Integrating visual representations in an interactive learning activity effectively scaffolds performance and learning. However, it is unclear whether and how "sustaining" or "interleaving" visual scaffolding helps learners solve problems efficiently and learn from problem solving. We conducted a classroom study with 63…

This intervention study examined the effectiveness of instructional support tailored toward two techniques (i.e., random associations and constraint identification) to strengthen children's creative problem-solving skills within upper-elementary science education. Five inquiry-based science lessons with ample opportunity for creative…

We examined the impact of 4-H participation on workforce readiness skill development, including personal, work, communication, and problem solving/decision-making. The study examined two levels of 4-H activities: county-level and state-level. The online survey instrument contained questions about demographics, skill development and 4-H…

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the impacts of service learning (SL) on teaching sustainability competencies in an undergraduate tourism program at Bamyan University, Afghanistan. This study reports on tourism students' experiences in the SL course which taught five key sustainability competencies (collaboration, values thinking,…

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of design-based STEM activities developed by prospective secondary school maths teachers on their problem-solving skills and scientific creativity. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used in the current study, involving 45 senior students (i.e., prospective secondary school maths…

While Internet of Things (IoT) devices have increased in popularity and usage, their users have become more susceptible to cyber-attacks, thus emphasizing the need to manage the resulting security risks. However, existing works reveal research gaps in IoT security risk management frameworks where the IoT architecture -- building blocks of the…

The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of the impact of game mechanics on developing collaborative problem solving (CPS) skills. CPS skills are important for the complex work environments of the 21st century, and games appear to provide potential learning experiences where such skills can develop. The research questions of…

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for practical teaching within the sciences. While many instructors adopted innovative alternatives to conventional practicals, many relied on digital approaches that did not give students hands-on experience. In this study we evaluate the use of 'at home' practical kits used in first year physics…

Teachers' conceptions of teaching play a key role in the pedagogical practices they apply in their teaching. Previous studies of conceptions of teaching generic skills have been mainly qualitative with small samples, and thus there is a need for a more extensive quantitative study. This study investigates the associations between higher education…

Background/purpose: Although mathematical representation ability is a significant ability and an interesting topic to study, quite a few researchers have studied this ability, and even fewer have examined it through the implementation of epistemic learning patterns based on problem-solving. In fact, this learning pattern is epistemic and makes…

Tangible programming tools (TPTs) are promising teaching aids in programming courses due to their interactivity and ability to enhance early childhood students' computational thinking, spatial reasoning, and executive function skills. However, it remains unclear whether TPTs support these skills simultaneously. This study examines the impact of…

This paper investigates the connection between the spiral teaching method and mathematical rigor in K-12 education. Defining rigor as a balanced integration of conceptual understanding, application, and procedural fluency (contrasting it with rote learning), the paper posits that the spiral approach cultivates this rigor. By revisiting…

This study explores tensions between procedural and substantive knowledge within New Zealand's competency-based curriculum reforms, focussing on social sciences education. Drawing on interviews with teachers, it examines how the shift towards skill-oriented, procedural knowledge impacts teaching practices, student preparedness for higher…

It is likely to observe that the increase in data and the interrelated challenges in digital age complicates the problems to be encountered. Therefore, unprecedented problem-solving skills have become inevitable. Though dating back to old times, computational thinking skill is defined as a recent skill area that is required by everybody, that can…

Historically, math education at the high school and introductory college levels has focused on computational skills. With the advancement of computational technologies, problemsolving and other higher-order thinking skills should become the focal point. This article discusses ways in which the University of Minnesota has integrated problem-solving…