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.

1. Technology Project #1Instructional Materials 5720-09 Carolyn Hilyard

2. Instructional StrategyProblem SolvingConstructivist learning 2Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

3. DefinitionProblem solving involves placing students in the active role of solving a real-world problem.3Hilyard 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 problemsComplex issues containing many components.4Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

5. Peer collaborationResearchConsultation with expertsLimited knowledgeDevelopExplainDefendSolution5Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

6. AdvantagesEngagingContext for learningLevels of complexity6Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

7. DisadvantagesDifficult to createAge appropriatenessTime consumingRequires debriefing7Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

8. IntegrationProblems can be from a variety of content areas: math, science, social studies, and art.8Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

9. Remember the two types of problems?Well-structured problems Ill-structured problemsEasier to developStudent is clear on appropriate responseExamples:Math word problemsWeb questMore difficult to arrangeMore than one way to solve Example:Ecology issue in the community9Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving

10. Outcomes and other usesStudents 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). 10Hilyard 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!11Hilyard Technology Report #1 -- Problem Solving