Understanding the Literature on Problem Analysis

A look into the role of affect in problem solving frameworks

Albert HuynhCEEA 2014 - Canmore, Alberta

Today’s Presentation Will Cover…

Why Problem Analysis?

Impacts of Affect

Current State

A Look into the Future

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•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

Why Problem Analysis?

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Performance = Cognition + Affect

We largely focus on the former

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• 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

Appropriate Affect Facilitates Problem Solving

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Isen, A.M., Daubman, K.A. Nowicki, G.P., Positive Affect Facilitates Creative Problem Solving. J. of Personality and Social Psych. 1987:52(6):1122McLeod D.B., Adams V.M. Affect and Mathematical Problem Solving: A New Perspective, Springer; 1989Young, 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

Problem Solving Structure

Presentation

Frameworks

Steps

Tools

• Problem-Based Learning

• Project-Based Learning

• Engineering Design• Polya’s Model

• Scope, Concept, Detail

• Understand, Devise, Carry Out, Check

• e.g. Ideation Methods, Decision Matrix

• e.g. Self-reflection

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McMaster Problem Solving (MPS) Strategy

MPS

Engage

Define Stated Proble

m

Explore

Plan a Solution

Do it

Evaluate Check & Look Back

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Woods, DR., Problem-based Learning: How to Gain the Most from PBL, Woods, Waterdown, ON, 1994.

• Acknowledge the need for affective phases

• Identify appropriate tools for effective practice

• Implementation and testing lies on practitioners of engineering education

Frameworks of the Future

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• Affect and Problem Solving

• McLeod, 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

• McMaster Problem Solving Program

• http://chemeng.mcmaster.ca/mcmaster-problem-solving-mps-program

Further Reading

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