Problem Formulation During Helping Interactions in an Informal Learning Environment

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Learning as Co-Constructed

Abstract

This paper investigates the characteristics of learning at an art crating company and builds on the theoretical concept of problem formulation - describing it as a relational practice, unfolding over time and structured by both people and the recruitment of available resources. Findings from this study underscore the practical significance in the design and organization of designed learning settings where “authentic” problem solving, or problem based learning is valued. We argue that the emergent and distributed character of problem formulation can be examined for the kinds of resources and disciplined seeing that participants may bring to bear in any given dilemma, so that diverse learners’ knowledges and ways of understanding those dilemmas may provide those learners access to productive problem solving.

Authors

• Sarah C. Radke, The Town School

• Jasmine Y. Ma, New York University