Higher education institutions are positioned to lead the global response to climate change and drive progress toward sustainability. Through their core missions of education, research, and community engagement, universities and colleges serve as innovation hubs for developing climate solutions, shaping public policy, and preparing the next…

This review examined the impact of online learning environments (OLE) on acquiring transferable skills (TS) through an analysis of 31 papers from the Web of Science database. Significant attention is given to critical thinking and communication skills, with moderate consideration given to creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation skills. Lesser…

This article seeks to provide researchers and practitioners in laboratory education, particularly those involved in the curriculum design and implementation of teaching laboratories at university level, with a conceptual framework and a working model for an integrated assessment of learning domains, by attending to a more holistic approach to…

A simple problem (counting beans in a jar) is used to demonstrate an approach to organizing and quantifying decision making. The example shows that a willingness to go beyond ordinary engineering analysis may be needed to provide answers to many engineering problems. (Author/JN)

An exhibit at the San Francisco Exploratorium is used to discuss problem solving and illustrate optimization. The solution is discussed in detail. (MNS)

The unit basis approach to problem solving analyzes a question in such a way that the student clearly sees what data are needed to solve the problem. Two examples are presented to illustrate the approach. (JN)

Defines the engineering method by: (1) giving a preliminary definition and examples of its essential term (heuristics); (2) comparing the definition to a popular alternative; and (3) presenting a simple form of the definition. This definition states that the engineering method is the use of engineering heuristics. (JN)

Presents a demonstration of kinematics principles that stresses conceptual analysis over equation manipulation. Aims at focusing students' attention on concepts by using comparative problems, allowing students to predict the outcome of the demonstration and explain the reasoning behind their predictions, and extending the context in which the…

This document discusses the teaching of problem solving in environmental education. From an interdisciplinary viewpoint, this study describes some strategies for teaching that can favor the practice of educational activities oriented toward solving the concrete problems of the surrounding environment. The volume is divided into seven chapters. The…

Experiences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in teaching with interactive spreadsheet computing are described. Advantages of using this software in engineering classes are noted. (JN)

Methods for evaluating divergent thinking are presented and discussed. These include Shavelson's word lists and unique diagrams and Buzan's brain pattern. Each technique, which can be used in examinations, provides a partial representation of how subject matter is stored and highlights the flexible yet structured way the mind organizes…

Discusses a structure for the problem solving paper. Provides several sample outlines of a hypothetical problem and solution. (HTH)

Presented are solutions to variations of a combinatorics problem from a recent International Mathematics Olympiad. In particular, the matrix algebra solution illustrates an interaction among the undergraduate areas of geometry, combinatorics, linear algebra, and group theory. (JJK)

Explains that, to teach students how to solve problems, defining the problem should be the focus, and the skills to solve the problem should be analyzed. Differentiates between exercises and real problems. (PR)

A project is described that provides explicit instruction on the skills necessary for solving word problems. An informal inventory of such skills is being developed, intended for diagnostic use. It contains six sections, each keyed to the problem-solving skills of understanding the problem, representing the unknown, writing the equation, and…