Solution-seeking learning:Why, what, and how do students learn?

Why, what, and how do students learn about solution seeking and provision? Existing experiential teaching methods including problem-, project-, and inquiry-based learning focus primarily on problem identification and on discovering causal relationships. The primary aim of our newly developed solution-seeking learning (SSL) is to collaboratively explore and propose solutions to real-world problems. SSL considers the broader contexts in which problems are situated, the interests of relevant stakeholders, and the assessment of proposed solutions based on their feasibility, effectiveness, and efficiency. Through a process of presentation to, and feedback from, instructors and peers, students seek, develop, and share tangible solutions to local and global issues. This study presents how SSL was applied in undergraduate and graduate courses on environmental and energy politics in higher education. The empirical evidence suggests that SSL not only enhances students’ solution-seeking and problem identification capabilities, but also develops essential skills in collaboration, presentation, and feedback.