| 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 |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Scott Ferguson (ORCID 0000-0001-7654-6761); Andrew Olewnik (ORCID 0000-0002-3748-6804) |
| 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 |