Lifelong learning: Formal, non‐formal and informal learning in the context of the use of problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments 

This paper identifies associations between formal, non‐formal and informal learning with sufficient problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments. The object of research was 61 654 individuals from 13 European countries. The results also clearly indicate that the overall level of problem‐solving skills in TRE was higher among individuals who indicated that they have participated in either formal or non‐formal learning activities, compared to those who have not. Besides, informal learning seems to be highly associated with sufficient problem‐solving skills in TRE.

The Investigation of the Effects of Authentic Assessment Approach on Prospective Teachers’ Problem-Solving Skills

This paper identifies associations between formal, non‐formal and informal learning with sufficient problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments. The object of research was 61 654 individuals from 13 European countries. The results also clearly indicate that the overall level of problem‐solving skills in TRE was higher among individuals who indicated that they have participated in either formal or non‐formal learning activities, compared to those who have not. Besides, informal learning seems to be highly associated with sufficient problem‐solving skills in TRE.

The effect of peer assessment on problem solving skills of prospective teachers supported by online learning activities

This study examined the effect of peer assessment on prospective teachers’ performances in complex problem-solving. The participants included 68 prospective teachers. The results indicated that groups in both feedback and non-feedback conditions improved in developing solutions for the problems. Additionally, the results showed that while feedback function and feedback direction predicted the use of feedback, prospective teachers’ agreement with feedback was not related to the feedback use.

Enhancing critical analysis and problem-solving skills in undergraduate psychology: An evaluation of a collaborative learning and problem-based learning approach

This report is about the development and implementation of a tutorial program designed to enhance the critical analysis and problem-solving skills of undergraduate psychology students. The object of research is 273 third-year undergraduate students in psychology. The findings suggest that the development of an inquiry-based curriculum offers important opportunities for psychology undergraduates to develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills.

Problem Solving Skills in Social Studies Education and Problem Solving Skills of Social Studies Teachers

In this study, how the social studies teachers perceived problem-solving skills was examined by emphasizing the importance of having individuals acquire problem-solving skills through social studies teaching. The sample of the study was composed of social studies teachers. The result found that the teachers' problem-solving skills did not differ significantly according to the variables of gender, age, marital status, length of service and educational status, satisfaction from the school of service, frequency of experiencing problems at their schools and the teachers' problem-solving skills were at sufficient level.

Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving under Stress

This research focuses on whether experimental manipulation of self-affirmation improves problem-solving performance in chronically stressed participants. Eighty undergraduates indicated their perceived chronic stress over the previous month and were randomly assigned to either a self-affirmation or control condition. Results showed that self-affirmation improves problem-solving performance in underperforming chronically stressed individuals.

Introduction to problem solving skills 

Online Interactive modelling exercise/lesson: Introduction to Problem solving skills

This is an interactive modelling exercise for students to work through a series of problems by using the IDEAL model.

1. Identify the problem

2. Define the context of the problem

3.  Explore possible strategies

4. Act on the best solution

5. Look back and learn

Teaching problem-solving skills

This website presents some basic principles for teaching problem solving skills as follows.

1. Model a useful problem-solving method

2. Teach within a specific context

3. Help students understand the problem

4. Take enough time

5. Ask questions and make suggestions

6. Link errors to misconceptions

Moreover, the content also includes Woods’ model of problem solving.

1. Define the problem

2. Think about it

3. Plan a solution

4. Carry out the plan

5. Look back

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4. Chevallier, A. (2016). Strategic thinking in complex problem solving. Oxford University Press.

5. Conn, C. & McLean, R. (2018). Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything. John Wiley & Sons.

6. Cotton, D. (2016). The smart solution book : 68 tools for brainstorming, problem solving and decision making. FT Publishing International.

7. Creative Commons Massachusetts Institute Of Technology. (n.d.). Introduction to Problem Solving Skills. https://ccmit.mit.edu/problem-solving/

8. Creswell, J. D., Dutcher, J. M., Klein, W. M. P., Harris, P. R., & Levine, J. M. (2013). Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving under Stress. PloS One, 8(5), e62593–e62593. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062593

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11. Karantzas, G. C., Avery, M. R., Macfarlane, S., Mussap, A., Tooley, G., Hazelwood, Z., & Fitness, J. (2013). Enhancing critical analysis and problem-solving skills in undergraduate psychology: An evaluation of a collaborative learning and problem-based learning approach. Australian Journal of Psychology, 65(1), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12009

12. Kinay, I., & Bagceci, B. (2016). The Investigation of the Effects of Authentic Assessment Approach on Prospective Teachers’ Problem-Solving Skills. International Education Studies, 9(8), 51–59. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v9n8p51

13. Nygren, H., Nissinen, K., Hämäläinen, R., & Wever, B. (2019). Lifelong learning: Formal, non‐formal and informal learning in the context of the use of problem‐solving skills in technology‐rich environments. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(4), 1759–1770. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12807

14. TED. (2019, June 10). Making Ideas Visible: The key to 21st Century Problem Solving | Tom Wujec | TEDxGateway [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWySwN-9MAo

15. University Of Waterloo. (2019, March 4). Teaching problem-solving skills. https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/developing-assignments/cross-discipline-skills/teaching-problem-solving-skills