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2020 - Volume 4 - Number 1

Proximal Processes While Problem Solving in Formal and Game Environments

Lorraine A. Jacques * ljacques@latech.edu * ORCID: 0000-0002-9340-2986
Louisiana Tech University, College of Education, Ruston, UNITED STATES

Open Journal for Educational Research, 2020, 4(1), 1-14 * https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojer.0401.01001j
Received: 26 December 2019 ▪ Accepted: 9 March 2020 ▪ Published Online: 2 April 2020

LICENCE: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

ARTICLE (Full Text - PDF)

ABSTRACT: Problem solving follows a cycle of inquiry where the individual iterates between finding possible paths and exploring their likely effectiveness before selecting one as a possible solution. The cycle is enhanced through proximal processes because the number of paths that can be explored in depth are greater when more people work on the same problem. This paper discusses the cognitive aspects of problem solving, how proximal processes, specifically collaborations, affect problem solving, and how proximal processes work in formal and game problem solving environments. The primary finding is that proximal processes benefit problem solving mostly by providing explanations, but only when the collaboration is structured so that a lesser-skilled participant in the collaboration is explaining to a higher-skilled participant. This finding is common to both formal and game environments.

KEY WORDS: proximal processes, problem solving, collaboration.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Lorraine A. Jacques, Louisiana Tech University, College of Education, Ruston, LA, UNITED STATES. E-mail: ljacques@latech.edu.

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