Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools - Practical Educational

In this review of Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools, the book is presented as a thoughtful, research-driven collection for educators and instructional designers seeking to apply technology to higher-order thinking. The volume synthesizes David H. Jonassen's substantial work on mind tools and problem solving and translates those ideas into implications for classroom design. For anyone focused on improving conceptualization of problems, reasoning, and complex problem solving, this book offers a rigorous, scholarly foundation and practical guidance rooted in educational technology research.

Key Features

• Research foundation: Draws on David H. Jonassen's body of work to ground recommendations in established learning theory and studies.
• Focus on problem solving: Emphasizes strategies and tools that support learners' ability to conceptualize and solve challenging problems.
• Educational technology lens: Examines how new technologies facilitate critical thinking and scaffold higher-order cognitive tasks.
• Design implications: Each chapter translates theory into implications for designing learning environments and activities that foster reasoning skills.
• Multiple perspectives: Presents varied scholarly essays that collectively give a broad view of using tools to improve problem solving.

Who It's For

The book is best for instructional designers, educational technologists, graduate students in education, and experienced teachers who want a research-based perspective on using tools to enhance problem solving and critical thinking. Its emphasis on design implications makes it useful for professionals tasked with creating learning environments or curricula that integrate technology.

Those seeking quick how-to lesson plans or beginning-level introductions to classroom technology may find the essays dense; readers looking for step-by-step software tutorials or purely technical programming guidance should look elsewhere. This volume is strongest for readers comfortable with scholarly discussion and theoretical application.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-grounded in research, offering a credible theoretical basis for using mind tools in instruction.
• Practical design implications help bridge theory to classroom and course design decisions.
• Multiple scholarly perspectives provide a comprehensive view of problem solving with technology.

Cons

• The academic tone and depth may feel dense for casual readers or those seeking quick practical checklists.

Specifications

Title	Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools
Authors / Editors	J. Michael Spector, Barbara B. Lockee, Sharon Smaldino, Mary Herring
Primary focus	Educational technology, mind tools, problem solving
Approach	Scholarly essays with design and implementation implications
Intended audience	Instructional designers, educational technologists, educators
Core contribution	Translating Jonassen's research into learning environment design

Our Verdict

Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools is a valuable, research-rich resource for professionals who design technology-enhanced learning experiences. Its strong theoretical grounding and clear design implications make it good value for educators committed to fostering reasoning and complex problem solving, though casual readers may prefer a more hands-on companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book explain practical classroom activities?
The book focuses on implications for design rather than step-by-step lesson plans, so it informs practice more than providing turnkey activities.

Who authored the core research the book builds on?
The volume is inspired by and builds on the research of David H. Jonassen in mind tools and problem solving.

Is this suitable for beginners in educational technology?
It is best suited to readers with some background in education or instructional design; beginners may find the scholarly tone demanding.