The document discusses a study examining problem-based learning (PBL) in an online undergraduate agricultural sciences course. The researchers analyzed student discussions to identify how students formulated problems and resolved problems. They found students engaged in both problem formulation and resolution processes, with more time spent on problem resolution activities like proposing, evaluating, and agreeing on solutions. The researchers faced challenges representing the complex problem formulation and resolution process in an online PBL context.

1. Problem Formulation & Resolution in Online Problem-based Learning Rick Kenny, Athabasca University Mark Bullen, British Columbia Institute of Technology

7. Methodology

10. Methodology – Modified Instrument Agreeing with problem as presented in OAD Defining PBL Space Reflecting on one’s thinking Identifying value of information Accessing and reporting on sources of information Clarifying (meaning, importance, accuracy of) information Seeking information to resolve lack of knowledge Identifying unknowns in knowledge Building knowledge Articulating a problem outside problem space Identifying causes of problem Identifying extent of problem Minimizing and/or denying problem Redefining problem within problem space Specifying ways that the problem manifests itself Indicator Problem formulation

11. Methodology – Modified Instrument Proposing solutions Identifying solutions Hypothesizing about solutions Planning to take action to resolve the problem Acting on solutions Coming to agreement about solutions Reaching conclusions Rejecting/eliminating solutions judged unworkable Critiquing solutions Weighing and comparing alternative solutions Agreeing with solutions proposed by others Evaluating solutions Indicator Problem resolution

12. Results - Pass 1

13. Results - Pass 2 17.5 66 6.9 26 Other 0 0 0 0 Acting on solutions 0 0 4.2 16 Reaching conclusions 10.3 39 13.8 52 Evaluating solutions 9.8 37 14.3 54 Identifying solutions Problem Resolution 50.7 191 57.8 218 Building knowledge 11.7 44 2.9 11 Defining problem space Problem Formulation % Cases % Cases Coder 3 Coder 1 Process