The study challenges current literature, which views the notion of problem-finding as the initial identification of a problem to be solved. The concept of problem-finding in this study is that problem-finding continues throughout the problem-solving process and is not distinct from it. This thesis aims to develop a better understanding of problem-finding by examining high school students using problem-finding to solve industrial design problems. The study seeks to find out what types of problem-finding exist and what roles they play in solving design problems. To explore problem-finding, this study uses a Think Aloud methodology to examine the thinking of three high school industrial design students and one high school industrial design teacher solving an authentic industrial design problem. Protocol data was gathered from the subjects and then transcribed, segmented and analysed in three ways, each of which became progressively more specific: Firstly, a macroscopic examination which identified problem-finding episodes occurring throughout the design process; secondly, a microscopic examination which identified four categories of problem-finding; and lastly, a microscopic examination which looked at the role played by the different problem-finding categories in solving design problems. The findings of this study are fourfold. Firstly, problem-finding was found to be used throughout the entire design process. Secondly, there were four categories of problemfinding. Thirdly, each category played an important role predominantly through interaction with other categories. Lastly, the more experienced a person was, the more able they were to use problem-finding effectively to solve design problems. Many current practices use trial and error methods to solve design problems. The importance of this study is that through a better understanding of problem-finding, designers may be able to use metacognitive strategies more efficiently in the process. Similarly, in educational practice, high school design students may be able to learn to think about the methods they use to solve design problems, and this may result in more creative designs.

Submitted by ANDRÉIA PERPÉTUA BARBOZA BRESEGHELLO null (andreianhandeara@hotmail.com) on 2016-03-14T16:56:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_Andréia_Versão_Biblioteca(3).pdf: 1921357 bytes, checksum: ddde937c6b84c313d5f8ecf98f063dc0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sandra Manzano de Almeida (smanzano@marilia.unesp.br) on 2016-03-14T19:15:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 breseghello_apb_me_sjrp.pdf: 1921357 bytes, checksum: ddde937c6b84c313d5f8ecf98f063dc0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-14T19:15:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 breseghello_apb_me_sjrp.pdf: 1921357 bytes, checksum: ddde937c6b84c313d5f8ecf98f063dc0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Este trabalho tem por objetivo mostrar a importância da resolução de problemas como estratégia didática para o ensino de matemática, com enfoque particular em funções. A resolução de problemas é uma estratégia didática/metodológica importante e fundamental para o desenvolvimento intelectual do aluno e para o ensino da matemática. Para muitos educadores matemáticos, a resolução de problemas consiste em permitir que os alunos utilizem seus conhecimentos e desenvolvam a capacidade de administrar as informações ao seu redor. Dessa forma, os alunos adquirem a oportunidade de ampliar seu conhecimento, desenvolver seu raciocínio lógico, enfrentar novas situações e conhecer as aplicações da matemática. O mesmo sucede para o professor, pois trabalhar com a resolução de problemas permite atingir os objetivos de aprendizagem definidos, além de tornar a aula mais interessante e motivadora. Neste trabalho particularizamos a utilização desta estratégia didática no ensino de funções, onde apresentamos a aplicação de uma atividade em sala de aula sobre esse conteúdo matemático. / This research aims to show the importance of the solving problem as a teaching strategy for mathematics education, with particular focus on functions. The solving problem is an important and fundamental didactic / methodological strategy for the intellectual development of the students and the teaching of mathematics. For many mathematics teachers the solving problem is allow the students to use their knowledge and develop the ability to deal with the information around than. So, the students gain the opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop their logical thinking, face new situations and learn about the applications of mathematics. The same applies to the teacher, because working with the problem solutions achieves the defined learning objectives, and make the class more interesting and motivating. In this research, we use this teaching strategy in teaching functions, where we present the application of an activity in class about this mathematical content.