Development of a Diagnose-and-Solve Problem for an Aerospace Engineering Classroom: A Design Case in Operationalizing Jonassen's Design Theory of Problem Solving
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| Title: | Development of a Diagnose-and-Solve Problem for an Aerospace Engineering Classroom: A Design Case in Operationalizing Jonassen's Design Theory of Problem Solving |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Scott Ferguson (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. 2026 14(2):477-498. |
| Availability: | International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya, 42090, Turkey. e-mail: ijermst@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijemst.net/index.php/ijemst/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 22 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) |
| Contract Number: | 2117224 2118077 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Problem Solving, Aerospace Education, Engineering Education, Design, Introductory Courses, Undergraduate Students, Learner Engagement, Problem Based Learning, Decision Making, Cognitive Processes, Concept Mapping, Evaluative Thinking |
| ISSN: | 2147-611X |
| Abstract: | Motivated by challenges faced by faculty to develop "good" problems for engineering classrooms, we report on the development and implementation of a diagnose-and-solve problem for an introductory aerospace engineering course. Our reporting follows the structure of a design case, a genre of scholarly and empirical reporting of the process and product behind the design of a learning experience. The objective is to demonstrate our efforts to operationalize Jonassen's design theory of problem solving--inclusive of problem typology and characteristics of structuredness and complexity--as a framework to govern problem design and facilitation decisions. We describe the integration of field data from a middle school rocket launch outreach event into a problem-based learning experience for undergraduate aerospace engineers. Using hierarchical task analysis as a pedagogical reflection aid, we discuss important assumptions related to student engagement with the problem from the perspective of the problem designer and facilitator. Reflections on successes and challenges are shared. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506055 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Motivated by challenges faced by faculty to develop "good" problems for engineering classrooms, we report on the development and implementation of a diagnose-and-solve problem for an introductory aerospace engineering course. Our reporting follows the structure of a design case, a genre of scholarly and empirical reporting of the process and product behind the design of a learning experience. The objective is to demonstrate our efforts to operationalize Jonassen's design theory of problem solving--inclusive of problem typology and characteristics of structuredness and complexity--as a framework to govern problem design and facilitation decisions. We describe the integration of field data from a middle school rocket launch outreach event into a problem-based learning experience for undergraduate aerospace engineers. Using hierarchical task analysis as a pedagogical reflection aid, we discuss important assumptions related to student engagement with the problem from the perspective of the problem designer and facilitator. Reflections on successes and challenges are shared. |
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| ISSN: | 2147-611X |
