The Influence of Direct Training in Problem Solving on Consultee Problem Clarification Skills and Attributions

Abstract

This study examines the direct training of teachers in problem-solving skills and its effects on their performance in a consultation-related activity. Thirteen elementary-school teachers participated in a training program that focused on development of problem identification skills and utilization of an ecological perspective to view problems. Six additional teachers served as a control group. The results suggest that the training enhanced teachers' skills in describing problems and reduced the number of inferences they made for the causes of student-related problems. Methodological strengths and limitations of the study are discussed.