Productive features of problem solving in chemical kinetics: more than just algorithmic manipulation of variables

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez ◽  
Kinsey Bain ◽  
Nicholas P. Hux ◽  
Marcy H. Towns
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Chemical Kinetics ◽  
Order System ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Critical Feature ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Mathematics Knowledge ◽  
And Mathematics

Problem solving is a critical feature of highly quantitative physical science topics, such as chemical kinetics. In order to solve a problem, students must cue into relevant features, ignore irrelevant features, and choose among potential problem-solving approaches. However, what is considered appropriate or productive for problem solving is highly context-dependent. This study is part of a larger project centered on students’ integration of chemistry and mathematics knowledge and skills. The data for this study came from semi-structured interviews with 40 general chemistry students using a think-aloud protocol. Interview prompts involved students working through two chemical kinetics problems, one involving a second-order system and one involving a zero-order system. In both cases, students could solve the problem using the data provided and relevant equations, or by taking a conceptual approach and considering the relationship between quantities. Using the resource-based model of cognition as our theoretical framework, analysis focused on characterizing the productive and unproductive problem-solving routes used by students. Findings emphasize the role of using conceptual reasoning and reflecting on one's work during problem solving, which have implications for instructors as they guide students to think about chemical kinetics and to solve problems across quantitative topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The characterization of cognitive processes involved in chemical kinetics using a blended processing framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 617-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinsey Bain ◽  
Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez ◽  
Alena Moon ◽  
Marcy H. Towns
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Chemical Kinetics ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Knowledge Integration ◽  
Chemical Engineering ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Student Integration ◽  
And Mathematics

Chemical kinetics is a highly quantitative content area that involves the use of multiple mathematical representations to model processes and is a context that is under-investigated in the literature. This qualitative study explored undergraduate student integration of chemistry and mathematics during problem solving in the context of chemical kinetics. Using semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to make their reasoning and thinking explicit as they described provided equations and as they worked though chemical kinetics problems. Here we describe the results from our study, which included thirty-six general chemistry students, five physical chemistry students, and three chemical engineering students. Analysis and findings are framed in terms of blended processing, a theory from cognitive science that characterizes human knowledge integration. Themes emerged relating to contexts that were commonly discussed when blending occurred. Variation in the depth and directionality of blending was also observed and characterized. Results provide implications for supporting student problem solving and the modeling of chemical processes.

scholarly journals Person-Centered Healthcare Practice in a Pandemic Context: An Exploration of People's Experience of Seeking Healthcare Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Curnow ◽  
Vaibhav Tyagi ◽  
Lisa Salisbury ◽  
Kim Stuart ◽  
Barbara Melville-Jóhannesson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Collaborative Problem Solving ◽  
Active Listening ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic increased pressure upon healthcare resources resulting in compromised health services. Enforced national lockdown led to people being unable to access essential services in addition to limiting contact with social support networks. The novel coronavirus, and subsequent condition known as long covid were not well-understood and clinicians were not supported by existing guidelines or pathways. Our study explored people's experiences of healthcare during this period with a person-centered “lens.”Methods: Ninety-seven people participated in our online survey about their experiences of the pandemic, particularly while socially isolated and their experiences of healthcare. Following completion of the survey, 11 of these participants agreed to further semi-structured interviews to explore this further in their own words. Interview conversations were transcribed, checked; together with the responses to open questions in the survey. The data were then analyzed thematically by members of the research team. We conducted framework analysis from a post-positivist perspective, using the Person-centered Practice Framework to explore participants' experiences.Results: There were few examples of people describing person-centered care. People experienced barriers to accessing support, and negative experiences of care that represented complexities enacting person-centered care at each level of the framework (processes, practice environment, prerequisites, and macro context). These barriers were influenced greatly by the pandemic, for example, with health professionals being harder to access. Some experiences related to the ways in which health professionals responded to the context, for example, positive examples included active listening, recognition of people's experiences, seeking to find out more, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving.Discussion: People want to feel heard, supported to navigate healthcare systems, source trustworthy information, find appropriate services, and collaborate in learning and problem-solving with healthcare professionals. There have been enormous challenges to the provision of healthcare throughout the pandemic. Moving forward is crucial with emphasis on overcoming barriers to person-centered healthcare. This should focus on steps now and also in planning for the possibility of further rapid changes in the demand for and provision of healthcare.

Pengaruh Penerapan Strategi Pemecahan Masalah dalam Pembelajaran Kooperatif Pendekatan Struktural Think Pair Share (TPS) Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Pekanbaru

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atma Murni ◽  
Rini Dian Anggraini ◽  
Sakur
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Structural Approach ◽  
Comparison Research ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Problem Solving Strategy ◽  
Solving Strategy

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh penerapan Strategi Pemecahan Masalah dalam pembelajaran kooperatif pendekatan struktural Think Pair Share (TPS) terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Pekanbaru. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian pra eksperimental menggunakan desain penelitian perbandingan kelompok statis. Instrumen pengumpulan data meliputi tes keterampilan mahematika awal dan tes hasil belajar matematika. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji t. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh strategi pemecahan masalah dalam pembelajaran kooperatif pendekatan struktural Think Pair Share (TPS) terhadap hasil belajar matematika siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 14 Pekanbaru.   The aim of this study was to know the influence of Problem Solving Strategy implementation in cooperative learning of structural approach Think Pair Share (TPS) to mathematics learning outcome of VIII class students of SMP Negeri 14 Pekanbaru. This study use pre experimental research design using The static group comparison research design. The instruments of  data collection include early mahematics skills test and mathematics learning outcome test. Data were analyzed using t test. The result of this study showed that there is influence of problem solving strategy in cooperative learning of structural approach Think Pair Share (TPS)  to mathematics learning outcome  of  VIII class students of SMP Negeri 14 Pekanbaru

scholarly journals The psychosocial response to a terrorist attack at Manchester Arena, 2017: a process evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Hind ◽  
Kate Allsopp ◽  
Prathiba Chitsabesan ◽  
Paul French
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Routine Data ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Normalisation Process Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Response Phase

Abstract Background A 2017 terrorist attack in Manchester, UK, affected large numbers of adults and young people. During the response phase (first seven weeks), a multi-sector collaborative co-ordinated a decentralised response. In the subsequent recovery phase they implemented a centralised assertive outreach programme, ‘The Resilience Hub’, to screen and refer those affected. We present a process evaluation conducted after 1 year. Methods Case study, involving a logic modelling approach, aggregate routine data, and semi-structured interviews topic guides based on the Inter-Agency Collaboration Framework and May’s Normalisation Process Theory. Leaders from health, education and voluntary sectors (n = 21) and frontline Resilience Hub workers (n = 6) were sampled for maximum variation or theoretically, then consented and interviewed. Framework analysis of transcripts was undertaken by two researchers. Results Devolved government, a collaborative culture, and existing clinical networks meant that, in the response phase, a collaboration was quickly established between health and education. All but one leader evaluated the response positively, although they were not involved in pre-disaster statutory planning. However, despite overwhelming positive feedback there were clear difficulties. (1) Some voluntary sector colleagues felt that it took some time for them to be involved. (2) Other VCSE organisations were accused of inappropriate, harmful use of early intervention. (3) The health sector were accused of overlooking those below the threshold for clinical treatment. (4) There was a perception that there were barriers to information sharing across organisations, which was particularly evident in relation to attempts to outreach to first responders and other professionals who may have been affected by the incident. (5) Hub workers encountered barriers to referring people who live outside of Greater Manchester. After 1 year of the recovery phase, 877 children and young people and 2375 adults had completed screening via the Resilience Hub, 79% of whom lived outside Greater Manchester. Conclusions The psychosocial response to terrorist attacks and other contingencies should be planned and practiced before the event, including reviews of communications, protocols, data sharing procedures and workforce capacity. Further research is needed to understand how the health and voluntary sectors can best collaborate in the wake of future incidents.

Location-thinking, value-thinking, and graphical forms: combining analytical frameworks to analyze inferences made by students when interpreting the points and trends on a reaction coordinate diagram

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander P. Parobek ◽  
Patrick M. Chaffin ◽  
Marcy H. Towns
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Rate ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
Reaction Coordinate ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Analytical Frameworks ◽  
Chemical Representations

Reaction coordinate diagrams (RCDs) are chemical representations widely employed to visualize the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters associated with reactions. Previous research has demonstrated a host of misconceptions students adopt when interpreting the perceived information encoded in RCDs. This qualitative research study explores how general chemistry students interpret points and trends on a RCD and how these interpretations impact their inferences regarding the rate of a chemical reaction. Sixteen students participated in semi-structured interviews in which participants were asked to interpret the points and trends along provided RCDs and to compare relative reaction rates between RCDs. Findings derived from this study demonstrate the diversity of graphical reasoning adopted by students, the impact of students’ interpretations of the x-axis of a RCD on the graphical reasoning employed, and the influence of these ideas on inferences made about reaction rate. Informed by analytical frameworks grounded in the resources framework and the actor-oriented model of transfer, implications for instruction are provided with suggestions for how RCDs may be presented to assist students in recognizing the critical information encoded in these diagrams.

scholarly journals The PROMISES study: a mixed methods approach to explore the acceptability of salivary progesterone testing for preterm birth risk among pregnant women and trained frontline healthcare workers in rural India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040268
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashworth ◽  
Pankhuri Sharma ◽  
Sergio A Silverio ◽  
Simi Khan ◽  
Nishtha Kathuria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thematic Framework

IntroductionIndia has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test.MethodsA pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India.ResultsBefore training, ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThis study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.

scholarly journals Teaching digital models: secondary technology teachers’ experiences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Brink ◽  
Nina Kilbrink ◽  
Niklas Gericke
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Digital Models ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Technology Teachers ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
Digital Modelling ◽  
Single Idea

AbstractIn secondary technology education, models of artifacts, systems and processes, visualized and simulated through digital tools (digital models) are a relatively new element. Technology teachers teach digital models to meet syllabus criteria of digital competence, applicable to for instance problem solving and documentation using digital tools. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning how teachers use digital models in their teaching, what their intentions are, and what content they choose. It is known, though, that teachers’ experiences influence the teaching. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate teachers’ experiences of teaching digital models in compulsory school, to contribute to more knowledge of teaching in this area. This study takes a phenomenological lifeworld approach, and 12 semi-structured interviews with lower secondary technology teachers form the empirical data. The data were analyzed thematically and the results are four themes of experiencing the teaching of digital models, indicating that technology teachers teach with different aims and purposes; Enhancing and integrating other subjects, Visualizing technology to the pupils, Enabling digital modelling, and Preparing pupils for the future. Further, the results also indicate that the content and methods of teaching differ and that teachers did not experience digital models as one single idea but as an amalgam of multiple ideas. These findings can be used as a basis for further research and development of teaching concerning digital models.

scholarly journals The Role of Mental Effort in Fostering Self-Regulated Learning with Problem-Solving Tasks

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1055-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara van Gog ◽  
Vincent Hoogerheide ◽  
Milou van Harsel
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mental Effort ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Task Sequence ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
And Mathematics

Abstract Problem-solving tasks form the backbone of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula. Yet, how to improve self-monitoring and self-regulation when learning to solve problems has received relatively little attention in the self-regulated learning literature (as compared with, for instance, learning lists of items or learning from expository texts). Here, we review research on fostering self-regulated learning of problem-solving tasks, in which mental effort plays an important role. First, we review research showing that having students engage in effortful, generative learning activities while learning to solve problems can provide them with cues that help them improve self-monitoring and self-regulation at an item level (i.e., determining whether or not a certain type of problem needs further study/practice). Second, we turn to self-monitoring and self-regulation at the task sequence level (i.e., determining what an appropriate next problem-solving task would be given the current level of understanding/performance). We review research showing that teaching students to regulate their learning process by taking into account not only their performance but also their invested mental effort on a prior task when selecting a new task improves self-regulated learning outcomes (i.e., performance on a knowledge test in the domain of the study). Important directions for future research on the role of mental effort in (improving) self-monitoring and self-regulation at the item and task selection levels are discussed after the respective sections.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions of Life Skill Development in Project-Based Learning Schools

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Meyer ◽  
Scott Wurdinger
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Life Skill ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Skill Development ◽  
Learning Schools

<p>This research aimed to examine students’ perceptions of their life skills while attending project-based learning (PBL) schools. The study focused on three questions including: 1) What are students’ perceptions of their development of life skills in project-based learning schools? 2) In what ways, if any, do students perceive an increase in their life skill development over a one-year period of time? 3) What relationship, if any, is there between grade level and students’ perceptions of their life skills? The subjects were 275 6-12 students from two project-based learning charter schools in Minnesota. One school was located in a rural location; the other in an urban location. The triangulating data collection methods included a Likert-scale survey, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Quantitative analysis using SPSS were used to analyze the survey data. Qualitative analysis methods used were coding and identification of emergent themes. Qualitative results showed perceptions of most improved skills as time management, collaboration, communication, and self-directedness. Quantitative data results showed most improved skills within an academic year as responsibility, problem-solving, self-directedness, and work ethic. Self-directedness was the single skill that was evident in all data results. The results showed students’ perceptions of their life skills were positive and that project-based learning helped them develop multiple life skills including, but not limited to communication, collaboration, problem-solving, responsibility, and time management. Implications of this research suggest that project-based learning has a positive influence on students’ life skills development across 6-12 grade levels and helps prepare them to be successful in the 21<sup>st</sup> century global community and economy.</p>

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