questionsproblems

Questionsproblems is a term used to describe assessment tasks that blend inquiry questions with problem-solving prompts. Such items require students to demonstrate both knowledge of concepts and the ability to apply procedures, reason through steps, and justify conclusions. The phrase is not a universally standardized label, but it is used in education discussions to refer to tasks that integrate questioning with complex problem work.

In design terms, questionsproblems combine two dimensions: the prompt type (for example, a conceptual or analytical question) and the problem type (such as multi-step, ill-posed, or real-world contexts). Through this combination, learners are invited to articulate reasoning, make inferences, and construct solutions rather than simply recall facts. Tasks often pair a guiding question with a problem scenario to elicit explanation and justification.

Applications of questionsproblems span disciplines, including mathematics, science, engineering, and social sciences. They support formative assessment by exposing students’ thought processes, not just final answers, and they align with performance-based outcomes. Well-designed questionsproblems use clear rubrics, scaffolded prompts, and ample feedback opportunities to support progression from simple to complex reasoning.

Challenges include ensuring reliable scoring, especially for open-ended or ill-posed tasks. They can be time-consuming to design and assess, and require well-trained raters and robust rubrics. When implemented thoughtfully, however, questionsproblems can deepen understanding, reveal misconceptions, and promote transferable problem-solving skills.

Related concepts include problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and performance assessment. In practice, questionsproblems function as a bridge between recall-based questions and authentic, multi-step problem solving.