result, students must acquire skills to interpret and translate between the various diagrammatic forms. This article summarizes the skills sets, problem-solving strategies, and identified student difficulties in…

Penguin Math

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Daniel; Kearney, Thomas

2015-01-01

Emperor penguins, the largest of all the penguin species, attain heights of nearly four feet and weigh up to 99 pounds. Many students are not motivated to learn mathematics when textbook examples contain largely nonexistent contexts or when the math is not used to solve significant problems found in real life. This article's project explores how…

Using Sustainability Themes and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Enhance STEM Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogers, Michael; Pfaff, Thomas; Hamilton, Jason; Erkan, Ali

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report on the Multidisciplinary Sustainability Education Project (MSEP) as a framework using sustainability-themed education modules to introduce students to the need for multidisciplinary approaches to solving twenty-first-century problems while retaining traditional course strengths and content.…

Research on Mobile Learning Activities Applying Tablets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurilovas, Eugenijus; Juskeviciene, Anita; Bireniene, Virginija

2015-01-01

The paper aims to present current research on mobile learning activities in Lithuania while implementing flagship EU-funded CCL project on application of tablet computers in education. In the paper, the quality of modern mobile learning activities based on learning personalisation, problem solving, collaboration, and flipped class methods is…

Case Studies for Educational Leadership: Solving Administrative Dilemmas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Midlock, Stephen F.

2010-01-01

"Case Studies for Educational Leadership" gives educational leadership students an opportunity to project themselves into real-life administrative situations and prepare for their future positions in the field. Each case study contained in this practical first edition book asks students to analyze complex problems, consider the moral ramifications…

Proposal Savvy: Creating Successful Proposals for Media Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsigian, Elise K.

Suggesting that the need for creative thinking, creative problem solving, and creative presentations binds the components of the field of communication (journalism, advertising, and public relations), this book presents a guide to proposal thinking and proposal writing for anyone in the field of communication. The book helps readers evaluate,…

A Day in the Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Tracie

2009-01-01

High-school students often tie the definition of art to a two-dimensional surface, obstructing possible solutions to visual problem-solving and restricting creative thinking. In this article, the author describes a project that inspired students to view arts as a social event: installation art. From a contemporary point of view, installation art…

Environmental Education . . . The Way of the Hula Hoop?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Applegate, Warren

1974-01-01

Given is information on a federally funded environmental education program based on field experience and community awareness. Problem-solving methods were used to involve students in local environmental issues. Field experiences included trips to the mountains and seashore and community projects in water quality, recycling, and nature trail…

Process Systems Engineering Education: Learning by Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbas, A.; Alhammadi, H. Y.; Romagnoli, J. A.

2009-01-01

In this paper, we discuss our approach in teaching the final-year course Process Systems Engineering. Students are given ownership of the course by transferring to them the responsibility of learning. A project-based group environment stimulates learning while solving a real engineering problem. We discuss postgraduate student involvement and how…

Using a Design-Orientated Project to Attain Graduate Attributes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moalosi, Richie; Molokwane, Shorn; Mothibedi, Gabriel

2012-01-01

Nowadays universities are required not only to impart knowledge of specific disciplines but also generic graduate attributes such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, creative thinking, research and inquiry skills. For students to attain these generic skills, educators are encouraged to use learner-centred approaches in teaching.…

Spinning a Web Around Forensic Science and Senior Biology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Colin R.

1999-01-01

Discusses a project that was established to integrate computer technology, especially the Internet, into the science classroom. Argues for the importance of providing students with a program of study that exposes them to the widest possible range of ways of gathering information for problem solving. (Author/WRM)

Team-Based Activities to Promote Engaged Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lightner, Sharon; Bober, Marcie J.; Willi, Caroline

2007-01-01

Like their counterparts in other disciplines, accounting educators are gradually moving away from talk-and-chalk lectures to project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and team collaboration. Slower to change are the ways in which the impact of these innovative teaching methods have been assessed, with student reactions and traditional…

Sacred Cows

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ollerton, Mike

2009-01-01

Over the past three years this author has spent a good deal of time in primary classrooms, working with teachers on problem solving approaches to the teaching and learning of mathematics. He has also worked part-time on an initial teacher training course and an NCETM/Yorkshire Forward funded project entitled "Inspiring Mathematics Champions". Thus…

A Case Study in Project-Based Learning: An International Partnership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Rachel Korfhage

2010-01-01

As our world becomes more integrated, international business students should develop skills that match corporations' needs. Moreover, students need hands-on, problem-solving, team-based, critical-thinking skills that companies demand. Students need international business experience but many of them lack the funds or support to study or intern…

Environmental Education through Watershed Studies: Budd/Deschutes Project GREEN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Lisa Bryce

1992-01-01

Describes the development and current status of the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network, cited as an exemplary Environmental Education program in the Pacific northwest. It is an international educational effort that provides a means for improving local and global water quality through hands-on monitoring and local problem solving for…

Lights, camera, action research: The effects of didactic digital movie making on students' twenty-first century learning skills and science content in the middle school classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochsner, Karl

Students are moving away from content consumption to content production. Short movies are uploaded onto video social networking sites and shared around the world. Unfortunately they usually contain little to no educational value, lack a narrative and are rarely created in the science classroom. According to new Arizona Technology standards and ISTE NET*S, along with the framework from the Partnership for 21st Century Learning Standards, our society demands students not only to learn curriculum, but to think critically, problem solve effectively, and become adept at communicating and collaborating. Didactic digital movie making in the science classroom may be one way that these twenty-first century learning skills may be implemented. An action research study using a mixed-methods approach to collect data was used to investigate if didactic moviemaking can help eighth grade students learn physical science content while incorporating 21st century learning skills of collaboration, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills through their group production. Over a five week period, students researched lessons, wrote scripts, acted, video recorded and edited a didactic movie that contained a narrative plot to teach a science strand from the Arizona State Standards in physical science. A pretest/posttest science content test and KWL chart was given before and after the innovation to measure content learned by the students. Students then took a 21st Century Learning Skills Student Survey to measure how much they perceived that communication, collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking were taking place during the production. An open ended survey and a focus group of four students were used for qualitative analysis. Three science teachers used a project evaluation rubric to measure science content and production values from the movies. Triangulating the science content test, KWL chart, open ended questions and the project evaluation rubric, it appeared that science content was gained from this project. Students felt motivated to learn and had positive experience. Students also felt that the repetition of production and watching their movies helped them remember science. Students also perceived that creating the didactic digital movie helped them use collaboration, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills throughout their production.

An historical survey of computational methods in optimal control.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polak, E.

1973-01-01

Review of some of the salient theoretical developments in the specific area of optimal control algorithms. The first algorithms for optimal control were aimed at unconstrained problems and were derived by using first- and second-variation methods of the calculus of variations. These methods have subsequently been recognized as gradient, Newton-Raphson, or Gauss-Newton methods in function space. A much more recent addition to the arsenal of unconstrained optimal control algorithms are several variations of conjugate-gradient methods. At first, constrained optimal control problems could only be solved by exterior penalty function methods. Later algorithms specifically designed for constrained problems have appeared. Among these are methods for solving the unconstrained linear quadratic regulator problem, as well as certain constrained minimum-time and minimum-energy problems. Differential-dynamic programming was developed from dynamic programming considerations. The conditional-gradient method, the gradient-projection method, and a couple of feasible directions methods were obtained as extensions or adaptations of related algorithms for finite-dimensional problems. Finally, the so-called epsilon-methods combine the Ritz method with penalty function techniques.

The International Ultraviolet Explorer: Case study in spacecraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, H. R.; Longanecker, G. W.

1979-01-01

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) is a geosynchronous scientific satellite that was conceived as an international space observatory capable of measuring UV spectra of faint celestial bodies. Simple operational procedures allow the astronomers to joystick the spaceborne telescope about the sky, using familiar ground-based observatory techniques. The present paper deals with the IUE project objectives, the technical problems, constraints, trade-offs, and the problem solving techniques used in the IUE program.

Limited-memory trust-region methods for sparse relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, Lasith; DeGuchy, Omar; Erway, Jennifer B.; Lockhart, Shelby; Marcia, Roummel F.

2017-08-01

In this paper, we solve the l2-l1 sparse recovery problem by transforming the objective function of this problem into an unconstrained differentiable function and applying a limited-memory trust-region method. Unlike gradient projection-type methods, which uses only the current gradient, our approach uses gradients from previous iterations to obtain a more accurate Hessian approximation. Numerical experiments show that our proposed approach eliminates spurious solutions more effectively while improving computational time.

Investigation and Implementation of Matrix Permanent Algorithms for Identity Resolution

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

calculation of the permanent of a matrix whose dimension is a function of target count [21]. However, the optimal approach for computing the permanent is...presently unclear. The primary objective of this project was to determine the optimal computing strategy(-ies) for the matrix permanent in tactical and...solving various combinatorial problems (see [16] for details and appli- cations to a wide variety of problems) and thus can be applied to compute a

The Image Understanding Architecture Project

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

The error resulted in the frame being reduced in size and incorrectly bonded . The problem has been corrected and3 the design has been re-submitted...Promotional literature, Beaverton, OR, 1985. Nii, 1986] Nil, H.P., The Blackboard Model of Problem Solving and the Evolution of Blackboard...microns. This resulted in a reduction in pad sizes to two thirds of the minimum required for safe bonding . All chips had many wire bonds on the die

Applied Remote Sensing Program (ARSP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, J. D.; Foster, K. E.; Mouat, D. A.; Miller, D. A.; Conn, J. S.

1976-01-01

The activities and accomplishments of the Applied Remote Sensing Program during FY 1975-1976 are reported. The principal objective of the Applied Remote Sensing Program continues to be designed projects having specific decision-making impacts as a principal goal. These projects are carried out in cooperation and collaboration with local, state and federal agencies whose responsibilities lie with planning, zoning and environmental monitoring and/or assessment in the application of remote sensing techniques. The end result of the projects is the use by the involved agencies of remote sensing techniques in problem solving.

Problem-solving variability in older spouses: how is it linked to problem-, person-, and couple-characteristics?

PubMed

Hoppmann, Christiane A; Blanchard-Fields, Fredda

2011-09-01

Problem-solving does not take place in isolation and often involves social others such as spouses. Using repeated daily life assessments from 98 older spouses (M age = 72 years; M marriage length = 42 years), the present study examined theoretical notions from social-contextual models of coping regarding (a) the origins of problem-solving variability and (b) associations between problem-solving and specific problem-, person-, and couple- characteristics. Multilevel models indicate that the lion's share of variability in everyday problem-solving is located at the level of the problem situation. Importantly, participants reported more proactive emotion regulation and collaborative problem-solving for social than nonsocial problems. We also found person-specific consistencies in problem-solving. That is, older spouses high in Neuroticism reported more problems across the study period as well as less instrumental problem-solving and more passive emotion regulation than older spouses low in Neuroticism. Contrary to expectations, relationship satisfaction was unrelated to problem-solving in the present sample. Results are in line with the stress and coping literature in demonstrating that everyday problem-solving is a dynamic process that has to be viewed in the broader context in which it occurs. Our findings also complement previous laboratory-based work on everyday problem-solving by underscoring the benefits of examining everyday problem-solving as it unfolds in spouses' own environment.

Resource Letter RPS-1: Research in problem solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Leonardo; Brewe, Eric; Foster, Thomas M.; Harper, Kathleen A.

2004-09-01

This Resource Letter provides a guide to the literature on research in problem solving, especially in physics. The references were compiled with two audiences in mind: physicists who are (or might become) engaged in research on problem solving, and physics instructors who are interested in using research results to improve their students' learning of problem solving. In addition to general references, journal articles and books are cited for the following topics: cognitive aspects of problem solving, expert-novice problem-solver characteristics, problem solving in mathematics, alternative problem types, curricular interventions, and the use of computers in problem solving.

Optimal matching for prostate brachytherapy seed localization with dimension reduction.

PubMed

Lee, Junghoon; Labat, Christian; Jain, Ameet K; Song, Danny Y; Burdette, Everette C; Fichtinger, Gabor; Prince, Jerry L

2009-01-01

In prostate brachytherapy, x-ray fluoroscopy has been used for intra-operative dosimetry to provide qualitative assessment of implant quality. More recent developments have made possible 3D localization of the implanted radioactive seeds. This is usually modeled as an assignment problem and solved by resolving the correspondence of seeds. It is, however, NP-hard, and the problem is even harder in practice due to the significant number of hidden seeds. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that can find an optimal solution from multiple projection images with hidden seeds. It solves an equivalent problem with reduced dimensional complexity, thus allowing us to find an optimal solution in polynomial time. Simulation results show the robustness of the algorithm. It was validated on 5 phantom and 18 patient datasets, successfully localizing the seeds with detection rate of > or = 97.6% and reconstruction error of < or = 1.2 mm. This is considered to be clinically excellent performance.

Numerical Analysis Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, Michael

1997-08-01

The Numerical Analysis Objects project (NAO) is a project in the Mathematics Department of IBM's TJ Watson Research Center. While there are plenty of numerical tools available today, it is not an easy task to combine them into a custom application. NAO is directed at the dual problems of building applications from a set of tools, and creating those tools. There are several "reuse" projects, which focus on the problems of identifying and cataloging tools. NAO is directed at the specific context of scientific computing. Because the type of tools is restricted, problems such as tools with incompatible data structures for input and output, and dissimilar interfaces to tools which solve similar problems can be addressed. The approach we've taken is to define interfaces to those objects used in numerical analysis, such as geometries, functions and operators, and to start collecting (and building) a set of tools which use these interfaces. We have written a class library (a set of abstract classes and implementations) in C++ which demonstrates the approach. Besides the classes, the class library includes "stub" routines which allow the library to be used from C or Fortran, and an interface to a Visual Programming Language. The library has been used to build a simulator for petroleum reservoirs, using a set of tools for discretizing nonlinear differential equations that we have written, and includes "wrapped" versions of packages from the Netlib repository. Documentation can be found on the Web at "http://www.research.ibm.com/nao". I will describe the objects and their interfaces, and give examples ranging from mesh generation to solving differential equations.

Formation of the portfolio of high-rise construction projects on the basis of optimization of «risk-return» rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uvarova, Svetlana; Kutsygina, Olga; Smorodina, Elena; Gumba, Khuta

2018-03-01

The effectiveness and sustainability of an enterprise are based on the effectiveness and sustainability of its portfolio of projects. When creating a production program for a construction company based on a portfolio of projects and related to the planning and implementation of initiated organizational and economic changes, the problem of finding the optimal "risk-return" ratio of the program (portfolio of projects) is solved. The article proposes and approves the methodology of forming a portfolio of enterprise projects on the basis of the correspondence principle. Optimization of the portfolio of projects on the criterion of "risk-return" also contributes to the company's sustainability.

Applications of Evolutionary Technology to Manufacturing and Logistics Systems : State-of-the Art Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gen, Mitsuo; Lin, Lin

Many combinatorial optimization problems from industrial engineering and operations research in real-world are very complex in nature and quite hard to solve them by conventional techniques. Since the 1960s, there has been an increasing interest in imitating living beings to solve such kinds of hard combinatorial optimization problems. Simulating the natural evolutionary process of human beings results in stochastic optimization techniques called evolutionary algorithms (EAs), which can often outperform conventional optimization methods when applied to difficult real-world problems. In this survey paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the current state-of-the-art in the use of EA in manufacturing and logistics systems. In order to demonstrate the EAs which are powerful and broadly applicable stochastic search and optimization techniques, we deal with the following engineering design problems: transportation planning models, layout design models and two-stage logistics models in logistics systems; job-shop scheduling, resource constrained project scheduling in manufacturing system.

[The phenomenon of alcoholism in Poland as a legal issue].

PubMed

Jagielska-Burduk, Alicja; Jagielska, Iwona; Janicki, Radosław; Grabiec, Marek

2012-01-01

Alcoholism is a problem of a social value. About 140 million people worldwide suffer from alcoholism. Research has demonstrated adverse effects of alcohol. In the scientific project were confirmed: increased risk of cancer, liver disease, abnormal course of pregnancy and development of fetus. Among alcoholics are frequent phenomena of criminal behavior, accidents and trauma. The Polish Constitution granted the right to health citizens. The consequence of the above mentioned constitutional guarantee is the duty of the state that consists in caring for the functioning of a society free from addictions and alcohol problems. The basic legal act in this field is the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism. The state policy in the fight against alcoholism is implemented at various levels of both government and local government. The established National Agency for Solving Alcohol Problems drafts a National Programme for Prevention and Solving Alcohol Problems every year. Also important are public awareness campaigns conducted to raise awareness about the negative effects of alcohol.

An extended basis inexact shift-invert Lanczos for the efficient solution of large-scale generalized eigenproblems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rewieński, M.; Lamecki, A.; Mrozowski, M.

2013-09-01

This paper proposes a technique, based on the Inexact Shift-Invert Lanczos (ISIL) method with Inexact Jacobi Orthogonal Component Correction (IJOCC) refinement, and a preconditioned conjugate-gradient (PCG) linear solver with multilevel preconditioner, for finding several eigenvalues for generalized symmetric eigenproblems. Several eigenvalues are found by constructing (with the ISIL process) an extended projection basis. Presented results of numerical experiments confirm the technique can be effectively applied to challenging, large-scale problems characterized by very dense spectra, such as resonant cavities with spatial dimensions which are large with respect to wavelengths of the resonating electromagnetic fields. It is also shown that the proposed scheme based on inexact linear solves delivers superior performance, as compared to methods which rely on exact linear solves, indicating tremendous potential of the 'inexact solve' concept. Finally, the scheme which generates an extended projection basis is found to provide a cost-efficient alternative to classical deflation schemes when several eigenvalues are computed.

Students’ difficulties in probabilistic problem-solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arum, D. P.; Kusmayadi, T. A.; Pramudya, I.

2018-03-01

There are many errors can be identified when students solving mathematics problems, particularly in solving the probabilistic problem. This present study aims to investigate students’ difficulties in solving the probabilistic problem. It focuses on analyzing and describing students errors during solving the problem. This research used the qualitative method with case study strategy. The subjects in this research involve ten students of 9th grade that were selected by purposive sampling. Data in this research involve students’ probabilistic problem-solving result and recorded interview regarding students’ difficulties in solving the problem. Those data were analyzed descriptively using Miles and Huberman steps. The results show that students have difficulties in solving the probabilistic problem and can be divided into three categories. First difficulties relate to students’ difficulties in understanding the probabilistic problem. Second, students’ difficulties in choosing and using appropriate strategies for solving the problem. Third, students’ difficulties with the computational process in solving the problem. Based on the result seems that students still have difficulties in solving the probabilistic problem. It means that students have not able to use their knowledge and ability for responding probabilistic problem yet. Therefore, it is important for mathematics teachers to plan probabilistic learning which could optimize students probabilistic thinking ability.

Preconditioned alternating projection algorithms for maximum a posteriori ECT reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krol, Andrzej; Li, Si; Shen, Lixin; Xu, Yuesheng

2012-11-01

We propose a preconditioned alternating projection algorithm (PAPA) for solving the maximum a posteriori (MAP) emission computed tomography (ECT) reconstruction problem. Specifically, we formulate the reconstruction problem as a constrained convex optimization problem with the total variation (TV) regularization. We then characterize the solution of the constrained convex optimization problem and show that it satisfies a system of fixed-point equations defined in terms of two proximity operators raised from the convex functions that define the TV-norm and the constraint involved in the problem. The characterization (of the solution) via the proximity operators that define two projection operators naturally leads to an alternating projection algorithm for finding the solution. For efficient numerical computation, we introduce to the alternating projection algorithm a preconditioning matrix (the EM-preconditioner) for the dense system matrix involved in the optimization problem. We prove theoretically convergence of the PAPA. In numerical experiments, performance of our algorithms, with an appropriately selected preconditioning matrix, is compared with performance of the conventional MAP expectation-maximization (MAP-EM) algorithm with TV regularizer (EM-TV) and that of the recently developed nested EM-TV algorithm for ECT reconstruction. Based on the numerical experiments performed in this work, we observe that the alternating projection algorithm with the EM-preconditioner outperforms significantly the EM-TV in all aspects including the convergence speed, the noise in the reconstructed images and the image quality. It also outperforms the nested EM-TV in the convergence speed while providing comparable image quality.

Thomas-Fermi model for a bulk self-gravitating stellar object in two dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De, Sanchari; Chakrabarty, Somenath

2015-09-01

In this article we have solved a hypothetical problem related to the stability and gross properties of two-dimensional self-gravitating stellar objects using the Thomas-Fermi model. The formalism presented here is an extension of the standard three-dimensional problem discussed in the book on statistical physics, Part I by Landau and Lifshitz. Further, the formalism presented in this article may be considered a class problem for post-graduate-level students of physics or may be assigned as a part of their dissertation project.

Direct solution of the H(1s)-H + long-range interaction problem in momentum space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koga, Toshikatsu

1985-02-01

Perturbation equations for the H(1s)-H+ long-range interaction are solved directly in momentum space up to the fourth order with respect to the reciprocal of the internuclear distance. As in the hydrogen atom problem, the Fock transformation is used which projects the momentum vector of an electron from the three-dimensional hyperplane onto the four-dimensional hypersphere. Solutions are given as linear combinations of several four-dimensional spherical harmonics. The present results add an example to the momentum-space solution of the nonspherical potential problem.

Research in advanced formal theorem-proving techniques. [design and implementation of computer languages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raphael, B.; Fikes, R.; Waldinger, R.

1973-01-01

The results are summarised of a project aimed at the design and implementation of computer languages to aid in expressing problem solving procedures in several areas of artificial intelligence including automatic programming, theorem proving, and robot planning. The principal results of the project were the design and implementation of two complete systems, QA4 and QLISP, and their preliminary experimental use. The various applications of both QA4 and QLISP are given.

Development of a problem solving evaluation instrument; untangling of specific problem solving assets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Wendy Kristine

The purpose of my research was to produce a problem solving evaluation tool for physics. To do this it was necessary to gain a thorough understanding of how students solve problems. Although physics educators highly value problem solving and have put extensive effort into understanding successful problem solving, there is currently no efficient way to evaluate problem solving skill. Attempts have been made in the past; however, knowledge of the principles required to solve the subject problem are so absolutely critical that they completely overshadow any other skills students may use when solving a problem. The work presented here is unique because the evaluation tool removes the requirement that the student already have a grasp of physics concepts. It is also unique because I picked a wide range of people and picked a wide range of tasks for evaluation. This is an important design feature that helps make things emerge more clearly. This dissertation includes an extensive literature review of problem solving in physics, math, education and cognitive science as well as descriptions of studies involving student use of interactive computer simulations, the design and validation of a beliefs about physics survey and finally the design of the problem solving evaluation tool. I have successfully developed and validated a problem solving evaluation tool that identifies 44 separate assets (skills) necessary for solving problems. Rigorous validation studies, including work with an independent interviewer, show these assets identified by this content-free evaluation tool are the same assets that students use to solve problems in mechanics and quantum mechanics. Understanding this set of component assets will help teachers and researchers address problem solving within the classroom.

Preparing College Students to Teach an Environmental Problem Solving Curriculum to Middle School Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powers, S. E.

2001-12-01

An NSF-funded project-based program was implemented by Clarkson University in 2000 to increase the interest and knowledge of middle school students in science, math and technology through the solution of an environmental problem that is relevant to their local school community. Clarkson students developed curricula for 7th and 8th grade science and technology classes and then worked with the middle school students throughout the year to reduce to transform solid waste into healthy soil for plant growth. The solution to this problem provided a vehicle to teach fundamental science and math content as well as the process of doing science and solving problems. Placing college science and engineering students in the classroom proved to be a great mechanism for engaging students in science topics and providing mentoring experiences that differ greatly from those that a practicing professional can provide. It is clear, however, that the students must be well prepared for this experience to maximize the benefits of university - school district partnership programs. The objective of this presentation will be to describe the training program that has been developed to prepare Clarkson students to work effectively in middle school classrooms. The Clarkson students are trained for their classroom experiences during the summer before they enter the classroom. They receive three credits for the training, curriculum development, and teaching efforts. It is expected that the students have the necessary background in science and technology to teach themselves the content and environmental relevance of the problem they will be teaching. Lectures and workshops focus on how to transform this knowledge into a project-based curriculum that meets the needs of the teachers, while also exciting the students. Lecture/workshops include: team work; components of an effective class and teacher; project planning and management; problem solving process; inquiry based learning, deductive/inductive learning; creating unit/lesson plan; defining learning objectives; incorporating mentoring into program; NYS standards and science exam; and, assessment techniques. Journals are used to encourage the fellows to reflect on their learning and own educational experiences. An evaluation of the program by both Clarkson students and their partner teachers indicated that this training was appropriate for the students to enter the classroom as professional scientists and engineers. Their classroom interaction skills improved throughout the year.

Age differences in everyday problem-solving effectiveness: older adults select more effective strategies for interpersonal problems.

PubMed

Blanchard-Fields, Fredda; Mienaltowski, Andrew; Seay, Renee Baldi

2007-01-01

Using the Everyday Problem Solving Inventory of Cornelius and Caspi, we examined differences in problem-solving strategy endorsement and effectiveness in two domains of everyday functioning (instrumental or interpersonal, and a mixture of the two domains) and for four strategies (avoidance-denial, passive dependence, planful problem solving, and cognitive analysis). Consistent with past research, our research showed that older adults were more problem focused than young adults in their approach to solving instrumental problems, whereas older adults selected more avoidant-denial strategies than young adults when solving interpersonal problems. Overall, older adults were also more effective than young adults when solving everyday problems, in particular for interpersonal problems.

Spontaneous gestures influence strategy choices in problem solving.

PubMed

Alibali, Martha W; Spencer, Robert C; Knox, Lucy; Kita, Sotaro

2011-09-01

Do gestures merely reflect problem-solving processes, or do they play a functional role in problem solving? We hypothesized that gestures highlight and structure perceptual-motor information, and thereby make such information more likely to be used in problem solving. Participants in two experiments solved problems requiring the prediction of gear movement, either with gesture allowed or with gesture prohibited. Such problems can be correctly solved using either a perceptual-motor strategy (simulation of gear movements) or an abstract strategy (the parity strategy). Participants in the gesture-allowed condition were more likely to use perceptual-motor strategies than were participants in the gesture-prohibited condition. Gesture promoted use of perceptual-motor strategies both for participants who talked aloud while solving the problems (Experiment 1) and for participants who solved the problems silently (Experiment 2). Thus, spontaneous gestures influence strategy choices in problem solving.

Too upset to think: the interplay of borderline personality features, negative emotions, and social problem solving in the laboratory.

PubMed

Dixon-Gordon, Katherine L; Chapman, Alexander L; Lovasz, Nathalie; Walters, Kris

2011-10-01

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with poor social problem solving and problems with emotion regulation. In this study, the social problem-solving performance of undergraduates with high (n = 26), mid (n = 32), or low (n = 29) levels of BPD features was assessed with the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised and using the means-ends problem-solving procedure before and after a social rejection stressor. The high-BP group, but not the low-BP group, showed a significant reduction in relevant solutions to social problems and more inappropriate solutions following the negative emotion induction. Increases in self-reported negative emotions during the emotion induction mediated the relationship between BP features and reductions in social problem-solving performance. In addition, the high-BP group demonstrated trait deficits in social problem solving on the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised. These findings suggest that future research must examine social problem solving under differing emotional conditions, and that clinical interventions to improve social problem solving among persons with BP features should focus on responses to emotional contexts.

An Investigation of Secondary Teachers’ Understanding and Belief on Mathematical Problem Solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuli Eko Siswono, Tatag; Wachidul Kohar, Ahmad; Kurniasari, Ika; Puji Astuti, Yuliani

2016-02-01

Weaknesses on problem solving of Indonesian students as reported by recent international surveys give rise to questions on how Indonesian teachers bring out idea of problem solving in mathematics lesson. An explorative study was undertaken to investigate how secondary teachers who teach mathematics at junior high school level understand and show belief toward mathematical problem solving. Participants were teachers from four cities in East Java province comprising 45 state teachers and 25 private teachers. Data was obtained through questionnaires and written test. The results of this study point out that the teachers understand pedagogical problem solving knowledge well as indicated by high score of observed teachers‘ responses showing understanding on problem solving as instruction as well as implementation of problem solving in teaching practice. However, they less understand on problem solving content knowledge such as problem solving strategies and meaning of problem itself. Regarding teacher's difficulties, teachers admitted to most frequently fail in (1) determining a precise mathematical model or strategies when carrying out problem solving steps which is supported by data of test result that revealed transformation error as the most frequently observed errors in teachers’ work and (2) choosing suitable real situation when designing context-based problem solving task. Meanwhile, analysis of teacher's beliefs on problem solving shows that teachers tend to view both mathematics and how students should learn mathematics as body static perspective, while they tend to believe to apply idea of problem solving as dynamic approach when teaching mathematics.

The Impact of Teacher Training on Creative Writing and Problem-Solving Using Futuristic Scenarios for Creative Problem Solving and Creative Problem Solving Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayel Al-Srour, Nadia; Al-Ali, Safa M.; Al-Oweidi, Alia

2016-01-01

The present study aims to detect the impact of teacher training on creative writing and problem-solving using both Futuristic scenarios program to solve problems creatively, and creative problem solving. To achieve the objectives of the study, the sample was divided into two groups, the first consist of 20 teachers, and 23 teachers to second…

NASA/Drexel program. [research effort in large-scale technical programs management for application to urban problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The results are reported of the NASA/Drexel research effort which was conducted in two separate phases. The initial phase stressed exploration of the problem from the point of view of three primary research areas and the building of a multidisciplinary team. The final phase consisted of a clinical demonstration program in which the research associates consulted with the County Executive of New Castle County, Delaware, to aid in solving actual problems confronting the County Government. The three primary research areas of the initial phase are identified as technology, management science, and behavioral science. Five specific projects which made up the research effort are treated separately. A final section contains the conclusions drawn from total research effort as well as from the specific projects.

Solving the MHD equations by the space time conservation element and solution element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Moujin; John Yu, S.-T.; Henry Lin, S.-C.; Chang, Sin-Chung; Blankson, Isaiah

2006-05-01

We apply the space-time conservation element and solution element (CESE) method to solve the ideal MHD equations with special emphasis on satisfying the divergence free constraint of magnetic field, i.e., ∇ · B = 0. In the setting of the CESE method, four approaches are employed: (i) the original CESE method without any additional treatment, (ii) a simple corrector procedure to update the spatial derivatives of magnetic field B after each time marching step to enforce ∇ · B = 0 at all mesh nodes, (iii) a constraint-transport method by using a special staggered mesh to calculate magnetic field B, and (iv) the projection method by solving a Poisson solver after each time marching step. To demonstrate the capabilities of these methods, two benchmark MHD flows are calculated: (i) a rotated one-dimensional MHD shock tube problem and (ii) a MHD vortex problem. The results show no differences between different approaches and all results compare favorably with previously reported data.

Problem-solving skills in high school biology: The effectiveness of the IMMEX problem-solving assessment software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palacio-Cayetano, Joycelin

"Problem-solving through reflective thinking should be both the method and valuable outcome of science instruction in America's schools" proclaimed John Dewey (Gabel, 1995). If the development of problem-solving is a primary goal of science education, more problem-solving opportunities must be an integral part of K-16 education. To examine the effective use of technology in developing and assessing problem-solving skills, a problem-solving authoring, learning, and assessment software, the UCLA IMMEX Program-Interactive Multimedia Exercises-was investigated. This study was a twenty-week quasi-experimental study that was implemented as a control-group time series design among 120 tenth grade students. Both the experimental group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60) participated in a problem-based learning curriculum; however, the experimental group received regular intensive experiences with IMMEX problem-solving and the control group did not. Problem-solving pretest and posttest were administered to all students. The instruments used were a 35-item Processes of Biological Inquiry Test and an IMMEX problem-solving assessment test, True Roots. Students who participated in the IMMEX Program achieved significant (p <.05) gains in problem-solving skills on both problem-solving assessment instruments. This study provided evidence that IMMEX software is highly efficient in evaluating salient elements of problem-solving. Outputs of students' problem-solving strategies revealed that unsuccessful problem solvers primarily used the following four strategies: (1) no data search strategy, students simply guessed; (2) limited data search strategy leading to insufficient data and premature closing; (3) irrelevant data search strategy, students focus in areas bearing no substantive data; and (4) extensive data search strategy with inadequate integration and analysis. On the contrary, successful problem solvers used the following strategies; (1) focused search strategy coupled with the ability to fill in knowledge gaps by accessing the appropriate resources; (2) targeted search strategy coupled with high level of analytical and integration skills; and (3) focused search strategy coupled with superior discrimination, analytical, and integration skills. The strategies of students who were successful and unsuccessful solving IMMEX problems were consistent with those of expert and novice problem solvers identified in the literature on problem-solving.

Validation and Comparison of 2D and 3D Codes for Nearshore Motion of Long Waves Using Benchmark Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velioǧlu, Deniz; Cevdet Yalçıner, Ahmet; Zaytsev, Andrey

2016-04-01

Tsunamis are huge waves with long wave periods and wave lengths that can cause great devastation and loss of life when they strike a coast. The interest in experimental and numerical modeling of tsunami propagation and inundation increased considerably after the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake. In this study, two numerical codes, FLOW 3D and NAMI DANCE, that analyze tsunami propagation and inundation patterns are considered. Flow 3D simulates linear and nonlinear propagating surface waves as well as long waves by solving three-dimensional Navier-Stokes (3D-NS) equations. NAMI DANCE uses finite difference computational method to solve 2D depth-averaged linear and nonlinear forms of shallow water equations (NSWE) in long wave problems, specifically tsunamis. In order to validate these two codes and analyze the differences between 3D-NS and 2D depth-averaged NSWE equations, two benchmark problems are applied. One benchmark problem investigates the runup of long waves over a complex 3D beach. The experimental setup is a 1:400 scale model of Monai Valley located on the west coast of Okushiri Island, Japan. Other benchmark problem is discussed in 2015 National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) Annual meeting in Portland, USA. It is a field dataset, recording the Japan 2011 tsunami in Hilo Harbor, Hawaii. The computed water surface elevation and velocity data are compared with the measured data. The comparisons showed that both codes are in fairly good agreement with each other and benchmark data. The differences between 3D-NS and 2D depth-averaged NSWE equations are highlighted. All results are presented with discussions and comparisons. Acknowledgements: Partial support by Japan-Turkey Joint Research Project by JICA on earthquakes and tsunamis in Marmara Region (JICA SATREPS - MarDiM Project), 603839 ASTARTE Project of EU, UDAP-C-12-14 project of AFAD Turkey, 108Y227, 113M556 and 213M534 projects of TUBITAK Turkey, RAPSODI (CONCERT_Dis-021) of CONCERT-Japan Joint Call and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are all acknowledged.

SART-Type Half-Threshold Filtering Approach for CT Reconstruction

PubMed Central

YU, HENGYONG; WANG, GE

2014-01-01

The ℓ1 regularization problem has been widely used to solve the sparsity constrained problems. To enhance the sparsity constraint for better imaging performance, a promising direction is to use the ℓp norm (0 < p < 1) and solve the ℓp minimization problem. Very recently, Xu et al. developed an analytic solution for the ℓ1∕2 regularization via an iterative thresholding operation, which is also referred to as half-threshold filtering. In this paper, we design a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART)-type half-threshold filtering framework to solve the computed tomography (CT) reconstruction problem. In the medical imaging filed, the discrete gradient transform (DGT) is widely used to define the sparsity. However, the DGT is noninvertible and it cannot be applied to half-threshold filtering for CT reconstruction. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed SART-type half-threshold filtering framework, an emphasis of this paper is to construct a pseudoinverse transforms for DGT. The proposed algorithms are evaluated with numerical and physical phantom data sets. Our results show that the SART-type half-threshold filtering algorithms have great potential to improve the reconstructed image quality from few and noisy projections. They are complementary to the counterparts of the state-of-the-art soft-threshold filtering and hard-threshold filtering. PMID:25530928

SART-Type Half-Threshold Filtering Approach for CT Reconstruction.

PubMed

Yu, Hengyong; Wang, Ge

2014-01-01

The [Formula: see text] regularization problem has been widely used to solve the sparsity constrained problems. To enhance the sparsity constraint for better imaging performance, a promising direction is to use the [Formula: see text] norm (0 < p < 1) and solve the [Formula: see text] minimization problem. Very recently, Xu et al. developed an analytic solution for the [Formula: see text] regularization via an iterative thresholding operation, which is also referred to as half-threshold filtering. In this paper, we design a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART)-type half-threshold filtering framework to solve the computed tomography (CT) reconstruction problem. In the medical imaging filed, the discrete gradient transform (DGT) is widely used to define the sparsity. However, the DGT is noninvertible and it cannot be applied to half-threshold filtering for CT reconstruction. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed SART-type half-threshold filtering framework, an emphasis of this paper is to construct a pseudoinverse transforms for DGT. The proposed algorithms are evaluated with numerical and physical phantom data sets. Our results show that the SART-type half-threshold filtering algorithms have great potential to improve the reconstructed image quality from few and noisy projections. They are complementary to the counterparts of the state-of-the-art soft-threshold filtering and hard-threshold filtering.

Pareto Joint Inversion of Love and Quasi Rayleigh's waves - synthetic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogacz, Adrian; Dalton, David; Danek, Tomasz; Miernik, Katarzyna; Slawinski, Michael A.

2017-04-01

In this contribution the specific application of Pareto joint inversion in solving geophysical problem is presented. Pareto criterion combine with Particle Swarm Optimization were used to solve geophysical inverse problems for Love and Quasi Rayleigh's waves. Basic theory of forward problem calculation for chosen surface waves is described. To avoid computational problems some simplification were made. This operation allowed foster and more straightforward calculation without lost of solution generality. According to the solving scheme restrictions, considered model must have exact two layers, elastic isotropic surface layer and elastic isotropic half space with infinite thickness. The aim of the inversion is to obain elastic parameters and model geometry using dispersion data. In calculations different case were considered, such as different number of modes for different wave types and different frequencies. Created solutions are using OpenMP standard for parallel computing, which help in reduction of computational times. The results of experimental computations are presented and commented. This research was performed in the context of The Geomechanics Project supported by Husky Energy. Also, this research was partially supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, grant 238416-2013, and by the Polish National Science Center under contract No. DEC-2013/11/B/ST10/0472.

AGARD Flight Test Techniques Series. Volume 3. Identification of Dynamic Systems - Applications to Aircraft. Part 1. The Output Error Approach

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

poorly written problem statements. We decline to artificially create difficulties for experimentation. Others have encountered these issues and treated...you lose some of the weaning. The method also does not extend well to nonlinear or time-varying system (sometimes it can be don#. but it creates ...thereby introduced creates problems and solves nothing. For variable-geometry aircraft, some projects establish reference geometry values that change as

CLARUS as a Cloud Security Framework: e-Health Use Case.

PubMed

Vidal, David; Iriso, Santiago; Mulero, Rafael

2017-01-01

Maintaining Passive Medical Health Records (PMHR) is an increasing cost and resource consumption problem. Moving to the cloud is the clearest solution to solve the problem as it offers a high amount of space and computation power. But the cloud is not safe enough when dealing with this kind of information because it can be easily accessed by attackers. The European Commission funded research project CLARUS contributes to protect healthcare-sensitive information in a secure way.

Perceptions of Constructivist Pedagogy in Project Lead the Way

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capers, Gesa Maria

In 2016, six of six American Nobel Prize winners in science were immigrants. The numbers of U.S. educated graduates who enter the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields have been on the decline, and policymakers and educators have continually sought new policies and programs to try resolve this problem with long-term solutions. In recent years, several Alabama schools have implemented Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a program that is aimed toward promoting students' interest in STEM. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how Alabama's educators perceived the use of constructivist pedagogy in PLTW on student learning behaviors and student interests in science and mathematics. Piaget's developmental theory and Vygotsky's social developmental theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. The data collection procedure for this multiple case study included one-on-one interviews with 23 educators in four Alabama PLTW schools. Themes that emerged from the study included motivation and enthusiasm, critical thinking and problem solving, career awareness, student interest in science and math, collaboration, hands-on learning, confidence and engagement, perceived problems, and satisfaction with PLTW. All interviewees perceived that with PLTW's emphasis on constructivist pedagogy, students were excited, engaged, practiced critical thinking and problem solving skills, and that participation in PLTW had a positive effect on the students' learning behaviors and interests in science and mathematics.

Pre-Service Class Teacher' Ability in Solving Mathematical Problems and Skills in Solving Daily Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aljaberi, Nahil M.; Gheith, Eman

2016-01-01

This study aims to investigate the ability of pre-service class teacher at University of Petrain solving mathematical problems using Polya's Techniques, their level of problem solving skills in daily-life issues. The study also investigates the correlation between their ability to solve mathematical problems and their level of problem solving…

The Association between Motivation, Affect, and Self-regulated Learning When Solving Problems.

PubMed

Baars, Martine; Wijnia, Lisette; Paas, Fred

2017-01-01

Self-regulated learning (SRL) skills are essential for learning during school years, particularly in complex problem-solving domains, such as biology and math. Although a lot of studies have focused on the cognitive resources that are needed for learning to solve problems in a self-regulated way, affective and motivational resources have received much less research attention. The current study investigated the relation between affect (i.e., Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale), motivation (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation), mental effort, SRL skills, and problem-solving performance when learning to solve biology problems in a self-regulated online learning environment. In the learning phase, secondary education students studied video-modeling examples of how to solve hereditary problems, solved hereditary problems which they chose themselves from a set of problems with different complexity levels (i.e., five levels). In the posttest, students solved hereditary problems, self-assessed their performance, and chose a next problem from the set of problems but did not solve these problems. The results from this study showed that negative affect, inaccurate self-assessments during the posttest, and higher perceptions of mental effort during the posttest were negatively associated with problem-solving performance after learning in a self-regulated way.

Data Basin: Expanding Access to Conservation Data, Tools, and People

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comendant, T.; Strittholt, J.; Frost, P.; Ward, B. C.; Bachelet, D. M.; Osborne-Gowey, J.

2009-12-01

Mapping and spatial analysis are a fundamental part of problem solving in conservation science, yet spatial data are widely scattered, difficult to locate, and often unavailable. Valuable time and resources are wasted locating and gaining access to important biological, cultural, and economic datasets, scientific analysis, and experts. As conservation problems become more serious and the demand to solve them grows more urgent, a new way to connect science and practice is needed. To meet this need, an open-access, web tool called Data Basin (www.databasin.org) has been created by the Conservation Biology Institute in partnership with ESRI and the Wilburforce Foundation. Users of Data Basin can gain quick access to datasets, experts, groups, and tools to help solve real-world problems. Individuals and organizations can perform essential tasks such as exploring and downloading from a vast library of conservation datasets, uploading existing datasets, connecting to other external data sources, create groups, and produce customized maps that can be easily shared. Data Basin encourages sharing and publishing, but also provides privacy and security for sensitive information when needed. Users can publish projects within Data Basin to tell more complete and rich stories of discovery and solutions. Projects are an ideal way to publish collections of datasets, maps and other information on the internet to reach wider audiences. Data Basin also houses individual centers that provide direct access to data, maps, and experts focused on specific geographic areas or conservation topics. Current centers being developed include the Boreal Information Centre, the Data Basin Climate Center, and proposed Aquatic and Forest Conservation Centers.

Use of EPA collaborative problem-solving model to obtain environmental justice in North Carolina.

PubMed

Wilson, Sacoby M; Wilson, Omega R; Heaney, Christopher D; Cooper, John

2007-01-01

The West End Revitalization Association (WERA), a community-based organization (CBO) in Mebane, North Carolina, was awarded a Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice (EPA OEJ). The purpose of this paper is to highlight WERA's efforts to bring stakeholders in three low-income African-American communities where environmental hazards created public health risks together for collaboration rather than litigation. WERA's board and staff organized nine working groups with specific areas of expertise that would facilitate research, identify lack of basic amenities, and encourage funding for corrective action and participation in progress reporting workshops. WERA used consensus building, dispute resolution, and resource mobilization as part of the CPS model to address noncompliance with environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Solid Waste Disposal Act. WERA's CPS "Right to Basic Amenities" project produced a framework for (1) grassroots management and ownership of a collaborative problem-solving process; (2) bringing stakeholders together with diverse and conflicting viewpoints; (3) implementation of an innovative community-owned and managed (COMR) research model; and (4) leveraging millions of dollars to fund installation of first-time municipal water/sewer services, street paving, and relocation of the 119-bypass to advance environmental health solutions. The structure and successes of WERA's Right to Basic Amenities project have been discussed at demonstration and training sessions to help others replicate the model in comparable low-income communities of color in North Carolina and across the United States.

Problem-Solving Modules in Large Introductory Biology Lectures Enhance Student Understanding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Scott; Hanmer, Deborah; Cerbin, Bill

2006-01-01

We studied the effect of formative assessment and feedback on learning. Students produced phylogenetic trees based upon morphological and molecular data. The trees were projected in class, feedback provided, and the process repeated twice with new data. Assessment revealed that these in-class modules resulted in significant improvement in student…