A qualitative analysis for the facilitation of innovative problem completion amongst dyads of engineering students

The rapidly changing environments of today´s dynamic world demand effective problem solving. This is especially vital for people in the fields of math and science, because of rapid changes in technology and computing power. Much of the work in problem solving occurs in dyads, where two individuals come together to share information and tasks; but working through problems as a dyad can lead to conflict because of communication inefficiencies or lack of common understanding. This research tests the usage of an automated Virtual Facilitator to monitor dyads as they work to solve a problem via a synchronized text discussion. The Virtual Facilitator has been calibrated, via text matching and Boolean logic, to offer interventions based on the work of Chris Argyris, an academically distinguished facilitator and researcher in organizational learning. His interventions work to build mutual understanding and increase understanding between group members. The Virtual Facilitator was tested using 56 math and science students at a Midwestern university. The students worked through the “Candle Problem” which required them to consider alternate uses for three common household items that would lead to the correct solution.