Problem solving is the most important learning outcomes in most contexts. My theory of problem solving articulate fundamental differences among different kinds of problems, resulting a typology or problem, including story problems, rule using/rule induction problems, decision making, troubleshooting, diagnosis-solution, strategic performance, policy problems, design problems, and dilemmas. Each kind of problem, calls on different instructional supports. There exist at least seven different kinds of cases (Cases as problems to solve, worked examples, case studies, cases as prior experiences, alternative perspectives, and simulations) that may be used to construct problem-solving learning environments and five different kinds of cognitive scaffolds (Analogical encoding, causal reasoning, questioning, argumentation, and modeling). From these options, a large number of unanswered research questions emerges that may challenge researchers for years to come.
Keywords: problem solving, problem typology, schema theory