Using computational tools to enhance problem solving

Abstract

Many engineering curriculum around the country are re-evaluating their introductory computer programming requirement. At our university, several departments have introduced new computer-based modeling courses that integrate critical thinking and problem solving with computational thinking and programming as a replacement of the traditional first computer programming course. The skills learned in such freshman level courses are being iterated and expanded on in subsequent courses in these curricula in order to create a 'computational thinking thread'. One unforeseen consequence of the computer based modeling course was an increase in the student's problem solving ability. This study explores the role that computing has on student's problem solving abilities and tries to quantify its impact. Students in several freshman and senior level engineering courses across different disciplines were asked to solve a common problem solving task as well as reflect on the process they used to solve the problem. The student's solutions were scored using a protocol based on Wolcott's 'Steps for better thinking rubric' The paper will outline the problem used; report on the scoring procedures and methodology; and present the results from the study. The results demonstrated that students who utilized computing generated better solutions and are better problem solvers than those who did not use a computer.