Problémakör

Problémakör is a Hungarian term used to describe a set or cluster of problems that share a common context, method, or objective. It refers to the problem domain or problem space within a given subject or task and is not merely a random collection of tasks, but a coherent group designed to illuminate core concepts, relationships, or skills.

The word derives from problém(a) meaning problem and kör meaning circle or realm. In educational and cognitive contexts, a problémakör delineates the scope within which problems are framed, often guiding instruction, assessment, and the progression of learning.

In educational practice, a problémakör serves to structure learning around a central theme. Presenting related problems helps teachers guide students from simpler to more complex tasks, ensures coverage of essential ideas, and supports the assessment of progression within a topic. It also assists students in recognizing connections between different problems and techniques.

In curriculum design and research, problémakör refers to the defined problem domain of a project or course, aiding in the delineation of prerequisites, resources, and evaluation criteria. It supports problem-based learning approaches by curating authentic tasks anchored in real-world contexts and guiding learners toward coherent outcomes.

Examples include a mathematics problémakör for linear equations, which might encompass translating word problems into equations, solving for x, checking solutions, graphing lines, and applying results to real situations; or a social science problémakör on urban mobility that covers data analysis, policy implications, and modeling of outcomes.

See also: problem space, domain, curriculum design, problem-based learning.