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Developing Problem Solving Skills: The McMaster...
Journal article

Developing Problem Solving Skills: The McMaster Problem Solving Program

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a 25‐year project in which we defined problem solving, identified effective methods for developing students' skill in problem solving, implemented a series of four required courses to develop the skill, and evaluated the effectiveness of the program. Four research projects are summarized in which we identified which teaching methods failed to develop problem solving skill and which methods were successful in developing the skills. We found that students need both comprehension of Chemical Engineering and what we call general problem solving skill to solve problems successfully. We identified 37 general problem solving skills. We use 120 hours of workshops spread over four required courses to develop the skills. Each skill is built (using content‐independent activities), bridged (to apply the skill in the content‐specific domain of Chemical Engineering) and extended (to use the skill in other contexts and contents and in everyday life). The tests and examinations of process skills, TEPS, that assess the degree to which the students can apply the skills are described. We illustrate how self‐assessment was used.

Authors

Woods DR; Hrymak AN; Marshall RR; Wood PE; Crowe CM; Hoffman TW; Wright JD; Taylor PA; Woodhouse KA; Bouchard CGK

Journal

Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 86, No. 2, pp. 75–91

Publisher

Wiley

Publication Date

January 1, 1997

DOI

10.1002/j.2168-9830.1997.tb00270.x

ISSN

1069-4730

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