I'm partially only writing this reply as a slightly more "+1" than a simple upvote, but from my experience employing and leading people (programmers, generally)

I'm partially only writing this reply as a slightly more "+1" than a simple upvote, but from my experience employing and leading people (programmers, generally) this certainly applies in the UK as well. Not only at elementary school age either, but right the way through education. More and more in the past few years I've come across people who've achieved degrees in subjects without ever really coming across a problem without a potential solution discussed in the near vicinity - perhaps an adjacent chapter. When presented with just a problem, and no hint of where to find a solution, the end result has often been a mix of horror/terror/anger/paralysis. They have all of the knowledge required in the toolbox, but no practice at applying it in non-directed ways or of having to try (many) failing ideas before one works. Very good luck with your teaching - I wish we had a lot of teachers over here who thought the same way.