Training students to solve ill-structured problems in an online learning environment Online publication date: Sat, 28-Jun-2014
by Kumar Laxman
International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (IJTCS), Vol. 4, No. 2, 2013
Abstract: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach in which students learn about subject content matter in the context of solving a variety of different types of problems. David Jonassen in his design theory examines a typology of different kinds of problems that range from being well-structured to ill-structured. In this paper, we look at a research study on how students can be trained in the skills of digital information search literacy to be able to successfully solve ill-structured problems. Ill-structured problems are complex, multi-faceted and require deeper cognitive processing skills to be deconstructed and tackled. Given the pervasiveness of the internet in schools as a epository of easily accessible electronic information, a training intervention framework based upon inquiry-oriented digital information search skills was proposed and evaluated in this study to inform educators on methodically training their students to become effective ill-structured problem solvers.
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