Top cognitive difficulties

• Applying first principles in the solution of problems.
• Integrating knowledge from the entire course / more than one course.
• Reflecting on the problem solving process.
• Self-assessment of their problem solving skills.
• Defining a problem in engineering terms.
• Selecting a valid model for a problem (making appropriate assumptions).
• ​Following the PSM in its entirety.

Top affective (behavioral) difficulties

• Unwillingness to spend sufficient time on task.
• Reluctance to write down ideas and create sketches while solving a problem.
• Dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty (lack of confidence).
• Working effectively in teams (coordinating meetings outside of class, dysfunctional teams, and agreeing on an approach to solve each problem).