Reinforcement of problem solving skills using exam problems

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Abstract

Too many students think they understand how to solve problems, but rarely apply the necessary problem solving skills to these assignments. In other words, they are solving problem, not performing problem solving. This paper describes a process that can be utilized in many EET courses to reinforce concepts of problem solving. In an upper-division EET course at New Jersey Institute of Technology, problem solving skills are reviewed and demonstrated as part of several lectures. This six- step approach to problem solving that was developed by the author is something that can be taught to the students, but need constant reinforcement for the students to understand how to apply these concepts. Even if students learned how to apply those skills during in-class examples or assigned homework, usually those skills are forgotten during exams, when the need to apply these skills is critical. To help students understand the need for applying problem solving skills during tests, as well as reinforcing the concepts of problem solving, a specific series of questions were devised for the exam questions that both allowed the students to demonstrate an understanding of this approach, as well as provide the student with a framework to better reach the correct answer. This approach consisted of requiring students to provide both a problem statement and alternative problem statements, depending on the nature of the problem. Students also were required to write down various other steps used in problem solving that will be detailed in this paper. In addition, the author will review preliminary assessments on the effectiveness of this methodology.

Identifier

22544436429 (Scopus)

Publication Title

ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Conference Proceedings

e-ISSN

21535965

First Page

12175

Last Page

12180

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS