Different Types of Collaborative Problem-Solving Processes in an Online Environment: Solution Oriented Versus Problem Oriented

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of problem-solving behaviors and their effects on solution quality in an online collaborative learning context. A total of 12 preservice teachers enrolled in a computer education course participated in the study. Students in pairs, randomly assigned by the instructor, carried out a problem-solving task and then changed partners for subsequent tasks. The problem-solving processes of 25 pairings of students were analyzed. Data on their problem-solving behaviors, the quality of their solutions, and their domain knowledge were collected. Results revealed that students who demonstrated more solution-oriented behaviors led others to better solutions while collaborating. In contrast, students who had difficulty in understanding problems demonstrated more problem-oriented behaviors. The solution-oriented students also gained better domain knowledge at the end, compared with the problem-oriented ones. The effects of the student’s interactions during the problem-solving process were discussed.