Abstract
Introductory physics students experience difficulties when solving problems: selecting and adapting predictive frameworks to fit the problem at hand and deciding upon a detailed solution plan.
Highlights
It is widely accepted that it is essential for students to develop problem solving skills during an undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) [1,2,3]
The predictive framework is sufficiently detailed that it allows experts to conduct mental simulations of experiments by manipulating various problem parameters. Based on this empirical cognitive task analysis of expert decision making, we developed a solution template for students to use as they solved problems in some of the introductory physics courses offered at Stanford (Fig. 1)
The research question addressed by the first study is, “Does the template, which is a simplified adaptation of the problem solving framework used by scientists in solving authentic problems, accurately reflect the problem solving processes used by successful introductory physics students when solving introductory physics course problems?”
Summary
It is widely accepted that it is essential for students to develop problem solving skills during an undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) [1,2,3]. The predictive framework is sufficiently detailed that it allows experts to conduct mental simulations of experiments by manipulating various problem parameters Based on this empirical cognitive task analysis of expert decision making, we developed a solution template for students to use as they solved problems in some of the introductory physics courses offered at Stanford (Fig. 1). This approach is well aligned with the cognitive apprenticeship model, in which the expert cognitive process of problem solving is made visible to students through modeling, scaffolding, and coaching [19,24]. We hypothesized that the template could be used to better measure students’ problem solving practices as they solved introductory physics problems by providing more detail as to their process than offered by the typical student solution
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
