Scaffolding for Self-overcoming of Impasse by Using Problem Simplification

Abstract

As a support for learners who failed to solve a problem, teaching the way to solve the problem is a general method. However, in order to realize active learning, it is a desirable way to let learners overcome the impasse of the problem solving by themselves. Because it is usually difficult for the learners to do it by themselves, we have proposed “problem simplification” that is a way to find a simplified problem that is included in the original problem from the viewpoint of problem solving. If the simplified problem can be solved by the learner, the difference between the simplified one and the original one is the origin of the impasse. To make clear the origin of the impasse is feasible scaffolding for self-overcoming of impasse. In this paper, firstly we propose a framework to define simplification of problems in elementary mechanics in high school. Then, it is introduced a support system for self-overcoming of impasse of problem solving using the problem simplification targeting elementary mechanics. We also report a practical use of this system in classes of a technical high school.