Student perspectives on problem-solving and misconceptions in learning

2 Discussion responses

Raquel Hood states that one idea that struck her was “how students need to learn to use specific concepts and principles to solve problems…in real life” (Bruning, Schraw, Norby, 2011, p. 335). I was also struck by this and it shows how students need to think beyond the classroom walls and consider how what they are learning now will help them in the real world. This is a good reminder that education is not just something that is done in a desk or to pass a test but rather it is something that is done to advance one’s life as one steps outside the school. These lessons and concepts and problem-solving tools are essential elements of preparing oneself for advancement in the real world, and Raquel does an excellent job of pointing this out. Raquel also mentions that it is important to “allow students many opportunities to work with different mathematical processes.” I agree with this as well because the more opportunities students have to practice the better they are to get at performing the work. This will help to build confidence and prepare them cognitively for facing challenges in the real world. Amber Smith states that the “teachers need to uncover student’s misconceptions,” which is another helpful cognitive approach because it can clear up mistaken ideas about science and help students overcome obstacles to learning. As for math, Amber recommends that it be taught from a comprehension basis where problem-solving is the main focus. I agree with this because once the problems are comprehended, the student can build on the knowledge that is gained and use it to solve other problems.