Date of Award
1989
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
William G. Carter
Committee Member
Polly Peterson
Keywords
critical thinking, curriculum development, heuristics, inquiry, learning, metacognition, modeling, peer tutoring, problem posing, problem-solving, problem-solving models, problem-solving strategies, role-playing, student achievement, student projects, teacher observations, teacher training, teacher workshops, teleconferences, thinking skills, transfer of learning, workshops, questionnaires
Abstract
This practicum was designed to provide teachers and their students with the problem-solving techniques and skills necessary for success in a problems course. The second aim was to develop a repertoire of problem-solving techniques that would have transfer circular application.
Teachers' and students' problem-solving skills were determined through reports from teleconferences, questionnaires, teacher observations, and student test project results. It was determined that a comprehensive list of heuristics for developing problem-solving strategies coupled with a model for emulation would provide the direction needed for the teachers and students. This was followed by a series of workshops which used role-playing, modeling, peer tutoring, and practice as a means of remediating the deficiency in teachers' problem-solving skills only after successfully completing the workshops or the skills tried at the classroom level and then under supervision.
Analysis of the data revealed that the problem-solving skills of both teachers and students had increased. Teachers reported that the model simplified the process and at the same time provided structure and direction. Students reported that the model reduced uncertainties in the problems and classes as a result of the practicum. The problem-solving model has been formally incorporated into the curriculum for immediate students.