Problem solving and the promotion of high order cognitive skills

CHED 1538

Maria T. Oliver-Hoyo and Jason Justice, jajustic@ncsu.edu. Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695
A problem solving method known as the GOAL (Gather, Organize, Analyze, Learn) protocol has been used in a conceptual general chemistry course to promote the use of higher order cognitive skills, HOCS. The Learn step distinguishes this protocol from others as it provides students the opportunity to reflect on the problems themselves and the implications of the solutions. This presentation will discuss a study that involved the use of the Learn step to monitor the level of reflection and abstract thinking involved in students' responses. The results of this study suggest that consistent use of the Learn step promotes reflection with an accompanied increase in use of HOCS by students during a semester long course.