Week 9- Instructional Strategies leading to Problem-Solving and Affective Learning.

Problem-solving is the ability to use previously acquired skills and knowledge in a unique way to solve unfamiliar problems. Problems are either well-structured or ill-structured.
According to the readings, learners must possess and apply 3 kinds of knowledge in order to solve problems, i.e. principles, factual knowledge, and cognitive strategies, all of which are necessary in supporting the components of cognitive processing in problem-solving.
These components are problem representation, solution planning, solution implementation, and solution evaluation.

In problem representation, the learner attempts to identify the nature of the problem. A well-defined problem would have an apparent solution while an ill-defined problem may require skilled strategy to determine what the problem really is. Based on these information, the learner can then proceed to planning for a solution to the problem, implementing the plan, and evaluating it later to confirm whether the solution has managed to solve the problem.

Affective learning is also known as attitude learning. There are 3 components to affective learning, namely the cognitive component (knowing how), the behavioural component (engaging in the behaviour), and the affective component (knowing why). An example to illustrate this would be wanting an individual to have a positive attitude towards reading. The cognitive component is already fulfilled as the individual must know how to read before he or she can practice any attitudes about reading.

The behavioural component requires the individual to apply the attitude, i.e. engage in reading. As for the affective component, the provision of a role model, who demonstrates the desired behaviour, is required for its achievement. In this case, a person the individual respects must demonstrate a positive attitude towards reading.