This report discusses using problem solving as an instructional strategy. It defines problem solving as placing students in an active role to solve real-world problems. Students are presented with well-structured problems that use specific skills or knowledge, and ill-structured complex problems with many components. When problem solving, students engage in peer collaboration, research, and consultation with experts to develop, explain, and defend a solution. Problem solving is advantageous as it engages students and provides context for learning, but it can be difficult to create problems and requires time to implement. Problem solving can integrate a variety of content areas and lead to students gaining content knowledge and collaborative skills.
3. Definition Problem solving involves placing students in the active role of solving a real-world problem. 3 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
4. Students are presented with two types of problems to solve. Well-structured problems Specific issues where students use specific knowledge or skills. Ill-structured problems Complex issues containing many components. 4 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
5. Peer collaboration Research Consultation with experts Limited knowledge Develop Explain Defend Solution 5 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
6. Advantages Engaging Context for learning Levels of complexity 6 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
7. Disadvantages Difficult to create Age appropriateness Time consuming Requires debriefing 7 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
8. Integration Problems can be from a variety of content areas: math, science, social studies, and art. 8 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
9. Remember the two types of problems? Well-structured problems Ill-structured problems Easier to develop Student is clear on appropriate response Examples: Math word problems Web quest More difficult to arrange More than one way to solve Example: Ecology issue in the community 9 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
10. Outcomes and other uses Students control the technology and control how and when it provides them with information (Smaldino, 2007). Can be used to help twice-exceptional students learn (Yssel, Prater, and Smith, 2010). 10 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
11. Content knowledge is learned to solve authentic problems. Other outcomes include collaborative learning skills essential in the working world . Problem solving strategy gets a thumbs up from us! 11 Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving
