Discusses cognitive mechanisms facilitating effective problem solving in physics (mechanics). Considers content, organization, and description of the knowledge base facilitating scientific problem solving. Also considers procedures used to describe and analyze a problem initially, to search for its solution, and to assess the solution. Educational…

Describes a systematic study of skills for solving problems in basic physics. Also discusses how detailed observations of individuals were used to formulate models for problem-solving processes in mechanics and applications for teaching basic college physics or engineering courses. (HM)

Discusses some central ideas emerging from a systematic approach to teaching scientific problem-solving skills. Areas considered include: insights derived from naturalistic studies; effective problem-solving methods; problem-solving procedures; characteristics of the knowledge base (focusing on functional conceptual building blocks, knowledge…