The NGSS MS-ETS1 Engineering Design (1-4) is the focus of the article. Development of a challenging problem-based activity that is an improvement over the traditional egg drop competition is emphasized. Quantification of data collected and real-world relevance are two activity components that are viewed as improvements over the egg drop. The…

Fluorescence spectroscopy experiments are a frequently taught as part of upper-division teaching laboratories. To expose undergraduate students to an applied fluorescence technique, a corrosion detection method, using quenching, was adapted from authentic research for an instrumental analysis laboratory. In the experiment, students acquire…

This study describes the problem solving behaviour of bilingual (German - Turkish) primary school students, their approaches and preferences while solving the word problems. Four different types of mathematical word problems (combinations, movement, subtraction and addiction) were given successively to four pupils (one girl and three boys) and…

The study of correlation between metacognitive skills and reasoning skills on problem solving ability simultaneously in class used PBL learning model is still less. This study aims to reveal the relationship between metacognitive skills and reasoning skills on problem solving ability of the students in STKIP Persada Khatulistiwa Sintang in…

This article presents a culturally situated and socially relevant lesson for intentionally teaching secondary students the fundamental engineering concepts related to Problem Framing and Project Management. This lesson includes: (1) class discussions to engage students in a socially relevant problem (food waste and sustainability) within a…

Posing modelling problems in class is supposed to increase students' motivation. As motivation is assumed to emerge from task value and self-efficacy expectations, the present study considered both constructs with the aims to examine (1) whether students have different values and self-efficacy expectations concerning modelling problems versus…

The strategy choice model (SCM) is a highly influential theory of human problem-solving. One strength of this theory is the allowance for both item and person variance to contribute to problem-solving outcomes, but this central tenet of the model has not been empirically tested. Explanatory item response theory (EIRT) provides an ideal approach to…

Games are an everyday part of most students' lives. Games engage students and provide opportunities to foster perseverance in problem solving. When implemented in the mathematics classroom, game-based learning can have similar positive benefits. Students can enjoy mathematics and develop important life skills that will help them in their current…

A central factor in research guided by the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is the mental effort people invest in performing a task. Mental effort is commonly assessed by asking people to report their effort throughout performing, learning, or problem-solving tasks. Although this measurement is considered reliable and valid in CLT research,…

Inquiry-based learning has been growing in popularity, but the ill-structured nature of complex problem-solving still has challenges related to how to ensure students learn the content and how to provide feedback. This paper addresses this gap by exploring how open microcredentials can support open-ended learning by providing…

Students' creative process in mathematics is increasingly gaining significance in mathematics education research. Researchers often use Multiple Solution Tasks (MSTs) to foster and evaluate students' mathematical creativity. Yet, research so far predominantly had a product-view and focused on solutions rather than the process leading to creative…

Research suggests some sequences of examples and problems (i.e., EE, EP) are more effective (higher test performance) and efficient (attained with equal/less mental effort) than others (PP, sometimes also PE). Recent findings suggest this is due to motivational variables (i.e., self-efficacy), but did not test this during the training phase.…

We address the aims of this Special Issue by exploring, critiquing, and responding constructively to the emergence and potential significance of new materialist thought in environmental education research and the broader theoretical landscape in which such research is situated. We offer some productive possibilities for advancing postparadigmatic…

Background: Traditional math instruction that emphasizes procedures and rote memorization is common in math classes, particularly within the United States. Students may be able to perform steps and recite information, but flexible thinking in math is also an important ability. Lay theories assume that extensive experience in math would lead to…

Ill-structured problem solving is widely believed to promote learning in higher education but its multiplicity (i.e. multiple solutions and evaluation criteria) is often seen as a challenge to manage. This study shows that the multiplicity can be managed as well as leveraged to enhance learning effectiveness through online co-creation. Three…