Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, And Case Analysis

Abstract

Today, some faculty members are trying to show students how to learn, not just teach them the subject matter. These faculty members believe that the acquisition of life-long learning skills will enhance a student's intellectual growth well beyond the semester's coursework. A typical active learning approach emphasizes the students' role in constructing knowledge by engaging in inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving. The first part of this paper discusses what active learning is and why it is desirable; the second part suggests how to use two sided pedagogical approach, the A is for Analysis model (Taylor, 1998 ) and problem-based learning (Gallagher, 1997), to implement the concepts and help students recognize that context creates complexity. It is an experiential learning exercise that focuses on interpersonal relationships, goal conflicts, self­ awareness and social awareness of relationships.