students do well on complex problems :)

This week we had our first group exam where the students work in groups of 2-3 students to solve a multi-faceted problem. The problems include more than one idea that can only be solved by the students brainstorming, analyzing the problem and building a solution. The students cannot use plug-n-chug strategies.

Progress has been great. At the start of the semester, students complained loudly that these problems were too hard and that they had no idea where to start. During the exams I walked around and students were debating, arguing, revising, exclaiming and struggling with the problems.

We graded their work using a rubric that emphasized the processes the students used. The average score was 80% which is just great. But the real key will be whether students are starting to think about problem-solving as more than just finding the right equation to use. I will be able to assess this via the end of semester problem-solving reflection paragraph that students write.

In the end my goal is to help students strive towards these higher goals. They will need these more productive approaches to the complex challenges they will face in their careers