Assessing Skill in Problem Solving

The CATs in this group focus on problem solving skills of various kinds—recognition of types of problems, determining principles and techniques to solve, perceiving similarities of problem features and ability to reflect and then alter solution strategies.

Documented Problem Solutions or Tasks

Students track in a written format the steps they take to solve problems or perform a task as if for a “show & tell”.

Examples

Nursing students provide comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to draw a blood sample. Students film themselves following the instructions to verify thoroughness and correct order of instructions. This activity usually includes a laugh or two as instructions are never as complete as we believe.

Students tracking their research process as they tackle searching an academic database can be used across disciplines. Having students either talk through the process or screen capture their work before writing it out and reflecting on choices assists them in fine tuning their research skills. Prompting students to comment on each others’ posts and even challenging to vote up the best process, or combination or approaches, can add a collaborative or competitive element.

LMS and | or External Tools