Understanding the Literature on Problem Analysis A look

Understanding the Literature on Problem Analysis A look into the role of affect in problem solving frameworks Albert Huynh CEEA 2014 - Canmore, Alberta

Today’s Presentation Will Cover… Why Problem Analysis? Impacts of Affect Current State A Look into the Future 1

Why Problem Analysis? • Required as a CEAB Graduate Attribute • “Identify, formulate, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems” • One of the key takeaways of engineering education • “What do engineers do? Solve problems!” • Big problems to solve 2

Performance = Cognition + Affect We largely focus on the former 3

Appropriate Affect Facilitates Problem Solving • Improved creative problem solving performance • Evidence from Duncker’s Candle Task and Remote Associates Test • Implications for mathematical problem solving • Studies on computational estimation • Potential for improved diagnostic ability • Shown through studies of medical diagnostic processing Isen, A. M. , Daubman, K. A. Nowicki, G. P. , Positive Affect Facilitates Creative Problem Solving. J. of Personality and Social Psych. 1987: 52(6): 1122 Mc. Leod D. B. , Adams V. M. Affect and Mathematical Problem Solving: A New Perspective, Springer; 1989 Young, M. J. , Isen, A. M. , Estrada, C. A. , Positive Affect Facilitates Integration of Information and Decreases Anchoring in Reasoning among Physicians, Org. Behavior and Human Decision Processes. 1997: 72(1): 117 -135 4

Problem Solving Structure Presentation • Problem-Based Learning • Project-Based Learning Frameworks • Engineering Design • Polya’s Model Steps • Scope, Concept, Detail • Understand, Devise, Carry Out, Check Tools • e. g. Ideation Methods, Decision Matrix • e. g. Self-reflection 5

Mc. Master Problem Solving (MPS) Strategy Engage Evaluate Check & Look Back Define Stated Problem MPS Do it Woods, DR. , Problembased Learning: How to Gain the Most from PBL, Woods, Waterdown, ON, 1994. Explore Plan a Solution 6

Frameworks of the Future • Acknowledge the need for affective phases • Identify appropriate tools for effective practice • Implementation and testing lies on practitioners of engineering education 7

Further Reading • Affect and Problem Solving • Mc. Leod, D. B. , Adams, V. M. Affect and Mathematical Problem Solving: A New Perspective • Problem Solving Frameworks • Woods, D. R. An evidence-based strategy for problem solving. J. for Engr. Educ. 2000: 89(4): 443 -459 • Mc. Master Problem Solving Program • http: //chemeng. mcmaster. ca/mcmaster-problem-solvingmps-program 8

Thanks! Questions? Email: albert. huynh@utoronto. ca