PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

(^)
Individual subsections of At The Gasthaus could be diagrammed in a similar
theoretical fashion, illustrating an idealized solution to the problem. Likewise,
discussions relating to the group process and procedures or the problem solving strategy
can be diagrammed. It will not always be possible to cleanly distinguish or separate
content (i.e., the physics, as described above), group maintenance, and Problem Solving
Strategy statements in the course of one argument.
Identification of Statement Types Using Descriptions of the Session Four Groups
The four groups (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) used to develop a coding scheme were diverse
and presented a variety of group dynamics, personalities, and problem solving
competence. I will draw from these four groups to illustrate two types of statements:
Those statements which are specifically Toulmin-like and those which do not fit a
Toulmin category, and hence provide the basis for defining new categories. I do not
consider these statements as outcomes, because in themselves they do not say anything
about patterns. I will repeatedly draw upon some examples from the four groups that
solved At the Gasthaus. Each time I re-read their transcripts, or watched the videotapes, I
saw something I had missed in the prior reading or viewing. The process I experienced
over four years will be mimicked by seeing the different levels of analysis unfold within
these four groups. Although the dialog becomes familiar, new meaning appears at every
turn.
Group 4A consisted of two women (MK and MR) and one male student (RM).
Based on their individual cumulative exam scores at the time of this problem session, this
was an above average group. The women were each in the top third of the class and the