Problem Solving and Problem-based Learning in the Geosciences

During its flight, the Galileo spacecraft returned images of the Earth and Moon. Separate images of the Earth and Moon were combined to generate this view. Image from NASA's GReat Images in NASA (GRIN) collection.

Learning approaches to address the messy problems of the real world is critical in students learning to "think like a scientist" (Hunter et al., 2006; Lopatto, 2004). Given the grand challenges facing society that include resource issues and climate change, geoscientists depend upon their ability to use the full set of problem solving skills to address these challenges and make personal decisions as individuals acting to ensure a sustainable earth.

2012 Journal Club

From January to May, 2012, the Problem Solving and Problem-based Learning Journal Club will meet once a month to discuss readings from the geoscience, other natural sciences and cognitive science literature. We will explore aspects of problem solving and problem-based learning in the classroom that includes introducing problem solving, levels of scaffolding, and assessing students' success.

Resources for Teaching Problem Solving and Problem-based Learning

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Teaching activities with a strong problem solving or problem-based learning
Pedagogic modules that involve problem solving, including the what, why, and how to use the teaching method in class and with a collection of activity examples:

Print and online references

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