The PISA 2012 assessment of problem solving

In 2012, the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) featured a computer-based test of problem-solving competency. Computer delivery enabled the assessment to include for the first time in such a large-scale survey, problems that require the solver to interact with the problem situation to uncover information that is not explicitly disclosed from the outset. These types of problems occur frequently in everyday life when dealing with technological devices such as mobile telephones and vending machines. This chapter presents the PISA 2012 definition of problem solving, outlines the development of the assessment framework and discusses its key organising elements: the problem context, the nature of the problem situation and the four problemsolving process groups. It then presents sample items with commentary.