How Is Intuitive Thinking Shared and Elaborated During Small-Group Problem-Solving Activities on Thermal Phenomena?

In the process of problem solving, intuitive thinking leads to findings that go beyond gaps and plays a decisive role in problem solving. Considering that problems often need to be solved in groups rather than by individuals, it is necessary to examine how intuitive thinking expressed by individuals is shared and elaborated among peers in a group setting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of small groups when intuitive thinking emerges and is elaborated during problem solving. For this purpose, group discourse was observed among small groups of fifth and sixth grade primary students who were asked to solve a problem involving thermal phenomena. The findings show that intuitive thinking emerged gradually and was justified through interaction with logical thinking and empathy of group members. This emergence was made possible through the formation of a bond of empathy in the group. In addition, it was found that intuitive thinking is gradually elaborated through cycles of problem solving and that there are two types of elaboration: the connecting of things with little relevance and the discovering of detailed things. This elaboration could be explained by growth of tacit knowledge. Based on these results, we discuss the importance and meaning of intuitive thinking in the problem-solving process during group work.