  We discuss the development of interactive video tutorial-based problems to
help introductory physics students learn effective problem solving heuristics.
The video tutorials present problem solving strategies using concrete examples
in an interactive environment. They force students to follow a systematic
approach to problem solving and students are required to solve sub-problems
(research-guided multiple choice questions) to show their level of
understanding at every stage of prob lem solving. The tutorials are designed to
provide scaffolding support at every stage of problem solving as needed and
help students view the problem solving process as an opportunity for knowledge
and skill acquisition rather than a "plug and chug" chore. A focus on helping
students learn first to analyse a problem qualitatively, and then to plan a
solution in terms of the relevant physics principles, can be useful for
developing their reasoning skills. The reflection stage of problem solving can
help students develop meta-cognitive skills because they must focus on what
they have learned by solving the problem and how it helps them extend and
organize their knowledge. Preliminary evaluations show that a majority of
students who are unable to solve the tutorial problems without help can solve
similar problems after working through the video tutorial. Further evaluation
to assess the development of useful skills in tutorial learners vs. control
group is underway.
