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Spoons and Problem Solving



I recently came across a book titled "How to Hand a Spoon" by Joe Martin
(1985, ISBN0-943084-22-9, Turnbull & Willoughby Publishers, Inc., 1151 W.
Webster, Chicago, IL 60614). There is no attempt to explain the physics of
the process of spoon hanging, but there is plenty of humor and many
variations of spoon hanging demonstrated. My copy is second-hand, but I
understand these books come originally with a Windsor model 150 mm
stainless steel spoon, the official spoon of N. O. S. E. (National
Organization of Spoon Enthusiasts).

There has been alot of traffic on problem solving on the list lately. Much
of it good and to the point. It is possible for students to learn an
organized procedure for solving problems and which can be generalized and
stand them in good stead for their future work whatever it may be. This is
an important reason in and of itself for problem solving to be considered
as a part of some physics courses. BUT, we should be careful in our
assumptions as to what other purposes problem solving might actually serve
for most of our students.

There is little evidence that conceptual understanding is actually a normal
result of problem solving in homework for most students.

There is little evidence that the desired conceptual understanding is
indicated even by a "proper" solution to a problem.

Problem solving may play other important roles in physics. See Jan
Nespoor's book, Knowledge in Motion, Falmer Press, 1994.

Dewey

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Dewey I. Dykstra, Jr. Phone: (208)385-3105
Professor of Physics Dept: (208)385-3775
Department of Physics/SN318 Fax: (208)385-4330
Boise State University dykstrad@varney.idbsu.edu
1910 University Drive Boise Highlanders
Boise, ID 83725-1570 novice piper
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