Learning to Solve Problems (Instructional Technology and Training Series): An Instructional Design Guide

Learning to Solve Problems is a much-needed book that describes models for designing interactive learning environments to support how to learn and solve different kinds of problems. Using a research-based approach, author David H. Jonassen-a recognized expert in the field shows how to design instruction to support three kinds of problems: story problems, troubleshooting, and case and policy analysis problems. Filled with models and job aids, this book describes different approaches for representing problems to learners and includes information about technology-based tools that can help learners mentally represent problems for themselves. Jonassen also explores methods for associating different solutions to problems and discusses various processes for reflecting on the problem solving process. Learning to Solve Problems also includes three methods for assessing problem-solving skills performance assessment, component skills; and argumentation.

In this guide for educators, Jonassen (information science and learning technologies, U. of Missouri) explains how to design instruction that will help students learn to solve different kinds of problems. Three types of problems are addressed: story problems, troubleshooting, and case and policy analysis. Jonassen also outlines three methods for assessing problem solving skills: performance assessment, component skills, and argumentation. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

David H. Jonassen is a Distinguished Professor at the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies in the College of Education at the University of Missouri. He has edited, authored, or coauthored more than twenty-five books, as well as hundreds of articles in journals, industry publications, and edited collections. Separate studies have shown that Jonassen is the most widely published and cited author in the instructional design field.