Real-life Problem Solving Research Articles

A longitudinal investigation of gifted students’ creative project production and management for real-life problem solving

A longitudinal investigation of gifted students’ creative project production and management for real-life problem solving

Learning to Engage With Wicked Problems

Complex, societal problems can be overwhelming. Maybe better avoid them. This contribution shows how a cloud-based learning technology—the Reflect! platform—can be used to practice a particular strategy for dealing with so-called wicked problems. By providing a learning experience that is close to collaborative problem-solving in real life, students can gain the self-confidence needed to engage constructively with wicked problems. The approach presented is an example of how philosophy can contribute to general education. After discussing the notion of wicked problems and what is required to cope with them, this article provides information that should be useful for readers who want to include a focus on wicked problems in their teaching: first, a discussion of how the work of learners can be assessed—with examples that demonstrate what is expected—and, second, the results of a survey-based assessment of the Reflect! learning experience from learners’ points of view.

Similarities in Reentry Planning of Students Involved in the Juvenile Justice System and Postsecondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

The field of special education has developed evidence-based practices (EBPs) to promote positive postsecondary outcomes for youth with disabilities. Postsecondary transition planning is comparable to the planning processes needed for reentry of previously incarcerated youth to educational and community settings. Common practices for transitioning students with disabilities and for those returning to the community setting include career/technical/vocational education, interagency collaboration, career assessment and exploration, student-centered planning, high expectations, real-life problem solving, and assessment-driven goals. Transition planning has the potential to reduce recidivism, the key measurement of successful programs and interventions in the carceral setting. There is little empirical evidence of best practices in correctional education; however, there are some programs and resources within special education transition literature that may be useful in the development of prerelease planning for adjudicated youth. Programs focused on improving self-determination skills such as being aware of abilities, needs and preferences, problem-solving, self-control, cognitive reasoning to address problems, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy can increase the level of preparation youth have for returning to the community. Other efforts geared at systemic change can be beneficial, as well, including improvement of interagency collaboration, enrollment/re-enrollment requirements, training for educators and administrators to prevent stigma, and hiring one person in charge of the prerelease planning and records. Resources and suggested applications are included in summary.

Automatic Pricing and Replenishment Decisions of Vegetable Products Based on Machine Learning

The objective of this paper is to address the replenishment challenge caused by the limited shelf life of vegetables and maximize the profit potential of a diverse range of vegetables, based on extensive data analysis encompassing vegetable sales rates and gross profits. In this study, machine learning techniques, including the Spielman correlation coefficient, are employed to derive the demand price regression curve and R^2 value. Subsequently, a random forest regression model is utilized for training and predicting data, while an ARIMA model based on time series data is applied for individual data processing. The expected return under current prices is calculated iteratively until convergence is achieved in terms of optimal expected returns, best prices, and ideal replenishment strategies. The stability of the data is assessed using the ADF test with satisfactory results obtained. This research yields numerous computational outcomes through machine learning methodologies. Among these findings, broccoli emerges as the most profitable vegetable with the highest purchase quantity and sales volume; meanwhile, Yunnan lettuce stands out as having the largest catch quantity. Demand exhibits a predominantly negative correlation with price; furthermore, after incorporating constraints such as "minimum packaging amount," medium-priced dishes yield maximum profitability. These findings hold significant value and practical implications for real-life problem-solving.

Critical Thinking: The ARDESOS-DIAPROVE Program in Dialogue with the Inference to the Best and Only Explanation.

In our daily lives, we are often faced with the need to explain various phenomena, but we do not always select the most accurate explanation. For example, let us consider a "toxic" relationship with physical and psychological abuse, where one of the partners is reluctant to end it. Explanations for this situation can range from emotional or economic dependency to irrational hypotheses such as witchcraft. Surprisingly, some people may turn to the latter explanation and consequently seek ineffective solutions, such as visiting a witch doctor instead of a psychologist. This choice of an inappropriate explanation can lead to actions that are not only ineffective but potentially harmful. This example underscores the importance of inference to the best explanation (IBE) in everyday decision making. IBE involves selecting the hypothesis that would best explain the available body of data or evidence, a process that is crucial to making sound decisions but is also vulnerable to bias and errors of judgment. Within this context, the purpose of our article is to explore how the IBE process and the selection of appropriate explanations impact decision making and problem solving in real life. To this end, we systematically analyze the role of IBE in the ARDESOS-DIAPROVE program, evaluating how this approach can enhance the teaching and practice of critical thinking.

Design of Concept Map for Promoting Conceptual Integrated Approach in Technical Education

This study is a humble attempt to explore “design of concept map for promoting integrated approach in Technical Education”. This study is an attempt to identify “the effect of concept map for integrated approach on real life problem solving skills. It also shows the concept map has capacity to promote the integrated approach in technical education in India. Through the study, it seems that there is hard separation between engineering subjects and their teaching pedagogy. Now days, conceptual integration of core and elide course with their practical approach is crucial goal in technical education. The present study aims to design concept map in engineering physics for promoting integration of core course with social value and environmental issue on real life problem solving and critical thinking skills among engineering graduates. The study indicated that designing concept map in engineering physics significantly integrated with other course content. It is also reveal that Concept map was significantly effective for integrated approach of teaching as well as assessment tool. The study has suggested for orientation of faculty members of technical education for making them skilled in designing concept map for promoting integrated approach which is initial stage of STEM education in technical education of India.

PENGARUH PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN COMPUTATIONAL THINKING SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR

Education Transformation in Indonesia is now demanded to be faster and able to produce students who are not only proficient in reading and writing but also students who have skills in matters directly related to problem solving in real life. The ability to think critically, apply creativity, work together, solve problems and be communicative are some of the abilities that are the main capital in 21th Century Learning besides other abilities such as reading, writing science and mathematics. The purpose of this study is in accordance with the existing problem formulation, namely to determine the effect of differentiated learning on the computational thinking abilities of elementary school students. In this study the authors used a quantitative approach with quasi-experimental research methods. The research design used was Time Series Design Intervention Analysis. The selection of the method and design of this study took into account the implementation of repeated treatments. The results of testing the hypothesis using the paired sample t-test from the pre-test and post-test data in series 1, 2, and 3 show the results t-count> t-table. In the series one t-count obtained is 7.319. In series 2 the t-count got a value of 9.729 and in series 3 the t-count was 11.660. The results obtained were that the Computational Thinking ability of elementary school students had increased after being treated with Differentiated Learning.

Sustainable EFL Blended Education in Indonesia: Practical Recommendations

The establishment of a sustainable world, ecology, and economy cannot be accomplished without the success of social relations among the world’s inhabitants. In the context of globalisation, which fosters the blending of various people’s characters and cultures, English as an international language plays a paramount role in sustaining human relations as a tool for negotiation; it functions as a signifier of social engagement for international collaboration. Therefore, Indonesian EFL teachers should incorporate sustainable education goals into their classes so students can actively produce and use the language for real-life problem solving. This paper aims to explore a conceptual study on sustainable development integration, utilising information and communications technology (ICT) for English language teaching and learning. Through library research, the notions of sustainability are investigated and the necessity of its integration into EFL instruction is explored. Furthermore, this study recommends ICT optimisation strategies that can be employed to promote sustainable development in Indonesian EFL classrooms. This study contributes to the theory by integrating a context-based and culturally appropriate blended framework towards sustainable EFL teaching and learning in Indonesia. The integrated framework and feasible recommendations should provide practical implications for the sustainability of blended language education practices in Indonesia and in countries/regions where there are contextual similarities.

Designing a copper mineral processing plant in virtual reality: A new tool for mining engineering education

In 2021, Queen’s University partnered with BBA Engineering Consultants to build a full-scale, virtual reality copper sulphide mineral processing plant. This project, financially support by e-Campus Ontario, aims to prepare Ontario post-secondary institutions to increase their training capacity in mineral processing to meet projected labour demands. The tool includes an environment where engineering students can work in real-time to diagnose problems in a high-fidelity and safe manner using virtual reality to sharpen real-life problem solving and design skills, so students are workplace-ready for employment in the mining industry. This paper examines the design process beginning with conceptual design, through detailed design and pilot testing. Various aspects of the project are discussed, including the agile project management approach, the importance of considering pedagogical objectives early in the project, the value of partnering with industry, and plans for further development of the tool.

Effects of mathematical modelling based project production and management program on gifted students’ mathematical modelling and reflective thinking for real-life problem solving

This study aimed to examine the relationship between mathematical modelling and reflective thinking and to examine the effects of employing mathematical modelling processes on perception of mathematical modelling competencies and reflective thinking skills for real-life problem solving of gifted students participating in Project Production and Management Program at Turkish Science and Art Centers. Correlational path analysis of 300 students data revealed that Mathematical modelling is a significant predictor of reflective thinking skills, and the constructed model was found to be of a good fit with excellent path coefficients. Experimental design with pre-post-maintenance-tests with comparison group was employed with 60 students purposefully selected chosen from the above regression study. Reflective thinking and mathematical modelling levels of experimental group students who employed mathematical modelling processes for Project Production and Management increased significantly more from pre- to post-tests, and the significant difference was found to be maintained.

Congestion management market design- Approach for the Nordics and Central Europe

It is undeniable that congestion is an increasing problem of power systems nowadays. Ways to tackle it embrace non-market and market-based solutions. Network reinforcement, network reconfiguration, reactive power control, etc., are some instances of non-market-based solutions. In contrast, solutions based on market mechanisms such as zonal pricing, nodal pricing, redispatch, and markets for flexibility (e.g., congestion management market (CMM)) are considered market-based alternatives. Among the said alternatives, CMM is the newest concept, leading to many unknown issues associated with it that initiated us to present the article. The article discusses the congestion problem and criteria to evaluate congestion management (CM) alternatives. In addition, to have a practical grasp of CM, its cost, and how congestion is traditionally handled, a real-life problem solving of a distribution system operator (DSO) is presented. Concerning CMMs, four conditions that need to be met before considering CMM as a CM solution are specified. In addition, three CM services, including long-term, short-term, and operational, followed by different implementations of those services, are proposed and compared. In general, CMM design is a complex problem because several stakeholders with different tasks, visions, business models, and capabilities must work together; therefore, looking at the situation from various angles is beneficial. This article thrives on providing a vivid view on the features of different CMM models to stakeholders such as DSOs, transmission system operators (TSOs), flexibility service providers (FSPs), regulators, existing markets, retailers, balance responsible parties (BRPs), etc., that may have interest in CMMs.

Library Carpentry: Towards a New Professional Dimension (Part I – Concepts and Case Studies)

The domain of library and information science is always on the move and LIS professionals are ardent users of emerging technologies. This research work discusses an emerging possibility in the LIS domain, which applies data science principles and techniques in the bibliographic world. The concept is known as library carpentry and involves different data wrangling techniques to get insight of bibliographic datasets. The discussion starts with the basic concepts of library carpentry and systematically reveals the components and methods of library carpentry with the help of three case studies. The case studies represent a variety of actual problem solving projects by using open datasets and open source data wrangling software called Openrefine. The case study (I) deals with the application of library carpentry in e-book selection by taking into consideration socio-academic web space data, the case study (II) shows how is it possible to quickly get an overview of institutional contributions to open access domain by applying library carpentry methods and the case study (III) demonstrates the process of gender analysis with the help of a name-to-gender inference service and by applying data wrangling techniques. Each case study is supported by a comprehensive and representative dataset to support and promote real-life problem solving in processional sphere by applying library carpentry methods.

With both eyes open – translational research using eye-tracking combined with performance-based evaluation among people with severe mental illness

IntroductionIndividuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often find it hard to perform daily activities such as grocery shopping, which require intact executive functions. The use of performance-based evaluations is valuable, but lacks the subjects’ point of view during task performance.ObjectivesThe aim of the current presentation is to bring together performance-based observation and cognitive science methods to provide insights regarding real-life behavior and problem solving in SMI populations.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, forty-three individuals performed the Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) while wearing an eye-tracking device. Eye-movement patterns served as a proxy of executive functions in people with and without SMI during a real-life ingredient selection task. We hypothesized that significant differences will be found between people with SMI and controls in TOGSS sub-outcomes as well as in eye-fixation durations.ResultsTOGSS sub-outcomes indicative of performance efficiency (time and redundancy) were significantly higher in the research group compared to matched controls (P<0.01). Average fixation duration was found to be significantly higher for the research group compared to matched controls (P<0.05) for two of the four item-selection tasks.ConclusionsThese preliminary findings indicate that when confronted with a selection task, individuals with SMI spend more dwelling time while selecting ingredients. Further analyses on these data will examine how this time is spent (e.g. focusing on irrelevant information). The outlined approach may prove beneficial in illuminating specific behavioral and physiological difficulties in individuals with SMI, particularly in the evolving Covid-19 situation, which poses novel social and health-related challenges on real-life tasks.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The impact of creativity on functional outcome in schizophrenia: a mediational model

Functional impairment remains one of the most challenging issues for treatment in schizophrenia. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the negative impact of symptoms excluding variables that could positively impact functional outcome, such as creativity, which is considered an adaptive capacity for real-life problem-solving. This study analyzed the predictive role of creativity on functional outcome in 96 patients with schizophrenia through a mediational model, including sociodemographic, clinical, neurocognitive, and social cognitive variables. Path analysis revealed that creativity significantly mediated the relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome, and that creativity mediated between negative symptoms and functional outcome. Additionally, neurocognition was directly associated with functional outcome and social functioning was associated with creativity. The involvement of creativity in functional outcome could have relevant implications for the development of new interventions. These findings open up a new field of research on additional personal resources as possible factors of functional outcome in schizophrenia and other diseases.

Synthetic Sample Generation for Label Distribution Learning

Label Distribution Learning (LDL) is a general learning framework that assigns an instance to a distribution over a set of labels rather than a single label or multiple labels. Current LDL methods have proven their effectiveness in many machine learning applications. As of the first formulation of the LDL problem, numerous studies have been carried out that apply the LDL methodology to various real-life problem solving. Others have focused more specifically on the proposal of new algorithms. The purpose of this article is to start addressing the LDL problem as of the data pre-processing stage. The baseline hypothesis is that, due to the high dimensionality of existing LDL data sets, it is very likely that this data will be incomplete and/or that poor data quality will lead to poor performance once applied to the learning algorithms. In this paper, we propose an oversampling method, which creates a superset of the original dataset by creating new instances from existing ones. Then, we apply already existing algorithms to the pre-processed training set in order to validate the effcacy of our method. The effectiveness of the proposed SSG-LDL is verified on several LDL datasets, showing significant improvements to the state-of-the-art LDL methods.

The impact of situated learning activities on technology university students' learning outcome

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate 3D virtual reality (VR) situated activity, preschool reality and how the lecture teaching method affects technology university students' learning outcome.Design/methodology/approachThe quasi-experimental design is used. Participants are 144 students in three classes who all take Child Development Assessment course. Research instruments include 3D VR animation, preschool live video and child development as the case. One class attended 3D VR situated activities, another observed preschool live video and the other takes a traditional lecture class. Learning outcomes were measured by two paper-and-pencil tests in different times and with one performance assessment. In the writing test, mechanical and meaningful questions were included.FindingsMajor findings of this study are, first, that the auxiliary learning of 3D VR is better than the real-life situation. Second, situational learning activities can enhance participant performance in context-based questions. In summary, this study found that well-organized 3D VR animation is more effective than live situation learning, especially for context-based course content.Research limitations/implicationsThe lack of random assignment into test groups leads to non-equivalent test groups which can limit the generalizability of the results to other student population.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that teachers can gradually arrange learning activities, from 3D VR to a real applied workplace; situated learning activities are more likely to support the transfer knowledge to real-life problem solving.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that teachers in arranging the classroom context activities can be the first to use 3D VR before actual reality to avoid novices getting lost in the complicated real situations. If learning activities can be arranged gradually, from 3D VR to real applied workplace, situated learning activities can help students to deploy their newly acquired knowledge and skills in real-life problem solving.

Adult learners’ perception on the use of constructivist principles in teaching and learning in non-formal education centres in South Africa

ABSTRACT This article analyses the perceptions of adult learners towards the use of constructivist approach in teaching and learning in non-formal education (NFE) centres of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The analysis is based on five principles of the constructivist theory of learning-interactive learning, collaborative learning, facilitating learning, authentic learning and learner-centred learning. The researcher used the mixed of stratified and purposive sampling methods to select six NFE centres and 12 (out of 200) learners who studied skills training and became self-employed. The data collection techniques were semi-structured interviews. From learners’ perceptions, the findings reveal that the use of the constructivist principles enhanced or influenced adult learners’ educational attainment in offering learners with experiences ranging from vocational skills to real-life problem-solving. Therefore, the researchers conclude that adult learners were motivated in learning new skills when facilitated using the constructivist approach. The practical and policy implication of the findings is that adult facilitators and managers of NFE programmes should take into consideration the constructivist approach of teaching and learning when designing the curriculum of non-formal education and training.

A Review on the Importance of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Real Life Problem Solving

This paper clearly explains the concept, importance and main aim of machine learning and construction of the machine learning system. There are several ideas regarding this machine learning which are formed by a number of strategies. This effort leads to introduce many machine learning methods such as learning by commands, concept, learning by comparison, and learning by some algorithms. This article provides information about the main purpose of machine learning and its development. Machine learning is the primary aspect that promotes any system to have intelligence. One of its main applications is artificial intelligence. Machine learning is highly suited for complex level system representation. There are a number of machine learning concepts that leads to the integration of number of networks.

Comparative Analysis of Saemaul Education Based on Experiential Learning Model

본 연구는 근거이론으로 분석한 70년대 새마을교육의 특성에 관한 선행연구 결과물을 Kolb의 경험학습과 비교분석하여 새마을교육의 이론적 배경을 탐색하는 것을 목적으로 두고 있다. 이를 위해 경험학습의 단계별 특성과 유사한 새마을교육의 특성을 확인하였다. 경험학습의 구체적 경험 측면에서 연수생들은 정서적 개방상태에서 교육에 임하였고, 교육적 자극에 대해 적극적으로 반응하였다. 반성적 관찰 측면에서 연수생들은 경험공유적인 활동과 연수원 임직원들의 솔선수범 등을 통하여 기존 관념과 행태에 대해 성찰하고, 새마을지도자로서의 정체성을 인식하게 되었다. 추상적 개념화 측면에서 연수생들은 의미를 부여했던 경험들을 새마을운동 실천기법과 생활철학 등의 형태로 개념화하였다. 적극적 실험 측면에서 연수생들은 새마을운동 실천기법을 가정, 마을, 조직에 적용하고, 현실의 문제들을 해결해 나갔던 것으로 관찰되었다. 또한 LDA 토픽모델링을 통한 정합성 검증결과, 학습자의 변화구조면에서 새마을교육 특성과 경험학습 순환구조는 유사한 변화형태 범주를 나타내는 것으로 분석되었다.The purpose of this study is to examine the theoretical background of Saemaul education in the 1970 s through Kolb s experiential learning theory. The characteristics of Saemaul education that were identified from the perspective of Kolb s experiential learning are as follows. With respect to specific experience, the trainees took part in the training activities with an emotional open-heartedness, and actively responded to educational stimulus. From the perspective of reflective observation, Saemaul education did not precisely coincide with the notion of reflection described in experiential learning, similarities were found in the serial process of attaching meanings through educational experience. In case of abstract conceptualization, the concepts that the trainees attached meaning to through a systematic process were drawn from problems found in real life, and the conceptualization process did have similarities with the process described in experiential learning as their own meanings were constructed as internal concepts. With respect to active experimentation, the process of applying the practice standards was found to have similarities with the active experimentation of experiential learning in the sense that the process displayed the characteristics of decision making and problem solving in real life. As a result of LDA Topic Modeling verification, Saemaul education and experience learning models were analyzed to show similar patterns in learner s change.

Real-life creative problem solving in teams: fNIRS based hyperscanning study

It is often assumed that groups of individuals can work together to achieve innovation and solve complex problems they are unable to solve on their own. One of the underlying assumptions is that a group can be more creative and innovative than single individuals. Previous research has begun to examine the process by which problem solving occurs in teams looking to achieve innovation. Despite this progress, a clear, brain-based model that informs how team interactivity contributes and impacts the outcome of an innovation event is lacking. Here we present a naturalistic study designed to examine creative problem solving involving team cooperation. We used functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure inter-brain synchrony (IBS) between interacting partners engaged in a creative design task. Results implicate the involvement of cognitive control coupled with the mentalizing and mirror neuron networks in IBS. Post hoc behavioral and temporal analyses revealed an increase in cooperation over time in association with reduction in IBS. Our results demonstrate the importance of a naturalistic design for investigating the neural underpinnings of team interactions as well as suggest a possible mechanism for team creativity.