written by Chandralekha Singh

We   discuss the development of interactive video tutorial-based problems to help   introductory physics students learn effective problem solving heuristics. The video   tutorials present problem solving strategies using concrete examples in an   interactive environment. They force students to follow a systematic approach   to problem solving and students are required to solve sub-problems   (research-guided multiple choice questions) to show their level of understanding   at every stage of problem solving. The tutorials are designed   to provide scaffolding support at every stage of problem solving   as needed and help students view the problem solving process   as an opportunity for knowledge and skill acquisition rather than   a "plug and chug" chore. A focus on helping students   learn first to analyze a problem qualitatively, and then to   plan a solution in terms of the relevant physics principles,   can be useful for developing their reasoning skills. The reflection   stage of problem solving can help students develop meta-cognitive skills   because they must focus on what they have learned by   solving the problem and how it helps them extend and   organize their knowledge. Preliminary evaluations show that a majority of   students who are unable to solve the tutorial problems without   help can solve similar problems after working through the video   tutorial. Further evaluation to assess the development of useful skills   is underway.

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Published September 9, 2004
Last Modified July 7, 2013

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