These are steps for solving a problem, which is very different from thinking. The former isn't very useful if you don't have a good idea of what the problem is

These are steps for solving a problem, which is very different from thinking. The former isn't very useful if you don't have a good idea of what the problem is or what the constraints on the solution are, both of which usually require thinking in order to get or refine. Moreover, the linked article isn't saying that problem-solving isn't being taught, or widespread - in fact, the authors probably thought that there was too much problem-solving and not enough thinking going around.