Maria,
Very good. Much learning in the world occurs by accurately identifying errors and moving beyond them.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think we can greatly help our student by allowing them to make errors and identifying the cause of the errors. In a nonjudgmental way we can help the student review their thought process and assist in reviewing the type of information they gathered to resolve the problem. I think every step of the error is a learning opportunity. Student often hesitate to problem solve because they are fearful and do not want to make mistakes.
Deb,
Providing students with problem solving procedures for the discipline being studied and modeling the use of those procedures is very good. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
From the beginning of the term through finals, my math students need to deal with "word" problems. We talk about how to approach these problems.
1) Identify the question that must be answered
2) Identify what information is needed to answer the question
3) Gather the information needed
4) Describe what needs to be done with these numbers (add, subtract, multiply, divide, find average, select appropriate formula, etc) Part of this is based on looking for cues within the situation.
5) Set up the problem
6) Work it out
7) Look at answer to see if the question was answered and if it makes sense logically.
Kathryn,
Yes, indeed. The teacher and student both. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Teach and model the steps of problem solving as often as possible. The tool will eventually become second nature for the learners.
Marcia,
Very good. Maintaining your process will ensure a high level of learning. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Have students define the problem,do statement summaries,expectations after problem solving, examine concrete and abstract data,gather information from various methods,reflection, problem analysis,systematic approach,intuitiveness decisions of dependent and independent thinkers while using summative evaluation and accuracy to .solve the problem
Andrea,
Focus on the thinking process is a terrific metacognitive excercise. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As a student, it is tempting to fly through problems rather than invest the time it takes to truly develop a problem and then a solution. Students can be encouraged to focus on their critical thinking skills if we ask them to submit more than an answer, but also to show how they got there. Have them include the steps to make sure they are fully developed, encourage them to come up with multiple solutions. Focus on how students arrive at the answer as much as you focus on the answer itself, and they can learn the importance of the steps.
Jeffery,
Using the scientific method and emphasizing cause and effect are an excellent approach. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I present some situations in the classroom from my own experiences from what I have gone trough when you have to determine what the problem realy is to what the fix realy needs to be. like cause and effects. I present a case and students fix the effects but I make them look at it so the actually fix the cause of the problem!
Jeffery,
Teaching and organized process for problem solving is one of the most helpful lessons for students. Especially demonstrating that process within a particular specialty, it can provide students with a great foundation self-directed learning within that discipline. Excellent point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
What we instruct is repair and the student gets a lesson with information and then a active demo on the parts and possible causes to why they go bad and then we encourage them to look further than this to see if other things can cause the same issues. I try to take what we teach and then give them some of my experiences and tell them to expand upon this. Some issues are set up to give the student a problem to figure out and they have been taught an orgainized procees to use to problem solving.
Maria,
Guiding your student to engage in the study everyday is an important recommendation. Consistent and prolonged engagement in learning activities will indeed help them be better prepared for tests and improve their ability to problem solve in the area of study.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think one problem the students have is student for a test or quiz. I try to help them recommending to study the material every day and to be in class every day. I think that is one of the skills they have to develop, that will help solving that problem.
bobbe,
Beautiful approach and explanation. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Mostly by looking over the work, project, assignment, etc., and then asking them foundational questions, and they begin elaborating on the subject extensively.
I then go on to ask them why they chose a certain color, material, or process versus other options, and they respond usually in detail. Then follow up with open discussion from other students regarding the same assignment/project.
I might sum it up by throwing out different ways other projects were created and submitted and ask how they came up with their idea versus other submitted projects. You find out how other students did things a certain way, went down a different road, yet came up with the same result -project accomplished. Before you know it, students are chiming in and that opens up class discussion on the subject, and ideas flow. Alternatives pop up. (Options)
Then I will go back and ask the student (who I was questioning)what that particular student's opinion is now versus their original opinion/project and would they do it differently now. Most of the time they would say "yes, definitely." They have a new prospective on the project/subject submitted. A different mindset.
Edward,
Yes, the "chunking and linking" instructional technique is usefull in many learning situations. Great approach. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Michelle,
Very good. Collaborative learning is a proven teachnique to broaden students' perspectives and understanding. Thank you for sharing your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
