Factors of problem-solving competency in a virtual chemistry environment: The role of metacognitive knowledge about strategies
ARTICLE
Ronny Scherer, Rüdiger Tiemann
Computers & Education Volume 59, Number 4, ISSN 0360-1315 Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
The ability to solve complex scientific problems is regarded as one of the key competencies in science education. Until now, research on problem solving focused on the relationship between analytical and complex problem solving, but rarely took into account the structure of problem-solving processes and metacognitive aspects. This paper, therefore, presents a theoretical framework, which describes the relationship between the components of problem solving and strategy knowledge.In order to assess the constructs, we developed a virtual environment which allows students to solve interactive and static problems. 162 students of grade 10 and the upper secondary level completed the tests within a cross-sectional survey. In order to investigate the structure of problem-solving competency, we established measurement models representing different theoretical assumptions, and evaluated model fit statistics by using confirmatory factor analyses.Results show that problem-solving competency in virtual environments comprises to three correlated abilities: achieving a goal state, systematical handling of variables, and solving analytical tasks. Furthermore, our study provides empirical evidence on the distinction between analytical and complex problem solving.Additionally, we found significant differences between students of grades 10 and 12 within the problem-solving subscales, which could be explained by gaming experience and prior knowledge. These findings are discussed from a measurement perspective. Implications for assessing complex problem solving are given.
Citation
Scherer, R. & Tiemann, R. (2012). Factors of problem-solving competency in a virtual chemistry environment: The role of metacognitive knowledge about strategies. Computers & Education, 59(4), 1199-1214. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved August 11, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/50282/.
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Chester S.J. Huang, Research Center for Science and Technology for Learning, Taiwan; Addison Y.S. Su, Advanced Communication Laboratory, Taiwan; Stephen J.H. Yang, Research Center for Science and Technology for Learning, Taiwan; Hsin-Hun Liou, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Taiwan
Computers & Education Vol. 107, No. 1 (April 2017) pp. 31–44
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