In the first week of my CEP-812 class at Michigan State, we are being introduced to problems and the different types that we face every day and that we present to our students. Three types of problems are; Well-Structured, Complex (also known as Ill-Structured) and Wicked.
Well-Structured problems are those that have one best way to solve them, an example would be that of a math equation. Complex problems are challenges where creativity is needed to find a solution; write me a poem, best route from point A to point B on a map, etc. Finally, Wicked problems are just that wicked; they are very intricate with multiple variables, so a perfect solution is typically not available.
This week’s focus is on Well-Structured and Complex problems. Below is an example of a Complex problem we recently faced in my work at Kettering University, and the solution we devised.
We now have a solid foundation of problems and how they are categorized. Next week may not be so easy considering it is time to get “wicked”.
What The Beck 
Brian, flipping seems like a great solution to the problem! Back in the day, during AP Chem, I wish this had been an option for instruction. As a student, I would have appreciated the opportunity to absorb the information on my own time before having to apply it within a lab setting. I’m sure your students are reaping great benefits from this type of approach.