A Structured Problem Solving Model for Developing High-Level Skills

In professional practice, engineers commonly solve problems that are highly complex and openended. Since good engineering requires high-level thinking, classroom activities should lead students to develop and improve appropriate skills. To foster this aim, we have adapted the Professional Decision Making (PDM) process for application in engineering science courses. The PDM process uses seven basic elements: affirmation, define the situation, state the goal, generate ideas, prepare a plan, take action, and review. Within each element, thinking skills are described using a small number of heuristics. The amount of detail is purposefully limited so that the complete model may be implemented in an engineering science course. To assess the PDM process, we examined three types of data acquired during a recent implementation in a fluid mechanics course. These data support the hypothesis that the PDM model as described herein (a) promotes effective problem solving, (b) appeals to users, (c) builds skills for professional practice, and (d) promotes communication.