Authentic Problem Solving and Learning in the 21st Century: Perspectives from Singapore and Beyond

With the rapid changes in the social, political, economic and technological landscape around the world, today’s learners face a more globally competitive job market after leaving school. The 21st century, which is characterized by the emergence of knowledge-based societies, expects learners to be comfortable in dealing with ambiguities and complexities in the real world and to be able to use knowledge as a tool at their workplace. This book will help readers develop an in-depth understanding of authentic problem solving and learning, and how it can be used to make a difference in their school or learning communities for the development of 21st century competencies. Comprising 20 chapters written by Singapore-based and international authors, the book is organized into three themes: authentic problems, authentic practices, and authentic participation. It details innovative school practices (e.g. productive failure) concerning the design of problems, learning activities, learning environments, and ICT tools for authentic problem solving and learning. Along with theoretical explanations of authentic learning processes and outcomes, the book also elucidates how students learn by generating and exploring solutions to complex problems and which cognitive functions are needed at different stages of problem-based learning. Presenting coherent descriptions of instructional design principles, successful cases and challenges encountered in K-12 schools and learning communities, the book provides useful information, new insights, and practical guidance for school directors, parents, teachers and researchers seeking to develop authentic learning environments for 21st century learners.

Young Hoan Cho is an assistant professor of Educational Technology in the Department of Education at Seoul National University, South Korea. He earned a PhD in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri, USA. He was previously a research scientist at the Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Singapore. His research focuses on problem-based learning environments, computer-supported collaborative learning, argumentation, and 3D virtual worlds. 

Imelda S. Caleon is Research Scientist at the Centre for research in Pedagogy and Practice, National Institute of Education, Singapore. Her research interests include conceptual change and development, informal learning, inquiry-based learning and creative-collaborative problem solving, particularly in relation to science education.

Manu Kapur is an Associate Professor of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, as well as the Head of Research of the Learning Sciences Lab at the National Institute of Education (Singapore). His research examines the role of Productive Failure in learning and problem solving.