Validating a Representational Notation for Collaborative Problem Solving

The work reported here is an attempt to validate a representational notation for collaboratively solving problems. Using the notation an external representation of the argumentation underlying analysis and proposed solutions can be construed. As a first check on the applicability of the notation we analyzed dialogues of students (beginning experts in different areas) engaged in collaborative problem solving using a coding scheme based on the notation. The groups followed different problem solving approaches each leading to suboptimal solutions. We conclude with suggestions on how to adapt the notation to offer more process support.

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