Contribution to Book
The PISA 2012 assessment of problem solving
The Nature of Problem Solving: Using Research to Inspire 21st Century Learning
(2017)
Abstract
In 2012, the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) featured a computer-based test of problem-solving competency. Computer delivery enabled the assessment to include for the first time in such a large-scale survey, problems that require the solver to interact with the problem situation to uncover information that is not explicitly disclosed from the outset. These types of problems occur frequently in everyday life when dealing with technological devices such as mobile telephones and vending machines. This chapter presents the PISA 2012 definition of problem solving, outlines the development of the assessment framework and discusses its key organising elements: the problem context, the nature of the problem situation and the four problem solving process groups. It then presents sample items with commentary.
Keywords
- International comparisons,
- Large scale assessment,
- Problem solving,
- Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA),
- Secondary school students,
- Academic achievement,
- Critical thinking,
- Creativity,
- Achievement tests
Disciplines
Publication Date
2017
Editor
Ben Csapo and Joachim Funke
Publisher
OECD Publishing
ISBN
2076-9679
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264273955-7-en
Publisher Statement
Copyright OECD
Citation Information
Ramalingam, D., R. Philpot & B. McCrae (2017), "The PISA 2012 assessment of problem solving", in The Nature of Problem Solving: Using Research to Inspire 21st Century Learning, OECD Publishing, Paris.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264273955-7-en