The Nature of Problems Didactic Suggestions 1 These

The Nature of Problems

Didactic Suggestions (1) These are only suggestions, any group of learners is free to experiment with the use of the micro-module. The types, number and order of use of the elements in the micro-module are open to choice. Depending on the learning strategy adopted, elements can be also eliminated or added. For this purpose, the micro-modules can be copied and modified. The Nature of Problems is defined by two major characteristics: Complexity (from simple to complex) and Structure (from wellstructured to ill-structured) Complexity Nature of Problems Structure Go to the micro-module “Nature of Problems – Complexity” to deal with Complexity (from simple to complex) of problems. Go to the micromodule “Nature of Problems – Structure” to deal with Structure (from well-structured to ill-structured) in problems

Didactic Suggestions (2) Once the activities for the understanding of both complexity and structure in the “Nature of Problems are completed, it is possible to use the “Instrument to Assess the Full Nature of a Problem – Complexity and Structure” provided next in this micro-module. Having completed their complexity and structure assessments of their selected problems, each of the groups can position their assessment in the corresponding quadrants provided by the tool.

Nature of Problems Instrument to Assess the Full Nature of a Problem – Complexity and Structure

Characteristics of Problems Ill-structured Well-structured 1 Complex 2 3 4 5 Simple 6 7 8 9 10 10 10 9 9 8 III 8 IV 7 6 6 Problem 5 4 4 3 Simple Complexity 7 5 Complex I 3 II 2 2 1 1 Simple 1 2 Well-structured 3 4 5 Simple 6 Structuredness 7 8 9 10 Ill-structured

Brief Questionnaire How do you rate the usefulness of the following elements for your learning? Very Low Moderate High Very High Definition Wisdom Fun Poetry Assessment Instrument What other elements would you like to see in the micro-module?

Acknowledgements Developed by Alfonso Molina Sources Various works by David Jonassen Various Quotation Websites Various Poetry Websites Various websites with images relating to the concept of Problem