NAME: Dichon, Florralyn N.

PROGRAM/YEAR/SEC: BSEd-MATH 2-1

Reflection:
“Exploring the Effect of Three Scaffolding on the Collaborative Problem-Solving Processes in
China’s Higher Education”
Authors: Fan Ouyang,
Zixuan Chen,
Mengting
Cheng,
Zifan Tang,
Chien-Yuan Su
Published: July 14, 2021

The ability to solve problems gives students the ability to deal with complicated

situations and gain a deeper understanding of the world. We will examine the claims regarding

the factors influencing problem-solving and the corresponding research findings on problem-

solving implementation in the classroom in this reflection paper. These revelations shed light on

sensible approaches and factors for educators looking to develop students' problem-solving

skills.

Factors Affecting Problem-Solving:

The research findings reveal several crucial factors that impact students' problem-solving skills:

 Collaboration that is focused on ideas: According to the research, when students work

together on projects that are focused on ideas, their ability to solve problems

collaboratively is improved. Students contribute diverse perspectives and promote more

successful problem-solving outcomes by focusing on creating and exchanging ideas. This

environment that promotes student engagement and idea sharing.

 Striking a balance between direction and exploration is important because, while task-

oriented scaffolding can keep students on track, too much direction can stifle free-form

inquiry and knowledge creation. This demonstrates the necessity for educators to strike a

balance between offering direction and giving students the freedom to independently

explore and engage in critical thought. By striking the right balance, educators can

encourage students to develop original solutions and foster a deeper understanding of

issues.

 Provide additional instructional support for collaborative problem-solving: The research

emphasizes the importance of doing so. Simple problem-solving exercises without the

proper facilitation, guidance, or interventions may not produce the desired results.

Teachers should use proven instructional techniques, materials, and interventions to give

students the tools they need to solve problems successfully.

 Cultural context: Cultural context is key in determining students' preferences and

problem- solving methods. Teachers can create problem-solving activities that are

culturally relevant by recognizing the influence of factors like a preference for structured

tasks or effectiveness in collaboration. Cultural diversity is incorporated by educators to

create a welcoming and accommodating learning environment.

 Shifting students' perspectives on knowledge construction: Idea-oriented collaborative

learning calls for time, self-control abilities, and a change in students' perspectives on

knowledge construction. Teachers must allow plenty of time for in-depth discussions and

idea exploration while promoting students' ability to control their emotions. A

cooperative
 learning environment that supports efficient problem-solving is fostered by encouraging

collaboration and a common understanding of knowledge construction.

Research Findings on Implementation in the Classroom: The research provides valuable

insights into implementing problem-solving in the classroom:

 Utilizing idea-centered scaffolding: The research findings highlight the beneficial effects

of idea-centered scaffolding on the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of collaborative

learning. Enhancing students' problem-solving skills and encouraging productive

collaboration are two benefits of incorporating scaffolding techniques that support idea

generation and development.

 Combining task-oriented and idea-centered scaffolding: Students who prefer structured

instructions may benefit from task-oriented scaffolding. But it's essential to adapt task-

oriented scaffolding by adding idea-centered components. By allowing for both

structured guidance and open-ended inquiry, this integration develops students' capacity

for knowledge construction and inquiry.

 The importance of educators in promoting efficient problem-solving in the classroom

cannot be overstated. They should be well-prepared, assist students in adopting an idea-

centered approach to knowledge construction, promote collaborative problem-solving,

foster self- and group-regulation abilities, and encourage shared references and joint

attention to knowledge construction artifacts. Students who receive effective instruction

and facilitation can develop their problem-solving skills.

The significance of encouraging collaborative problem-solving through idea-centered

collaboration is one of the main lessons to be drawn from these findings. Educators can tap into

the power of group thinking and diverse perspectives by fostering an inclusive and encouraging
learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas. This improves

problem- solving outcomes while also developing crucial abilities like empathy, teamwork, and

communication.

Another important topic raised in the research is the harmony between guidance and

exploration. Teachers must strike a careful balance between offering direction to keep students

on track and permitting open-ended inquiry and critical thinking. In order to prepare students for

the challenges they will face in the real world, where there is frequently more than one right

answer, this method encourages students to develop independent problem-solving skills, think

creatively, and explore various solutions.

Teachers should actively support students' problem-solving journeys by offering guidance,

facilitation, and interventions in addition to merely assigning tasks. This might entail providing

explicit guidance on problem-solving techniques, using scaffolding methods, and providing

chances for self-reflection and metacognition. Teachers can empower students to navigate

complex problems, build resilience, and have confidence in their ability to solve problems by

providing them with the necessary tools and skills.

It is essential to embrace continuous learning and adaptation as a future educator. Education

professionals can design meaningful and transformative learning experiences for their students

by staying up to date on the latest research and implementing evidence-based practices. It takes

dedication to ongoing professional development, teamwork with colleagues, and a student-

centered approach that values the distinctive strengths and perspectives of each learner to

successfully implement problem-solving in the classroom.

In a broader sense, educators can enable students to become proficient problem solvers,

critical thinkers, and lifelong learners by putting the research findings into practice. The

development of
problem-solving abilities equips students for success in a world that is rapidly changing and

where adaptability and creative thinking are highly valued. Teachers can influence their students'

problem-solving skills and motivate them to act as agents of social change by using deliberate

and evidence-based instructional strategies.