The development of problem-solving skills for nonroutine problems with the use of a web-based resource: A case study of constructivist learning
Date of Publication
2002
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education Major in Mathematics
Subject Categories
Science and Mathematics Education
College
Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education
Department/Unit
Science Education
Thesis Adviser
Miguel Q. Rapatan
Defense Panel Chair
Auxencia A. Limjap
Defense Panel Member
Ong, Bee Ching U. Ong
Prudente, Maricar S. Prudente
Maxima J. Acelejado
Filmer Brawner
Abstract/Summary
This study investigates how students develop their problem-solving skills for nonroutine problems with the use of a Web-based learning resource. Set in a social constructivist learning environment, the researcher conducted her study using junior high school students of an academically and technically-oriented exclusive private school for boys in Makati City during the second quarter of school year 2002-2003. Phenomenography was employed to describe and explain the students' problem-solving processes, to determine their level of understanding or word problems through the use of a Web-based problem-solving unit, and to assess the on-task activity of the students. The students' attitudes toward problem solving and toward the learning environment were qualitatively analyzed. The study covered a period of four weeks and was conducted during the regular mathematics class hours of the students. The design of the study consisted of the following phases: (1) Orientation, (2) Pretesting, (3) Exposure to Problem-Solving Unit, (4) Posttesting, and (5) Interview. Data for this study were gathered and analyzed through the use of the following instruments: A Web-based problem-solving unit, pretest/posttest nonroutine problem solving sheets, reproduced activity sheets, an observation checklist, a self-report questionnaire, the students' journal, a problem-solving attitude scale, an attitude scale toward the learning environment, and audio-taped interviews. The results of the study show evidence that students have different problem solving goals and orientations. Students' approach and conception to nonroutine problems and problem solving depend much on whether they experience the problem's atomistic/surface structure or its holistic/deep structure. An analysis of the students' approaches and conceptions led the researcher into identifying indicators that manifest students' perception of their levels of understanding within a nonroutine problem-solving context. The result of the phenomenographic analysis of interview transcripts is the set of categories of students' perception of their levels of understanding.
Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Accession Number
TG03751
Shelf Location
Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall
Physical Description
229 leaves ; 28 cm.
Keywords
Constructivism (Education); Problem solving; Computer network resources; Learning
Recommended Citation
Cachero, M. M. (2002). The development of problem-solving skills for nonroutine problems with the use of a web-based resource: A case study of constructivist learning. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/943