Problem solving skills and Learning strategies of Students

Understanding biological concepts requires problem solving, therefore it is imperative to understand how people learn and solve problems. Students who come to school with the motivation to learn and understand new concepts need strategies, which can be applied to learning. But all students do not possess adequate learning strategies. Understanding the strategy or struggle during the problem solving stage provides an insight into how people arrive at an answer. This work focuses on many areas of problem solving which constitute an integral component of the progress and development of any individual, community and society. It utilizes a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative analysis). Students responded to Questionnaire, solved problems using IMMEX (Inter multimedia exercises) educational software and participated in a think-aloud protocol. Useful strategies and characteristics are discussed. These analysis and discussions will be useful for educators and software developers while considering the choice for curriculum pattern and evaluation criteria. Any learner can utilize the strategies to facilitate success.