The Problem Solving Approach
Since the 1990's there has been a strong movement in education to incorporate problem solving in the curriculum. In the Principles for Teaching Problem Solving by Jamie Kirley from Indiana University states that "as educators call for more integrated instruction, problem solving often serves as a core curriculum strand that joins together various disciplines, rules, concepts, strategies, and skills." I believe that problem solving is important in the curriculum, but it should not take away from other skill like literacy or mathematical.
Problem solving includes a lot of different components. During the 1960's and 1970's researchers believed that problem solving was a five phase process. The five five phases are listed below:
1. Identify the Problem.
2. Define the problem through thinking about it and sorting out the relevant information.
3. Explore solutions through looking at alternatives, brainstorming, and checking out different points of view.
4. Act on the strategies.
5. Look back and evaluate the effects of your activity.
This problem solving approach is something that I sometimes saw throughout the duration of my education. But, one that I more commonly saw was is the current problem solving model.This model includes cognitive, behavioral, and attitudinal components. This model is pictured below:
I feel that both models are good approaches to problem solving depending on the problem presented. I also do not feel that you learn problem solving by reading steps or viewing a model. problem solving is learned through hands-on experiences.
Problem solving has been a crucial piece of education for a long time. And this hold true in agriculture education. In agriculture education we try to create real world experiences because we want to be able to prepare a student for life after high school in an agricultural field. Agriculture educators could do this through agronomy field diagnosis or a feed ration problem. There are many possibilities for hands-on, real-world, problem solving scenarios in agriculture. All these problems are normally approached through past experiences and not recalling how to solve a problem. Sometimes things like problem solving just comes natural.
Problem solving includes a lot of different components. During the 1960's and 1970's researchers believed that problem solving was a five phase process. The five five phases are listed below:
1. Identify the Problem.
2. Define the problem through thinking about it and sorting out the relevant information.
3. Explore solutions through looking at alternatives, brainstorming, and checking out different points of view.
4. Act on the strategies.
5. Look back and evaluate the effects of your activity.
This problem solving approach is something that I sometimes saw throughout the duration of my education. But, one that I more commonly saw was is the current problem solving model.This model includes cognitive, behavioral, and attitudinal components. This model is pictured below:
Problem solving has been a crucial piece of education for a long time. And this hold true in agriculture education. In agriculture education we try to create real world experiences because we want to be able to prepare a student for life after high school in an agricultural field. Agriculture educators could do this through agronomy field diagnosis or a feed ration problem. There are many possibilities for hands-on, real-world, problem solving scenarios in agriculture. All these problems are normally approached through past experiences and not recalling how to solve a problem. Sometimes things like problem solving just comes natural.
I think that you did a good job at recognizing a different type of problem solving model.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I really like how you included two different problem solving methods that students can use. Which do you see yourself using more and why? Please make sure to cite your sources in APA format at the end of each post.
ReplyDeleteHeather, this can be a difficult concept to include in your curriculum due to scaffolding and planning requirements, but it can be very rewarding for you and students if it succeeds. I find that working with local producers and industry reps is most helpful for considering how to develop a PSA opportunity in a unit or lesson. What content areas are you most excited to teach using this concept?
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to look back on blogs and realize how hesitant or confident we are to incorporate new teaching methods. I really like how you shared the two examples of problem solving. Do you feel you are more willing to incorporate one model over the other?
ReplyDelete