Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources

Problem-based learning is becoming widely known approach to instruction in classrooms across the country and the world.  Students need to be provided with opportunities to apply information, instead of just recite it.  In a world were information is literally at our digital fingertips, it becomes more important to apply information to problems and situations when appropriate.  As instructional designers, it is necessary to introduce students to material in a way that allows them to understand the type of problem but also understanding how to go about finding a solution.

An article that provides strategies for problem solving is "Over Fifty Problem Solving Strategies Explained" by Dr. John Malouff.  The article explains each strategy and how it can be used to deepen understanding.  It is very helpful from an instructional design standpoint as it provides descriptions that permit me to envision where to utilize these strategies.  There is an understanding of brain-based research that helps the instructional designer to present instructional in the best way.

Another resource that was helpful was Problem-Solving: Teaching Students in the Classroom.  This article on TeacherVision presents information on what is the process of problem-solving and how it is beneficial in the educational setting.  Anthony Fredericks sites a five stage model to use with students to apply problem solving situations.

1. Understand the problem
2. Describe the barriers
3. Identify various solutions
4. Try a solution
5. Evaluate the results

For each step of the model, there are details and explanation.  This could be used as a guideline for an instructional designer when designing instructional or learning where the students need to apply their knowledge in relevant and meaningful ways.

References

Over Fifty Problem Solving Strategies Explained - University of New England (UNE). (n.d.) Retrieved May 15, 2017 from https://www.une.edu.au/about-une/academic-schools/bcss/news-and-events/pyschology-community-activities/over-fifty-problem-solving-strategies-explained