Practices of Teaching Problem Solving Skills in Robotics Education

Abstract

The present paper presents the practices of teaching problem solving skills in robotics education using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT at a college level. The fundamentals, the components, and the main course design were introduced in the paper. Problem solving log data were collected from 16 undergraduate students enrolled in this course during the first eight weeks of the course. The data showed that lack of knowledge/understanding was the main cause of problems students encountered. Students most frequently used technical manuals to gather information, and used analysis to process knowledge, and mainly used trial and error to solve problems when they encountered them. Practical applications and implications were included.