Approaches to problem solving: Developing an understanding of naïve, routine and sophisticated problem solving behaviours

This chapter aims to provide readers with descriptions and discussions of what successful and unsuccessful problem solvers do. It provides an overview of novice and expert problem solving behaviours and how these can be considered along a continuum ranging from novice problem solving behavior to more sophisticated problem solving behavior. Common characteristics relating to each orientation are identified, using examples from the literature, and our own teaching and research, to illustrate some of these characteristics. The role of metacognition and its relevance to problem solving is highlighted, together with consideration of the impact of teaching instruction upon problem solving behaviour.