EDIT 2000

Remember, your Enrichment Kits are due on Thursday!

Problem Solving Discussion

The NETS for problem solving (and other related areas) state:

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:

a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

What does your book say about problem solving?

“Students apply critical and creative thinking skills to prior knowledge during the problem solving process. The end result of problem solving is typically some kind of a decision: choosing a solution and then evaluating it.” (p 155)

“Problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching approach that combines critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and inquiry as students explore real-world problems. It is based on unstructured, complex, and authentic problems that are often presented as part of a project.” (p 156)

A few characteristics of effective technology-enhanced problem-based learning tasks:

1. Give students control of their learning
2. Include communication and collaboration
3. Emphasize the process and the content
4. Lead to additional content learning
5. Have a measurable, although not necessarily correct, outcome

Group Problem Solving Activity

Using these shapes, create a capital letter 'T' with no jagged bits, no gaps, no overlaps, etc.

There are 2 types of problems: open-ended and close-ended. Which was the shape activity? Was the shape activity an inquiry activity? Could the shape activity be considered a problem-based learning?


When have you experienced the problem-based learning approach in your classes? How is this connected to critical thinking?

For Thursday

1. Read Chapter 6 and complete the reading guide