Abstract The paper focuses on insight problem solving and the components that help ensure high levels of performance. The paper discovers that it is highly probable that successful insight problem solving draws upon mindfulness, but this cannot be proven using the scope of the current literature. What the paper says can be proven, however, is that the aspects associated with improved performance of insight problem solving - specifically retention of information and improved focus - can be enhanced through training.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Failures of Broad-Level Attention and Problem Solving
Selection of Information Used in Problem Solving
Teaching Relevant Information Selection and AttentionFocus Mindfulness and Real Life Problem Solving
Conclusion
From the Paper "Insight problems and insight problem solving rely heavily on domains of thinking that are non-traditional or utilize areas of experience that are not commonly encountered as first-response outcomes. For instance, if a problem were stated: "Marsha and Marjorie were born on the same day of the same month of the same year to the same mother and the same father yet they are not twins. How is that possible?" the solution cannot be derived from the known information within the question but can be answered through associating other scenarios that do not, at first blush, appear to be related. This example problem can easily be solved if it were known that Marsha and Marjorie has another sister and they are triplets, not twins, but the governing assumption in a scenario of this nature is to focus on the problem word "twins" and not extend the line of thinking to potential solutions beyond this limiting point."
Abstract This paper discusses attention and defines it as a task-oriented focus maintained to achieve specific goals that tends to be enhanced through developing strategies that enhance focus. The paper explores one strategy that appears to be successful in this area, which utilizes variables that address various levels of perception. It explains that however, not every individual has the same response to a given stimulus, nor is there a universal strategy that can be applied to enhance perception and hold attention for all members of a given team. The author also addresses these issues in a brief exploration of what makes a successful team environment.
From the Paper "Attention, specifically a task-oriented focus maintained to achieve specific goals, tends to be enhanced through developing strategies that enhance focus. One strategy that appears to be successful in this area is that of utilizing variables that address various levels of perception. However, not every individual has the same response to a given stimulus, nor is there a universal strategy that can be applied to enhance perception and hold attention for all members of a given team (Strange & Banning, 2000). The creation of an environment that aids the attention and the perceptive processes of each member will need to identify the unique attributes and characteristics of the team as a whole. Personally, my threshold for auditory stimuli is quite low; I have an acute sense of hearing with a very wide range. I have always attributed this to the fact that I have asthma, as persons with asthma ..."
Abstract This paper explains that the attention and memory processes are both complex and little understood and that these processes undergo different stages of development in the early years. The paper also highlights the importance of the teacher's role in the development of the memory and attention processes in young children and describes methods teachers can use to foster this development in their students.
From the Paper "Attention and memory are two primary psychological processes that have been studied extensively. Presently, they still exist as only theories about how attention and memory operate, what structures are involved, and especially how the complicated processes actually work. In many ways, it reminds us that our present knowledge about how the brain operates is still a bit of a mystery. All children go through the same stages of human development, albeit in their own unique way. It is up to us as educators to be in tune with those stages to best assist them in their growth."
Abstract The paper explores attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by considering its history, symptoms, and the way in which children are assessed. The paper then devotes time to discussing the cognitive ablilities of children with ADHD, including memory skills, and concludes with a brief discussion on future issues facing children with the disorder.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Overview
"The Story of Fidigty Philip"
Assessment of Children with ADHD
Cognitive Abilities of Children with ADHD
ADHD Children and Memory
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although ADHD was not discovered by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman, a physican who published a number of books pertaining to psychiatry and medicine, his book "The Story of Fidigty Philip" (1863) clearly portrays a child with ADHD. Nevertheless, it was not until 1902 that Sir George F. Still described a condition which he entitled "Morbid Defect of Moral Control," and which he ascribed to a genetic disorder rather than that of poor parenting. His work described a group of children with significant behavioral problems, including high levels of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, thus referring to what is now termed ADHD."
Abstract The central philosophy of solution-focused therapy is that clients bring with them strengths and capacities they can access and develop to make their lives more satisfactory. Assuming the client is the expert, the therapist is responsible for developing a collaborative context and helping the client articulate desired changes. The therapist magnifies client strengths, resources, and past successes, which leads to the construction of solutions. It is the purpose of this paper to use the Ward family as the case study to demonstrate the design and benefit of a solution-focused therapy program.
Abstract This paper studies the application of Solution-Focused Group Therapy (SFGT) to a group of men and women abused sexually as children. The paper begins by discussing the components of SFGT, including its techniques. The paper then focuses on the need to establish a solution-oriented, environment and action-oriented approach for members of the group.
From the Paper "SFGT is an integration of solution-focused therapy and group therapy. In a radical deviation from the traditional psychotherapeutic approaches, that are problem-oriented solutions..."
This paper examines the effectiveness of modifications in classrooms and teaching methods used in working with children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and attention hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).
1,675 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 54.95
Abstract This paper describes the National Education Association's ten specific steps that can help ADD/ADHD students function well in the classroom. The author believes that many of the techniques that help ADD/ADHD students to focus and perform better also are useful in the general classroom. The author points out that knowing how to deal with an overactive or hyperactive child as part of a regular classroom experience can help the teacher become a better teacher overall. Classroom observation notes of a general education class and a special education class.
From the Paper "A recent article in NEA Today estimated that 3 to 5 percent of all K-12 students suffers from some form of attention deficit problem (p. 4). One of the significant difficulties in studying the extent of the problem, however, lies in diagnosis. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) are both listed and defined as psychological disorders in the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV, but they are nevertheless difficult to diagnose precisely. In order to be diagnosed with either disorder, a child must have consistently exhibited at least six of the listed behaviors before the age of seven, whether or not the diagnosis occurred that early, in ways that interfere with functioning in at least two different kinds of settings, such as home and school. The behaviors must also not be the direct result of some other problem, such as anxiety disorder or identifiable stress; if a child is hyperactive as the result of a traumatic event, for example, then a diagnosis of ADD and/or ADHD may not necessarily be appropriate, even if many of the relevant behaviors are present."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that Munro's short story is about two young preteen girls, Eva and Carol, and their quest to be noticed by the uninterested boys. The writer discusses that Munro effectively manipulates the obscure rules of pre-teenagers to create the dilemma where Eva and Carol try to attract the other boys' attention using a boat they found.Through Munro's excellent understanding of the preteen rational, the author creates a dilemma for the young Eve and Carol to search the attention they seek, and in turn expresses the reality of such a fragile time period as the preteen years. The writer maintains that it is important that authors like Munro reminds readers of a time with simple rules so people can escape back to that certain time through the artistry of their fictional works.
From the Paper "It is commonly understood that society abides by a strict unwritten law, and through the various stages of life those rules change drastically. For example, as children: the rules state that a boy and a girl are mutual and utter enemies, but as the children enter the preteen marker, the rules seem to change completely. Eventually, both sexes find themselves fascinated with one another. Yet, by the mandate of puberty, this change does not happen simultaneously, it is the female that goes through these mind and body changes first, and as a result a young preteen girl might start finding interest in the opposite sex but not get the same interest back. Author Alice Munro surely understands this concept and uses it as a palette to paint her short story, "The Found Boat"."
Abstract This paper discusses the case of a 6-year-old boy affected with ADHD and ODD. The author describes the boy's behavior, giving examples, and discusses several of the concerns of his parents and educators. The author explains the methods currently used by his teachers and parents to work with his disorders and increase his attention. The paper also provides suggestions for further improving his attention and his learning abilities.
From the Paper "Reflected in Michael's inability to sit still during read aloud time, Michael also expresses no verbal desire to read silently, or even flip through picture books for more than a few minutes. Michael states to the EA frequently that he does not want to learn how to read because it is boring. The EA has in the past had no answer but more recently devised a way to help Michael understand the importance of reading by bringing simple instructions to school that accompany objects and items that almost cannot be used without a careful reading of the simple instructions."
Abstract This paper discusses how studies regarding the components of attention and perception have long been considered essential in understanding the human brain; parallel studies in other scientific fields have increased its consequence by identifying it as important factors in human evolution and development. In particular, the paper examines how understanding selective attention in the process of visual perception requires the recognition of the different attention mechanisms that are involved in the identification of a stimulus versus those that are involved after the process of perception. The paper also looks at how modern cognitive neuroscience experts in particular are emphasizing the need to further understand the components of selective visual attention to an attentional spotlight considering neuroanatomy and timing.
From the Paper "According to Chris Chatam (2006), "The spotlight metaphor of attention accords with our subjective experience: as we move throughout our environment, we can feel our attention "focus" on particular objects, much like an adjustable flashlight might." Thus, attention functions as a means of resolution of perception ambiguities that occur in the process of neural coding of how multiple objects are being perceived. This has been observed when attention was measured via electrophysiological instruments (LaBerge et al, 1997). Walther and his associates' (2005) studies point out that the process of visual searching includes both the process of spatially selective attention to the target and at the same time specific attention modulation to the visual area through retinotopic organization V1 ahs not been deterministic. "
Abstract This paper discusses the increased level of awareness within the classroom and educational facilities regarding the issue of learning disabilities. The paper focuses primarily on ADHD, reviewing the history of the disorder, as well as the various treatments. According to the paper, children with ADHD were removed from the mainstream classrooms and placed into facilities for children with special needs. This is no longer the case today.
From the Paper "Boyd and Parish like the historical segregation of students with special needs to the segregation of black children prior to the 1954 Brown Vs. the Board of Education of Topeka Kansa, where black children were segregated from white children in schools. The reality of the situation prior to 1975 was a often bleak as potential students were often never served in the public education system and were sometimes even remitted to institutional care because it was believed that it was only in such places that these children could learn, if they could learn at all, the prevailing opinion. Situations where behavioral symptoms, but limited physical symptoms were noted such as in cases like ADHD, prior to it acceptance as a diagnosis, might have been treated differently as these children were often segregated after attempting mainstream school to alternative schools, where they were available for behaviorally challenged children, often stigmatized as bad kids who had no social control over their actions in a very strict environment and even today there is a problem with children with certain forms of mental illness being mainstreamed not into school but into the juvenile correction system and even prison. (Ginsburg, and Demeranville 17) "
This paper discusses attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) and looks at the effects it has on high school students.
Abstract In this article, the writer first provides a definition for AD and HD disorders. The writer explains that both attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD) are neuro chemical disorders that are diagnosed by medical doctors and psychologists. The writer points out that the main symptoms of these disorders are inattention, impulsiveness and sometimes hyperactivity. The writer then discusses these disorders with relation to high school children. The writer examines the effects these disorders have on the school lives of such children.
Outline:
Introduction
Traits of Students with AD/HD
Teaching Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Problems with AD/HD can become more severe in junior high and high school because students are expected to be more organized, while the school is less organized. The students have different teachers for each subject. They must go to their lockers, accurately choose what they need in a short period of time, and travel between classes. Their teachers do not know them as well because they don't have the student for the entire day. The student's strengths may not be noticed in those short periods of time. The student has to keep assignments straight from many teachers and once again make sure he takes the right materials home. Students with AD/HD often have marked difficulty with organization, and all these factors can aggravate that problem."
Abstract This paper examines the myths and the true facts about the Attentionattention deficit disorder. The author provides an overview of the causes for and the symptoms of the disorder. Then, he introduces behavioral and drug therapies available to patients today.
From the Paper "Before we turn to a discussion of the ways in which ADD may be treated we must first define what exactly we mean by this term, which is used by the lay public to refer to a wide range of behaviors. The condition that is now referred to as ADD (and which is also rather confusingly called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was until quite recently usually called hyperactivity. It was also believed to be found only in children who exhibited its typical symptoms of being easily distracted, often restless and often irritable, as well as impulsive and easily upset and excited. It was also believed that such symptoms reflected a history of abusive behavior towards the child or consistent poor parenting, Now scientists believe that ADD is a lifetime condition rather than something that affects children alone and that its basis is biochemical and genetic rather than an expression of psychological trauma. "
Abstract There exist specific techniques that can be used in the classroom to develop attention and memory. This paper shows how valuable information and concepts can be memorized by students using a variety of techniques, such as music, repetitiveness, and visual aids. This paper also shows that there are several techniques a teacher can use to motivate students to capture their attention. These include working from students' strengths and interests, making the students active participants in learning, and varying teaching methods.
From the Paper "An additional technique that teachers may utilize to promote memorization is repetitiveness. Many of us may recall the use of flash cards in school when we were younger. The teacher would show us a card with a sight word on it, and then show it again, and yet again. At such a ripe age it was quite possible that we were not able to comprehend the importance of this repetitiveness; however with enough practice we were able to commit those sight words to memory. "Early introduction of Dolch Sight Words, preferably in kindergarten during the regular academic year, with systematic daily practice and reinforcement provided throughout kindergarten and first grade, will lead to early reading success and preclude much of the need for remediation in later grades," (picturemereading.com)."
