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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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Solaz Portolés, Joan Josep, Sanjosé López, Vicente
Format: article
Publication Date:2008
Country:España
Institution:Universitat de València
Repository:RODERIC. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat de València
OAI Identifier:oai:roderic.uv.es:10550/43250
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10550/43250
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Ciència Ensenyament
Solució de problemes
Pedagogia
Description
Summary: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.