International Collaboration Book Chapter

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CHAPTER 1
EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH PROBLEM-
SOLVING LEARNING: A PATHWAY TO
HEIGHTENED PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT
Sr. Nancy Joseph, SMMI ([email protected])
Maison Generale 17, Gentilly, Paris, France

ABSTRACT
The Problem-Solving Learning approach is based on the concept that the best
learning occurs when students are actively involved in education and learn
through authentic problem-solving. Problem-solving learning is based on
constructivism theory and is designed to create an environment that challenges
and supports students in learning. Problem-solving learning helps students
develop critical thinking skills, creativity, collaboration, and real-world
applications. Educators can provide exciting learning experiences and motivate
students to stay focused and interested in the subject.
Keywords: Problem-Solving Learning, Student Participation, Student
Involvement

INTRODUCTION
The problem-solving learning approach develops in response to
increasingly complex and dynamic social, economic, and technological
changes. Education experts realize that more than learning which only
focuses on factual knowledge and theory, is needed to prepare students to
face future challenges (Bashith & Amin, 2017).
In the 1950s and 1960s, cognitive learning theory began to develop
and provide the basis for the problem-solving learning approach. This
theory emphasizes that effective learning involves using cognitive
abilities to process information, such as attention, perception, memory,
and problem-solving. In the 1970s, the problem-solving learning
approach began to be applied in education to improve learning outcomes

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 International Collaboration Book Chapter
ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

and increase students' problem-solving skills. One of the early pioneers

of this approach was George Polya, a mathematician who developed
heuristic methods for solving mathematical problems (Abramovich,
2022).
Since then, the problem-solving learning approach has been used in
various fields, including the social sciences, science, and technology.
Many schools and educational institutions worldwide have also
incorporated this approach into their curricula to strengthen students'
problem-solving skills and meet future challenges. Does this study
discuss the main principles of the problem-solving learning approach?
Moreover, how is it implemented in education to strengthen students'
skills in solving problems and facing challenges in the future?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Definitions Problem-Solving Learning

Problem-solving Learning refers to acquiring knowledge and skills

through identifying, analyzing, and solving problems. It involves
identifying problems, developing plans, implementing strategies, and
evaluating results to determine whether the issues have been solved
successfully. Learning problem-solving has many benefits, including
developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and working
collaboratively. It can also help build resilience as individuals learn to
overcome setbacks and failures. The following is a definition of PSL.

Table 1: Definition of Problem-Solving Learning

Author Definition
(Abramovich, PSL is a learning approach that encourages students to
think critically, identify problems, develop alternative
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Author Definition
2022) solutions, and take action to solve problems
(Gull & Problem-solving learning is a learning process that aims
Shehzad, to help students understand and solve problems using
2015) effective methods and strategies.
(Wokoma, Problem-solving learning is a learning approach that
2021) integrates knowledge, skills, and attitudes in
identifying, analyzing, and solving problems.
(Carson, Problem-solving learning is a learning process that
2007) focuses on developing students' ability to solve
problems by using logic and critical thinking.
(Argaw et al., Problem-solving learning is a learning approach that
2017) involves students in the process of solving problems
actively and creatively.
(Tóthová & Problem-solving learning allows students to develop
Rusek, 2021). skills in identifying, analyzing, and solving problems
using appropriate strategies.
(Bashith & Problem-solving learning is a learning approach that
Amin, 2017). allows students to solve problems independently by
using the skills and knowledge they have
(Abramovich, Problem-solving learning is a learning process that
2022) develops students' problem-solving skills using
appropriate and effective strategies.
(Wokoma, Problem-solving learning is a learning process that
2021) allows students to develop skills in solving problems by
using the skills and knowledge they have

Problem-Solving Learning Theoretical Framework

Problem-solving learning theory is based on the concept that the

best learning occurs when students are actively involved in education and
learn through authentic problem-solving. Theoretically, it assumes that
problem-solving-based learning involves students in a systematic and
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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

reflective problem-solving process. Students are allowed to try to solve

problems and develop effective problem-solving strategies. Through this
process, students build critical and creative thinking skills.
PSL is based on the constructivism theory, which assumes that
learning (Samson, 2015) occurs through interactions between students
and their environment. Therefore, PSL is designed to create an
environment that challenges and supports students' learning process. This
theoretical framework covers concepts such as systematic problem-
solving, reflection, project-based learning, experiential learning, and
using technology and other resources that support students in the learning
process.
The theoretical framework for problem-solving-based learning
helps explain why problem-solving-based learning can effectively and
efficiently enhance student learning. By actively involving students in the
problem-solving process and providing them with opportunities to build
critical and creative thinking skills, PSL can help students become more
effective and skilled learners.

DISCUSSION

Why Should We Use Problem-Solving Learning Methods?

We have to use the Problem-solving learning method (Shimizu,

2022):
1. Build critical thinking skills: The Problem-solving learning method
requires students to think critically and evaluate information to solve
problems. This helps students develop the necessary thinking skills
essential for success in both the academic and professional worlds.

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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

2. Encourages creativity: The Problem-solving learning method often

involves finding creative solutions to problems. This encourages
students to think outside the box and develop their creativity.

3. Encourage collaboration: Many problems must be solved by multiple

individuals. Problem-solving learning requires cooperation and
teamwork, which helps students develop social and communication
skills.

4. Real-world applications: The Problem-solving learning method is

designed to simulate real-world problems. This helps students
develop skills that can be directly applied to their future academic
and professional lives.

5. Increases motivation: The Problem-solving learning method is more

exciting and motivating than traditional lecture-based learning. This
is because students are more interactive and allow students to
participate in the learning process actively.

The Problem-solving learning method helps students develop skills

essential for academic and professional success. Educators can provide
exciting learning experiences and motivate students to stay focused and
interested in the subject.

The Difference Between Problem-Solving Learning and

Conventional Learning

Conventional learning is a learning method that has been used for a

long time and is still widely used in various educational institutions. This
method is based on lectures, individual assignments, and assessments
based on tests and examinations. Conventional learning focuses more on
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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

material mastery and less on developing critical thinking skills and

problem-solving. Traditional learning has several weaknesses; this
method is still widely used in various educational institutions because it
is easy to implement and can provide academically measurable results.
However, technology integration can improve these methods, developing
non-academic skills and using more interactive and collaborative
learning methods.
Some of the advantages of conventional learning include easy
implementation, low cost, and can enable uniform teaching. However,
the weakness of this method is that it is less interactive and less attractive
to students and does not develop critical thinking and problem-solving
abilities. Nonetheless, conventional learning can still be improved
through integrating technology, more interactive and collaborative
learning methods, and an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills
and problem-solving. This can increase learning effectiveness and help
students better prepare for real-world challenges.
Table 2: The difference between Problem-solving learning and
conventional learning
Parameter Conventional Learning Problem-Solving
Learning
Learning Conventional learning tends to Using a more active and
approaches use a more passive and interactive learning
receptive learning approach. approach,
Learning Conventional learning focuses More focused on
evaluation more on measuring the measuring critical
understanding of concepts and thinking skills and
facts. problem-solving abilities,
Learning Conventional learning relies on It is prioritizing learning
Resources textbooks as the leading resources that are varied
learning resource, so students and related to the
are less exposed to various problem to be solved.

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Parameter Conventional Learning Problem-Solving

Learning
learning resources.
Learning Conventional learning relies Using various learning
methods more on lectures and class methods, such as case
discussions. studies, simulations, and
projects,
The is as a conduit of information The teacher acts more as
teacher's so that students become more a facilitator and
role passive in the learning process. supervisor,

Student Fewer involvement of students Allows students to be

engagement in the learning process means more involved in the
less attention to student learning process,
involvement.
Cooperation Less encourages students to Encourage students to
work together in teams or work together in groups
groups, so they pay less or teams to solve
attention to developing problems
cooperation and
communication skills.
Dinvolveme Conventional learning means It further develops
skills less emphasis. critical thinking skills,
Dinvolvemeping non-academic creativity, and
skills, such as social and lifeinnovation, whereas
skills. conventional learning
develops retention and
reproduction skills more.
Learning Learning learning focuses Having a more long-term
objectives more on more specific formal learning goal, namely
educational goals. developing students'
ability to solve problems
in real life,

Fundamental Principles of the Problem-solving Learning Approach

The Problem-solving learning approach is a learning approach that

emphasizes developing students' problem-solving skills. Following are

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some of the critical principles of the PSL approach (Ellestad &

Matusovich, 2021):

1. Starting from the problem: Problem-solving learning emphasizes

using real problems as a starting point for learning. Students are
given relevant and challenging problems and then guided to design
effective problem-solving strategies. By starting with a problem,
students can better understand the problem at hand and develop
relevant problem-solving skills.

2. Explicit use of problem-solving skills: Problem-solving learning

involves teaching problem-solving skills explicitly. Teachers assist
students in acquiring the problem-solving skills necessary to solve the
issues—identifying problems, designing problem-solving strategies,
and evaluating the resulting solutions.

3. Facilitate discussion and collaboration: Problem-solving learning

involves student discussion and collaboration. Teachers facilitate
dialogue and cooperation among students to help them understand
problems better and devise more effective Students can broaden their
thinking and better understand the problem by working together.

4. Provide continuous feedback: Problem-solving learning involves

providing ongoing feedback. Teachers provide constant feedback to
help students improve their problem-solving strategies. Thus,
students can develop problem-solving skills and strengthen their
ability to face future challenges.

5. Encourage reflection: Problem-solving learning encourages students

to reflect on their problem-solving strategies and identify what

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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

worked and did not work. Teachers assist students in reflecting on

their problem-solving process and evaluating the resulting solutions.
By reflecting on their problem-solving approach, students can
improve their ability to face future challenges.

Learning to problem-solve helps students develop critical skills in

real life and career preparation, such as critical thinking, creativity,
interpersonal skills, and confidence in solving complex problems.

Table 3: Research Findings Using the Problem-solving Learning Method

NO Author Finding
1 (Schoenfeld, The results of this meta-analysis indicate that
2016) students involved in PSL tend to have higher
levels of involvement, including more active
participation, enthusiasm, and task-oriented. In
addition, it also shows that the use of the PSL
method has a significant positive relationship
with student academic achievement.
2 (Prahani et al., The PSL method, carried out in small groups,
2016) tends to promote more active and enthusiastic
student involvement in learning.
3 (Bashith & It was found that using PSL integrated with
Amin, 2017) information technology can increase student
involvement in learning.
4 (Yew & Goh, Shows that PSL, which is carried out in a
2016) structured, systematic, and gradual manner, can
increase student involvement in learning—the
average effect size of using the PSL method on
student engagement in class.
5 Walker, A., The results showed that students who studied
Leary, H., & using the PSL method had higher involvement,
Hmelo-Silver, obtained better learning outcomes, and
C. achieved higher achievements than students
who learned using the conventional method.

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NO Author Finding
6 Huang, X., & The results showed that students who studied
Chen, G. (2020) using the PSL method had higher engagement
Students' motivation and belief influenced the
relationship between PSL and interest in career
development students' motivation and
confidence in their abilities.

The PSL approach is stated as a factor influencing student

involvement in learning. PSL can generate students' motivation and
interest so that students are more involved in education and can solve
problems better. On the other hand, students' involvement in problem-
solving learning will affect their learning outcomes and ability to solve
everyday problems. Therefore PSL and student engagement are
interrelated and influence each other in the learning context (Rowe et al.,
2010).

Implementation of Problem-solving Learning in Education to

Strengthen Skills

The PSL approach can be implemented in education to strengthen

students' problem-solving skills and help them face future challenges.
Following are some examples of implementing problem-solving learning
in education (Mossuto, 2008):
1. Teaching problem-solving skills explicitly: Problem-solving learning
involves teaching problem-solving skills explicitly. Teachers can
teach students how to identify problems, devise problem-solving
strategies, and evaluate solutions. Thus, students can develop

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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

practical and skilled problem-solving skills in facing future

challenges.

2. Using real problems in learning: Problem-solving learning

emphasizes using real difficulties in learning. Teachers can use real
issues in learning to provide students with meaningful and motivating
learning experiences. Students can develop relevant problem-solving
skills and face real-world challenges by solving real problems.

3. Facilitate discussion and collaboration: Problem-solving learning

involves student discussion and collaboration. Teachers can facilitate
dialogue and cooperation among students to help them understand
problems better and devise more effective solutions. Students can
broaden their thinking and better understand the problem by working
together.

4. Provide continuous feedback: Problem-solving learning involves

providing constant feedback. Teachers can provide ongoing feedback
to help students improve their problem-solving strategies. Thus,
students can develop problem-solving skills and strengthen their
abilities to face future challenges.

5. Integrating technology in problem-solving learning can be improved

by using technology in education. Teachers can use technology to
provide access to a broader range of problem-solving resources and
tools. Using technology, students can develop problem-solving skills
and become more skilled in facing future challenges.

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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

By implementing Problem-solving learning in education, students

can develop practical problem-solving skills and face future challenges
more confidently.

CONCLUSION

The PSL approach is based on the concept that the best learning
occurs when students are actively involved in learning and learn through
authentic problem-solving. This method focuses on constructivism and
creates an environment that challenges and supports students in
education. Problem-solving learning helps students develop critical and
creative thinking skills, increasing motivation and cooperative abilities.
Problem-solving learning has several advantages over conventional
wisdom, such as developing necessary thinking skills, creativity,
collaboration, and real-world applications. Traditional knowledge is still
widely used because it is easy to implement and can provide
academically measurable results. However, technology integration can
improve these methods, developing non-academic skills and using more
interactive and collaborative learning methods.
Problem-solving learning is an effective and efficient method for
enhancing student learning by actively involving students in problem-
solving and providing opportunities to build critical and creative thinking
skills.

REFERENCE
Abramovich, S. (2022). Technology-Immune/Technology-Enabled
Problem Solving as Agency of Design-Based Mathematics
Education. Education Sciences, 12(8).
https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12080514

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ISBN : 978-623-09-3868-9 (PDF)

Argaw, A. S., Haile, B. B., Ayalew, B. T., & Kuma, S. G. (2017). The
effect of problem-based learning (PBL) instruction on students’
motivation and problem-solving skills of physics. Eurasia Journal
of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(3), 857–
871. https://doi.org/ 10.12973/eurasia.2017.00647a
Bashith, A., & Amin, S. (2017). The Effect of Problem-Based Learning
on EFL Students’ Critical Thinking Skill and Learning Outcome.
Al-Ta Lim Journal, 24(2), 93–102. https://doi.org
/10.15548/jt.v24i2.271
Carson, J. (2007). A problem with problem-solving: Teaching thinking
without teaching knowledge. The Mathematics Educator, 17(2), 7–
14.
Ellestad, R. M. C., & Matusovich, H. M. (2021). Metacognitive
Engagement during Problem-Solving while in Naturalistic
Homework Study Groups. International Journal of Engineering
Education, 37(1), 96–114.
Gull, F., & Shehzad, S. (2015). Effect of Cooperative Learning on
Students’ Academic Achievement. Journal of Education and
Learning, 3(1), 246–255.
Mossuto, M. (2008). Problem-based learning: Student engagement,
learning, and contextualized problem-solving. Managing.
http://www.ncver. edu.au/publications/2198.html
Prahani, B. K., Limatahu, I., Yuanita, L., & Nur, M. (2016). Guided
Inquiry Model To Improve Student ’ S Problem Solving. 4(12),
231–242.
Rowe, J. P., Shores, L. R., Mott, B. W., & Lester, J. C. (2010).
Integrating learning and engagement in narrative-centered learning
environments. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Including
Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and
Bioinformatics), 6095 LNCS(PART 2), 166–177.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13437-1_17
Samson, P. L. (2015). Fostering Student Engagement: Creative Problem-
Solving in Small Group Facilitations. Collected Essays on
Learning and Teaching, 8, 153.
https://doi.org/10.22329/celt.v8i0.4227

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Schoenfeld, A. H. (2016). Learning to Think Mathematically: Problem-

Solving, Metacognition, and Sense Making in Mathematics
(Reprint). Journal of Education, 196(2), 1–38. https://doi.org/
10.1177/002205741619600202
Shimizu, Y. (2022). Learning Engagement as a Moderator between Self-
Efficacy, Math Anxiety, Problem-Solving Strategy, and Vector
Problem-Solving Performance. Psych, 4(4), 816–832.
https://doi.org/10.3390/psych4040060
Tóthová, M., & Rusek, M. (2021). Developing Students’ Problem-
Solving Skills Using Learning Tasks: An Action Research Project
in Secondary School. Acta Chimica Slovenica, 68(4), 1016–1026.
https://doi.org/ 10.17344/acsi.2021.7082
Wokoma, I. P. (2021). Learning and Problem-Solving : the Use of
Problem Solving Method African Social and Educational Journal
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpe.2016.01.004

AUTHOR'S PROFILE

Sr. Nancy Joseph was born in Kerala, India, on

August 5th, 1971. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in
English from Annamalai University (2002),
Chennai, and a Master of Arts in English from the
same university (2004). She also holds a degree in
Bachelor of Education from the Indira Gandhi
National Open University, Delhi (2007). She had
been working in different schools in India. At
present, she is serving as secretary general of the SMMI congregation in
Paris, France. Email address: [email protected].

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