Problem-Solving in Science and Technology Education

  • First Online: 25 February 2023

Cite this chapter

problem solving method of teaching science pdf

  • Bulent Çavaş 13 ,
  • Pınar Çavaş 14 &
  • Yasemin Özdem Yılmaz 15  

Part of the book series: Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education ((CTISE,volume 56))

407 Accesses

1 Citations

This chapter focuses on problem-solving, which involves describing a problem, figuring out its root cause, locating, ranking and choosing potential solutions, as well as putting those solutions into action in science and technology education. This chapter covers (1) what problem-solving means for science and technology education; (2) what the problem-solving processes are and how these processes can be used step-by-step for effective problem-solving and (3) the use of problem-solving in citizen science projects supported by the European Union. The chapter also includes discussion of and recommendations for future scientific research in the field of science and technology education.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
  • Durable hardcover edition

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Anderson, H. O. (1967). Problem-solving and science teaching. School Science and Mathematics, 67 (3), 243–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.1967.tb15151.x

Article   Google Scholar  

Ausubel, D. P. (1968). Educational psychology: A cognitive view . Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Google Scholar  

Binkley, M., Erstad, O., Herman, J., Raizen, S., Ripley, M., Miller-Ricci, M., & Rumble, M. (2012). Defining twentyfirst century skills. In P. Griffin, B. McGaw, & E. Care (Eds.), Assessment and teaching of 21st century skills (pp. 17–66). Springer.

Bransford, J. D., & Stein, B. S. (1984). The IDEAL problem solver: A guide to improving thinking . W.H. Freeman & Co.

Chi, M. T. H., Feltovich, P. J., & Glaser, R. (1981). Categorization and representation of physics problems by experts and novices. Cognitive Science, 5 , 121–152.

Chin, C., & Chia, L. G. (2006). Problem-based learning: Using ill-structured problems in biology project work. Science Education, 90 (1), 44–67.

Egger, A. E., & Carpi, A. (2008). Data analysis and interpretation. Visionlearning, POS-1 , (1).

Gallagher, S. A., Stepien, W. J., & Rosenthal, H. (1992). The effects of problem-based learning on problem solving. Gifted Child Quarterly, 36 (4), 195–200.

Gallagher, S. A., Sher, B. T., Stepien, W. J., & Workman, D. (1995). Implementing problem-based learning in science classrooms. School Science and Mathematics, 95 (3), 136–146.

Garrett, R. M. (1986). Problem-solving in science education. Studies in Science Education, 13 , 70–95.

Glaser, R. (1992). Expert knowledge and processes of thinking. In D. F. Halpern (Ed.), Enhancing thinking skills in the sciences and mathematics (pp. 63–76). Erlbaum.

Greenwald, N. L. (2000). Learning from problems. The Science Teacher, 67 (4), 28–32.

Hobden, P. (1998). The role of routine problem tasks in science teaching. In B. J. Fraser & K. G. Tobin (Eds.), International handbook of science education, Vol. 1 (pp. 219–231).

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Ioannidou, O., & Erduran, S. (2021). Beyond hypothesis testing. Science & Education, 30 , 345–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-020-00185-9

Jonassen, D. H. (1997). Instructional design models for well-structured and ill-structured problem-solving learning outcomes. Educational Technology Research and Development, 45 (1), 65–94.

Koberg, D., & Bagnall, J. (1981). The design process is a problem-solving journey. In D. Koberg & J. Bagnall (Eds.), The all new universal Traveler: A soft-systems guide to creativity, problem-solving, and the process of reaching goals (pp. 16–17). William Kaufmann Inc.

Lawson, M. J. (2003). Problem solving. In J. P. Keeves et al. (Eds.), International handbook of educational research in the Asia-Pacific region ( Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 11 ). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3368-7_35

Mahanal, S., Zubaidah, S., Setiawan, D., Maghfiroh, H., & Muhaimin, F. G. (2022). ‘Empowering college students’ Problem-solving skills through RICOSRE’. Education Sciences, 12 (3), 196.

McComas, W. F. (1998). The principal elements of the nature of science: Dispelling the myths. In W. F. McComas (Ed.), The nature of science in science education (pp. 53–70). Springer.

Milopoulos, G., & Cerri, L. (2020). Recommendation for future use . EPINOIA S.A.

Murphy, P., & McCormick, R. (1997). Problem solving in science and technology education. Research in Science Education, 27 (3), 461–481.

Nezu, A. M. (2004). Problem solving and behavior therapy revisited. Behavior Therapy, 35 (1), 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7894(04)80002-9

OECD. (2013). PISA 2012 assessment and analytical framework: Mathematics, Reading, science, problem solving and financial literacy . OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264190511-en

Book   Google Scholar  

Osborn, A. (1953). Applied imagination . Charles Scribner.

Osborne, J., & Dillon, J. (2008). Science education in Europe: Critical reflections . Nuffield Foundation.

Pérez, D. G., & Torregrosa, J. M. (1983). A model for problem-solving in accordance with scientific methodology. European Journal of Science Education, 5 (4), 447–455. https://doi.org/10.1080/0140528830050408

Pizzini, E. L. (1989). A rationale for and the development of a problem-solving model of instruction in science education. Science Education, 73 (5), 523–534.

Presseisen, B. Z. (1985). Thinking skills throughout the curriculum: A conceptual design . Research for Better Schools, Inc.

Sampson, V., Enderle, P., & Grooms, J. (2013). Argumentation in science education. The Science Teacher, 80 (5), 30.

Simon, H. A. (1973). The structure of ill-structured problems. Artificial Intelligence, 4 (3–4), 181–201.

Taconis, R. (1995). Understanding based problem solving . [Unpuplished PhD thesis],. University of Eindhoven.

Taconis, R., Ferguson-Hessler, M. G. M., & Broekkamp, H. (2001). Teaching science problem solving: An overview of experimental work. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38 (4), 442–468.

von Hippel, E., & von Kroch, G. (2016). Identifying viable “need-solution pairs”: Problem solving without problem formulation. Organization Science, 27 (1), 207–221. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2015.1023

Woods, D. R. (1987). How might I teach problem solving? New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 30 , 55–71.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Faculty of Education, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, Izmir, Türkiye

Bulent Çavaş

Faculty of Education, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Türkiye

Pınar Çavaş

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Education, Muğla, Türkiye

Yasemin Özdem Yılmaz

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bulent Çavaş .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

The STAN Place, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

Faculty of Education, Dokuz Eylul Universitesi, Buca, Turkey

Bulent Cavas

SOE, BEP 229F, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA

Teresa Kennedy

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Çavaş, B., Çavaş, P., Yılmaz, Y.Ö. (2023). Problem-Solving in Science and Technology Education. In: Akpan, B., Cavas, B., Kennedy, T. (eds) Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology Education. Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education, vol 56. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24259-5_18

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24259-5_18

Published : 25 February 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-24258-8

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-24259-5

eBook Packages : Education Education (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

  • Publish with us

Policies and ethics

  • Find a journal
  • Track your research

COMMENTS

  1. (PDF) Principles for Teaching Problem Solving

    structured problem solving. 7) Use inductive teaching strategies to encourage synthesis of mental models and for. moderately and ill-structured problem solving. 8) Within a problem exercise, help ...

  2. PDF UNIT 9 METHODS OF TEACHING SCIENCE

    In other words it is the way and manner in which the teacher presents his lessons to enable his students to acquire knowledge in the subject under consideration. Some of the Common Methods of Teaching Science at the Basic School includes: 1. Activity method 2. Discovery method 3.

  3. PDF Teaching and Learning Problem Solving Method: a Way of Solving the

    To be termed problem solving, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. In this method student is involved in finding out the answer to a given scientific problem and thus actually it is a type of scientific or discovery method. Problem solving method involves ...

  4. PDF GOAL-Oriented Problem Solving

    The GOAL problem-solving strategy is based on the numerous research studies that have been published in recent years on how students learn to solve physics problems.7-19 Maloney's chapter in the Handbook of Research on Science Teaching and Learning is a thorough summary.14 Many of these studies, and most introductory physics

  5. Teaching science problem solving: An overview of experimental work

    View the article/chapter PDF and any associated supplements and figures for a period of 48 hours. ... The traditional approach to teaching science problem solving is having the students work individually on a large number of problems. This approach has long been overtaken by research suggesting and testing other methods, which are expected to ...

  6. Science and Technology Teaching Strategies

    Currently one of the most common methods for teaching science and technology at the university level is problem-solving (Dogru, 2008).A widely-used strategy with this approach is to organize didactic units articulated fundamentally as collections of problems.

  7. Problem Solving in Science Learning

    The traditional teaching of science problem solving involves a considerable amount of drill and practice. Research suggests that these practices do not lead to the development of expert-like problem-solving strategies and that there is little correlation between the number of problems solved (exceeding 1,000 problems in one specific study) and the development of a conceptual understanding.

  8. Teaching and learning problem solving in science. Part I: A general

    A systematic approach to solving problems and on designing instruction where students learn this approach.

  9. Problem-Solving in Science and Technology Education

    The chapter contributes to the understanding of problem-solving as a teaching and learning method, major European Union projects using problem-solving strategies were investigated. The problem-solving strategies used in these projects were described briefly with references to the project documents or websites.

  10. PDF Teaching Problem Solving

    Section 4. Alternative Teaching Methods 3 approach a particular problem. Discuss these with your partner before you start. 4. Read the problem aloud. 5. Start to solve the problem on your own. You are solving the problem; your partner is only listening to you and reacting to what you say, not collaborating in the solu-tion. 6. Thinking aloud ...

  11. [PDF] Teaching and Learning Problem Solving in Science. Part I: A

    Teaching and Learning Problem Solving in Science. Part I: A General Strategy. ... Four guidelines for teaching quantitative problem‐solving are presented, based on research results, and the analysis of students' difficulties is a good starting point for the development of a system of heuristics, Key Relation charts and for the design of ...

  12. What is the problem solving method of teaching?

    What is the problem solving method of teaching? Luther A. Mahan, Luther A. Mahan. Stout State University, Menomonie, Wisconsin. Search for more papers by this author. Luther A. Mahan, ... Unlimited viewing of the article/chapter PDF and any associated supplements and figures. Article/chapter can be printed. Article/chapter can be downloaded.

  13. PDF A critical look at

    describing "the method of science" in terms of problem solving steps must be viewed as a rather naive interpretation of the nature of science. Representing these steps (i.e., recognizing that a prob lem exists, stating the problem in specific terms, formulating hypotheses, and so on) as the method of science at best

  14. (Pdf) Learning and Problem Solving: the Use of Problem Solving Method

    Abstract. Problem-based learning is a recognized teaching method in which complex real-world problems are used as the vehicle to promote student learning of concepts and principles as opposed to ...

  15. PDF UNIT 2 APPROACHES AND METHODS OF TEACHING SCIENCE

    and Evaluation in Science 2.4 ' PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH Problem Solving Approach for teaching science is a technique which provides children an opportunity to solve scientific problems quite independently or through guided approach by following systematic steps. When you want use this approach to teach a science topic,

  16. What is the problem solving method of teaching?

    Science Education. Volume 51, Issue 4 p. 332-343. Article. What is the problem solving method of teaching? Luther A. Mahan, Luther A. Mahan. Stout State University, Menomonie, Wisconsin. Search for more papers by this author. ... PDF. Tools. Request permission; Export citation; Add to favorites; Track citation; Share Share.

  17. PDF A Problem-Solving Approach for Science Learning

    Abstract. Science education in schools is aimed at providing the knowledge of surrounding science, developing curiosity, scientific attitude and thinking skills. However, in terms of pedagogy, teaching science is limited in achieving the aim of providing knowledge, while the other aims require the use of methods for experiencing through hands ...

  18. PDF An Overview of Problem Solving Studies in Physics Education

    These methods, created using common properties, also lead to success in problem solving. Some of these problem-solving methods are divergent thinking, convergent thinking, brainstorming, lateral thinking, expanding or narrowing thinking, associating, comparing, combining, and utilizing objects and concepts. The basic steps of problem-solving ...

  19. (PDF) Problem Solving Model for Science Learning

    Implementation of problem-solving model in science learning to improve students' science process skills. The development stage consists of three steps: a) designing a prototype, b) performing a ...

  20. The problem-solving method: Efficacy for learning and motivation in the

    Methods. Fifty-three students (M age 15 ± 0.1 years), in their 1st year of the Tunisian secondary education system, voluntarily participated in this study, and randomly assigned to a control or experimental group.Participants in the control group were taught using the traditional methods, whereas participants in the experimental group were taught using the problem-solving method.

  21. PDF Problem Based Learning: A Student-Centered Approach

    principles and concept. PBL is both a teaching method and approach to the curriculum. It can develop critical thinking skill, problem solving abilities, communication skills and lifelong learning. The purpose of this study is to give the general idea of PBL in the context of language learning, as PBL has expanded in the areas of law,

  22. PDF A Problem With Problem Solving: Teaching Thinking Without Teaching ...

    Three examples of a problem solving heuristic are presented in Table 1. The first belongs to John Dewey, who explicated a method of problem solving in How We Think (1933). The second is George Polya's, whose method is mostly associated with problem solving in mathematics. The last is a more contemporary version

  23. PDF UNIT 7 METHODS IN SCIENCE TEACHING- Teaching-Learning Approaches in

    7.3.1 Demonstration Method. Demonstration method is an activity-centered method which is being used frequently in a science classroom. There are a number of concepts and theories in science, which can be explained to learners only by demonstration. Demonstration helps learners to learn through observation.