ERIC Number: EJ1030467
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Sep
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
Large-Scale Studies on the Transferability of General Problem-Solving Skills and the Pedagogic Potential of Physics
Mashood, K. K.; Singh, Vijay A.
Physics Education, v48 n5 p629-635 Sep 2013
Research suggests that problem-solving skills are transferable across domains. This claim, however, needs further empirical substantiation. We suggest correlation studies as a methodology for making preliminary inferences about transfer. The correlation of the physics performance of students with their performance in chemistry and mathematics in highly competitive problem-solving examinations was studied using a massive database. The sample sizes ranged from hundreds to a few hundred thousand. Encouraged by the presence of significant correlations, we interviewed 20 students to explore the pedagogic potential of physics in imparting transferable problem-solving skills. We report strategies and practices relevant to physics employed by these students which foster transfer.
Descriptors: Physics, Problem Solving, Science Process Skills, Correlation, Performance Based Assessment, Chemistry, Mathematics, Scores, Comparative Analysis, Educational Practices, Interviews, Student Attitudes, Transfer of Training, High School Graduates, College Entrance Examinations, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: India
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A