Why Teach with Documented Problem Solving Documented problem
solving is a teaching and learning technique that requires
students to write down the steps they follow when answering a
question or solving a problem. According to Angelo and Cross ".
. . students benefit by gaining more awareness of and control
over their problem-solving routines." (1993: p. 222) Hess
reports that, "The results of the documented problem solving
will give the teacher a view of the students' thinking processes
. . . The teacher can use the results to diagnose students'
flaws in problem solving and analysis." (1994: p. 4) Documented
Problem Solving Provides a Window into Student Thought Processes
Unlike typical multiple choice, true/false, and short-answer
solutions, documented problem solving requires students to think
about how they approach a problem as they write down the
solution steps. It's the student's reflection on the thought
process as they write and the instructor's ability to
essentially VIEW the thought process that mak