Progressive problem solving

Tools: Wiki; online forum or chat; RSS (optional)

Strategies: collaborative problem solving; knowledge sharing; resource making

This is potentially an endless activity that enables problem-based learning over time. It suits open-ended problems where solutions can benefit from different perspectives and from different group dynamics.

Step 1: Define the goal

Select an area of practice related to your industry field. Identify the common problems associated with this practice. The goal of student collaboration is to identify ways to improve the practice.

Step 2: Problem definition

Provide a clear problem definition at the wiki home page. This definition may be supported with web links to background information, current practice, perspectives, related technologies, etc.

Step 3: Work through problem solving processes

Problem solving tools (such as a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats [SWOT] analysis) can be used as a structure for how students can organise and build on ideas. Everyone should be encouraged to make contributions to the site on a regular basis, and at stages where related knowledge or skills are achieved to better inform problem solutions. Use a communication tool such as the wiki forum to trigger and debate ideas. As the facilitator make sure you are using the tools ‘notification’ feature so you are automatically notified of new forum postings and can monitor debate.

Keep relevant knowledge up-to-date

New resources and industry news may also inform the problem and potential improvements. Depending on the field of practice there may be news announcements or information about breakthroughs that can be added to site. Consider feeding (using RSS) industry news sources to the site to keep knowledge up-to-date.

Keep the problem solutions open

The wiki resource can ‘persist’ after a student group has completed and subsequent groups can be invited to build on the problem solving resources and solutions. In time a new group may need to redefine the initial problem.

Assessment

Individual assignments can also be designed in conjunction with this collaborative activity. For example an assignment may be to review the wiki resource in terms of the arguments and ideas put forward and make recommendations on how the practice could be improved given the current state of knowledge.

Find out more

For more about the tools and practice related to this activity go to:

Tools – Blogs and wikis, or
Case studies – Wikis.

To find more wiki activities use the links at the top of this page.