Representations in problem-solving in science: directions for practice

In this paper we focus on some of the findings of the science education research community in the area of representations and problem solving. Problem solving depends on the construction and manipulation of mental models (internal representations) in the mind. A large knowledge base (declarative, pr...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Solaz Portolés, Joan Josep, Sanjosé López, Vicente
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2008
País:España
Institución:Universitat de València
Repositorio:RODERIC. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat de València
OAI Identifier:oai:roderic.uv.es:10550/43250
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10550/43250
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ciència Ensenyament
Solució de problemes
Pedagogia
Descripción
Sumario:In this paper we focus on some of the findings of the science education research community in the area of representations and problem solving. Problem solving depends on the construction and manipulation of mental models (internal representations) in the mind. A large knowledge base (declarative, procedural, strategic, situational, and schematic knowledge), working memory capacity, and metacognitive skills play an important role in the construction and manipulation of mental models, and therefore in problem solving. In this point, applications o research for classroom practice is considered. Finally, external representations are discussed. Using multiple representations when solving problems is beneficial for students, representational formats of problems affect student performance, and the utilization of representational learning strategies can lead to substantial improvements in problem solving.