Online Resources

On The Cognitive Process of Human Problem Solving

This paper presents both a cognitive model and a mathematical model of the problem solving process. The cognitive structures of the brain and the mechanisms of internal knowledge representation behind the cognitive process of problem solving are explained.

I think that this paper is an important source to the Instructional Designer because the field it self has adjusted to the cognitive ways of viewing the learning process. In cognitive learning, the individual learns by listening, watching, touching, reading, or experiencing and then processing and remembering the information. Cognitive learning might seem to be passive learning, because there is no motor movement. However, the learner is quite active, in a cognitive way, in processing and remembering newly incoming information.

Pre-service and in-service teachers’ metacognitive knowledge about problem-solving strategies
This study is based on metacognitive knowledge and problem-solving methods. It aims to examine primary school teachers’ metacognitive knowledge about problem-solving strategies. A sample of in-service and pre-service teachers participated in the study. They were asked to give estimates for the application of five problem-solving strategies, in three kinds of problems; interpersonal, practical, and study problems. They also, stressed the possible role of age along with work experience in the formation of beliefs about strategic behavior.

How does is this study relevant to instructional design? Research in the field of cognitive psychology has led to evidence that proficient learners or performers have an awareness of their own cognition that manifests itself in strategic control of behavior. These findings are of particular significance to instructional designers because of their promising impact on instructional theories and models. Instruction can be enhanced through the incorporation of metacognitive aspects in the instruction and the resulting effects on the learner should be positive in terms of motivation and overall performance.