Studying Problem-Solving in Diverse Contexts: From Well-Defined Problem Solving to Real-World Problem Solving

A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102). This special issue belongs to the section "STEM Education".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 3

Special Issue Editor

*
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Faculty of Education Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
2. Laboratoire d'Innovation et Numérique pour l'Education (LINE), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
Interests: social sciences; creative problem solving; technology enhanced learning; game based learning; AIED
* margarida.romero@gmail.com
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores how education can empower learners to develop problem-solving skills across a range of tasks, from well-defined to open-ended problems. This concept is referred to as Real-World Problem-Solving (RWPS). It is necessary to recognize the diverse range of problems learners face to prepare them for the different contexts in which problem-solving competency is engaged across different tasks and domains.

We are seeking contributions that explore the cultivation of diverse problem-solving approaches across various disciplines and educational levels. Potential topics include creative and collaborative approaches, problem-solving for sustainability and the SDGs, computational thinking and algorithmic strategies, and the integration of human–AI collaboration to tackle different types of tasks.

We are particularly interested in studies that explore the pedagogical, curricular, and technological innovations that support learners in navigating both structured tasks and ill-structured, ambiguous problems. Research that considers how problem-solving can cultivate learner agency, interdisciplinarity, and social responsibility in the context of RWPS is also welcome.

This Special Issue aims to bring together diverse perspectives to advance theory, research, and practice in empowering learners as capable, adaptive problem-solvers in an increasingly complex world.

Suggested themes include (but are not limited to)

  • Creative problem-solving in different curriculum areas.
  • Collaborative and complex problem-solving approaches.
  • Problem-solving and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Computational approaches and algorithmic thinking in relation to problem-solving.
  • Learning analytics for problem-solving activities.
  • Modelling problem-solving.
  • Human–AI collaboration in educational problem-solving tasks.
  • Pedagogies for fostering learner agency through problem-solving.
  • Assessment methods for diverse problem-solving tasks.
  • Technology-enhanced learning for problem-solving.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving education.
  • Real-World Problem-Solving (RWPS) in formal and informal learning contexts.

Mr. Alex Urmeneta
Guest Editor Assistant
Laboratoire d'Innovation et Numérique pour l'Education (LINE), Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4330-1959 

Prof. Dr. Margarida Romero
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • problem-solving diversity
  • creative problem solving
  • collaborative problem solving
  • complex problem solving
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • computational thinking
  • human–AI collaboration
  • curriculum innovation
  • interdisciplinary learning
  • 21st century competencies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
Back to TopTop