Teaching and Learning of Divergent and Convergent Thinking through Open-Problem Solving in a Data Structures Course

Divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple solutions for a given problem, while convergent thinking is evaluating and selecting accurate solution based on constraints, assumptions, and pros and cons analysis. Divergent and convergent thinking is an important thinking skill needed to generate novel or innovative solutions to a given problem. According to ABET guidelines, it is also one of the important skill to design an engineering solution to a given open problem. The training in developing both divergent and convergent thinking during multiple phases of problem solving can allow students to design a better solution. In this paper, we propose an intervention to develop divergent and convergent thinking skill through open problem solving in data structures course. The research methodology followed is Design Based Research (DBR) and the intervention proposed in this paper is operationalized and evaluated by following first cycle of DBR. A preliminary study was conducted on second year Computer Engineering students to study the effects of intervention. The results show significant improvement in learners' thinking in both divergent and convergent thinking during open-problem solving.