> [Direct instruction students] freeze when they > encounter non straightforward exercises. They > are unused to initial uncertainty, doubt, > assu

> [Direct instruction students] freeze when they > encounter non straightforward exercises. They > are unused to initial uncertainty, doubt, > assume that if first attempt failed then it > means something bad and there is no point in > continuing etc. I would argue that students "freezing up" when presented with new problems is _also_ a part of a solid educational approach. Careful guided instruction when introducing new topics is absolutely necessary. But at some point the student is going to need to practice "open-ended" problems. It is sort of like weight lifting, to really develop one needs to reach the point of failure in a controlled way, regularly and repeatedly, BUT NOT ALL THE TIME.