Your students are struggling with problem-solving. How can you help them?

It sounds a cliché however a problem-solving approach is required. Authentic pedagogy involves activities that students perceive as real and meaningful. In design and technology education, we possibly have the advantage of naturally authentic contexts. Taking a design and technology education or STEM approach capitalises on opportunities to engage students in authentic learning experiences. These experiences align with contemporary educational wisdom, including active knowledge-making, student-centredness, learning by design, and constructive approaches.

Incorporating technology into problem-solving instruction is essential, but it requires thoughtful planning and purposeful implementation. Technology should serve a specific purpose in problem-solving. Avoid using technology just for the sake of it. Identify areas where technology enhances problem-solving. For instance, use digital tools for data analysis, modeling, or collaborative brainstorming.

Embed and support student-centered learning through regular formative feedback. Foster an environment where students actively construct knowledge supported by your feedback. Encourage collaborative problem-solving, project-based learning, and hands-on experiences. Provide opportunities for students to explore and create solutions.

This is a key idea! And an area where inevitably as practitioners we spend far too little time, especially as schools move through the senior years.

Students aren't interested in solving canned curriculum or word 'problems'. Teach content through real life. "What annoys you at home, school or in the local or global community? How can you fix it?" And then teach them the process to support them in fixing it. The engineering process or design cycle are great ways to build critical thinking and real world problem solving skills. Introduce it by letting the whole class solve an important problem like better lunch, more recess or even (actual student problem) how to get your mom to stop asking for a glass of water/ the remote while you're gaming.

I wholeheartedly agree with what Hedreich Nichols said below. As a teacher, I find that when I present my students with authentic activities like real-world problem-solving or writing opportunities, they are more engaged and actually want my feedback on their work. However, I do know that, sadly, many schools these days mandate that canned curriculum she is talking about. If that's the case where you teach, try to build in small "mini-lessons" with critical thinking opportunities when and where you can.