Problem Solving and Problem-based Learning in the Geosciences
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.
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Hide2012 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
Browse our collections of
- 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:
- Documented Problem Solving
- Guided Discovery Problems
- Faculty-coached, In-class Problem Solving
- Investigative Case-Based Learning
- The Case Method
- Process-Oriented, Guided Inquiry Learning
- Print and online references
Join the Discussion
Share insights, ask questions or network with other faculty who are engaged in teaching or researching spatial thinking:
- Subscribe to the problem solving email list.
- Read the problem solving email list archives.