Week 9 - Instructional Strategies Leading to Problem-solving and Affective Learning

In this week's lecture, we will discuss Problem Solving and Affective Learning. Later, we will plan E-learning for selected problem solving objective, as well as attitude objective.

Problem solving skill involves the use of previously acquired knowledge or skill to solve new problems.

There are 2 types of problem: Well structured and Ill-structured. The main differences between these 2 types of problem lies in the amount of information available, and the variety of rules and principles needed to solve them.

There are 3 characteristics of problem - degree of structure, level of complexity and degree of abstractness.

According to Jonassen's Taxonomy of Problems, the list of problems ranging from least complex to most complex are as follows:
1. Puzzle Solving
2. Algorithm
3. Story problem
4. Rule-using problem
5. Trouble-shooting
6. Diagnosis-Solution
7. Case Method problem
8. Design
9. Issue-based

The Cognitive Processes of solving problem are given as follows:
1. Problem Identification
2. Analysis
3. Reorganization
4. Idea Generation
5. Idea Evaluation
6. Implementation planning
7. Solution appraisal

The Cognitive requirement for solving problems are "Problem representation", "Solution planning", "Solution implementation" and "Solution evaluation". We should include instructions that can help users to shift away from being novice problem solvers to expert problem solvers. There exist individual differences in problem solving - Familiarity, Prior Knowledge, High-level Mental Control and Beliefs, and Motivational Factors.

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Attitudes (Affective Learning)

Moving on to Attitudes, it can be identified as desired educational goals.

There are differences between Motivation and Attitudes - motivation can be classified as a type
of attitude and attitude is an outcome of instruction.

The 5 Outcomes of Learning (Affective) are as follows (from low to high level):
1. Receiving - considered a prerequisite to other attitudinal outcomes.
2. Responding - also can be considered as "Appreciation"
3. Valuing - acceptance/preference of a value.
4. Organization*
5. Characterization*

* development of philosophies, personal meaning, and changes in total character.

Key instructional conditions for attitude learning...
1.Demonstration of desired behavior by a respected role model.

• establish appeal and credibility of the role model
• stimulate recall of relevant knowledge and concepts
• demo of desired action
• reinforcement!!

2. Allow practice of the desired behaviour

• through role playing and acting
  

3. Provide reinforcement for the desired behaviour

• key question: what is reinforcement?
  

Other instructional conditions includes Persuasive communications, Creation of inner conflict and Group discussions.