Thinking Problems

Developed by: E. F. Redish and the University of Maryland Physics Education Research Group

Level
 
middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school   other


 Intro College Calculus-based
calc based
 Intro College Algebra-based
alg based
 Intro College Conceptual
conceptual

Topics
Mechanics  Electricity / Magnetism  Waves / Optics  Thermal / Statistical  Modern / Quantum
Setting
Lecture - Large (30+ students)  Lecture - Small (<30 students)  Recitation/Discussion Session  Lab  Homework  Studio


What? A collection of homework problems, clicker questions, and exam questions. Includes estimation problems, ranking tasks, and problems designed to help students connect mathematical and conceptual reasoning and relate physics to the real world.

Why? Thinking Problems were curated to promote evidence based techniques for adopting supplementary problem sets. Instructors can choose from cooperative learning problems to longer, project-like problems introducing complex, real-world situations. Resources are available at no cost.

Why not? Thinking Problems are no longer actively supported by the authors and answer keys are not available online. The problem sets have not been recently updated.

Example materials

 

Student skills developed

Designed for:
  • Conceptual understanding
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Making real-world connections
Can be adapted for:
  • Metacognition

Instructor effort required

  • Low

Developer's website: Thinking Problems

You can download thinking problems from the University of Maryland's Thinking Problems page.

RESEARCH VALIDATION
Research-based
This is the lowest level of research validation, corresponding to at least one of the validation categories below.

Research Validation Summary

Based on Research Into:

  • theories of how students learn
  • student ideas about specific topics

Demonstrated to Improve:

  • conceptual understanding
  • problem-solving skills
  • lab skills
  • beliefs and attitudes
  • attendance
  • retention of students
  • success of underrepresented groups
  • performance in subsequent classes

Studied using:

  • cycle of research and redevelopment
  • student interviews
  • classroom observations
  • analysis of written work
  • research at multiple institutions
  • research by multiple groups
  • peer-reviewed publication