The status of problem-solving process in the contents of elementary sciences textbooks' exercises

Subject Areas : Research in Curriculum Planning

Behrooz mahram ¹ , Ali Baraee ² , Hossein Kareshki ³

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Received: 2017-10-17 Accepted : 2017-10-17 Published : 2013-12-22

Keywords: elementary school, Content Analysis, Science, Textbooks, problem solving,

Abstract :

The previous studies indicated the influence of problem- based learning to increases intrinsic motivation for learning, meaningful and sustainable learning. This study was conducted with the aim of focusing on the problem- solving process in the content of elementary sciences textbooks' exercises. In this study, the exercise has been the unit of analysis and deductive approach used in the coding process. Coding categories were determined by using the Dewey's six stages of problem solving. The study area was consisted of all content of elementary sciences textbooks' exercises. The population was studied by using census. The Findings from content analysis of the first to five textbooks of the elementary school showed that the solution (fourth stage of the problem solving process) has more consideration unlike the stages of "dealing with problem", "change location" and  "the building of problem". Moreover, the results of this study stated that the sciences textbook of the third elementary school had more emphasis to the stages of problem- solving unlike the science textbook of the first elementary school. Among the points emphasized in this study, it could be noted to problem-based approach in the elementary school science textbooks and increasing the vertical relationship in elementary school science textbooks for facing the students with problem solving.