PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

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(^) Statement Type Definition Verbal Cue Examples
Consensus checking(Ck) These statements ensure there is agreement among group members before
proceeding to another point.
"Are we agreed on this?" “So is that OK?”
Summary(Sm) Summary statements restate a claim. Ideally a summary statement ends each
episode. These statements may be used in concert with consensus checking (Ck)
statements.
"So we're saying here that..." Some groups frequently use
summary statements in the form of a question, "So, this is the x-
Skeptic component of the force?"
(Sk) The skeptic inhibits too quick agreement on any point by asking "why" questions and by demanding warrants, grounds and
backings for any claims made.
"What?" “Why?”
“Why is that?” “Why do you say that?”
Encouraging(En) This often occurs as an informal, often humorous, energizing of the group when
it gets stuck. Groups lacking in fundamental physics knowledge make
frequent use of this type of statement.
"Hey, this makes sense!" "Wow!"
“Great.”
Challenge(Ch) Adisagreement with a statement. request for proof of a statement or a The most simple challenge is "No." Other examples include,
"I don't think that's right," or, "No, it should be..."
Clarifying(Cl) Clarifying statements further explain an idea by means of analogy or by restating
in different but equivalent words. These statements do not necessarily carry the
idea forward or develop it further.
A student who is talking aloud while writing may say, "1.5,"
meaning a distance. This clarifies the written material.
Another student may add, "meters," which further clarifies.
Support(Sp) Supports statements previously given. "Yeah," "Yes," or "OK."
Acknowledgment(Ak) These statements recognize a previous statement without making any judgment
or qualification.
These include "Umm" and sometimes "OK" if the response
can be interpreted as not being in support of the previous
statement. Context, tone of voice, or body language help
Request suggest this difference.
(RQ) Therequest or question. RQCl requests clarification, RQW requests a Warrant. Request (RQ) code precedes any
RQ may be answered with another claim, warrant, ground, backing, or
clarification.
"What?" is the simplest example of a request. However, "What?"
could indicate a challenge if tone of voice or a gesture suggests
that interpretation.
Table 2-5. Defined Categories.^