Teaching Problem Solving
Dr. James E. Stice
Bob R. Dorsey Professor Emeritus in Engineering- March 23, 2004
Abstract:
Many students get through school primarily by relying on their memories, and may not ever get introduced to methods of problem solving. Teachers are aware of the problem, but most don’t know what to do about it. This seminar provides a way of overtly teaching students how to solve problems. It presents an explanation of the TAPPS process (Thinking Aloud Pairs Problem Solving). Participants are then guided through three or four logic problems of increasing complexity to show them how the process works. I consider giving students problem-solving skills to be one of the most important goals of engineering education. People who participate in this seminar know enough about the process to begin using it the next week, without further training.
Bio:
Dr. Stice worked five years in industry, taught for nine years at the University of Arkansas, five years at Illinois Institute of Technology, and 28 years at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Fellow and Life Member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Dr. Stice's teaching excellence has been recognized in numerous ways through the many awards he has received including the ASEE Donald Marlowe Award for Distinguished Educational Administration in Engineering in 1999, Lifetime Achievement Award for Chemical Engineering Pedagogical Scholarship, ChE Division of ASEE in 2002.
Dr. John J. McKetta, Professor Emeritus and Joe C. Walter, Jr. Chair Emeritus of the College of Engineering and former Dean, met Dr. Stice in 1962 and "stole him from Arkansas" to help start the Teaching Effectiveness Committee. In this program professors could receive guidance on improving their teaching. On a voluntary basis, the program would do such things as set up AV equipment in classes so professors could watch how they were getting their point across, or learn how to if they weren't.
Since his retirement Dr. Stice and his wife Betty have enjoyed traveling, attending the Austin Symphony concerts, and spending time with their grandchildren. They also participate in continuing education classes to keep their minds exercised.