Theoretical Framework for Understanding Student Experiences of Productive Struggle: Types, Sources, and Desirability of Uncertainties

• In Event: Supporting Students Through Learning Sciences Research

Abstract

In this position paper, we suggest a theoretical framework for understanding students’ productive struggle. Even though there is an increasing number of research papers that address how students struggle and how teachers can facilitate productive struggle, a further systematic and learning process-oriented examination of student struggle is needed. To develop a theoretical framework, this paper adapts the concept of scientific uncertainty and phases of sensemaking of scientific phenomena. Types, sources, and desirability of uncertainties in student struggles are theoretically explored to give a better understanding of what students struggle with, when and why students struggle with uncertainties, and with which uncertainties students can productively struggle. Theoretical contributions and possible future research based on the framework are discussed.

Authors

• Jongchan Park, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Emily Starrett, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ying-Chih Chen, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michelle Jordan, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Carlos Meza-Torres, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author