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"Wonder" is a subjective experience of the difference between
what one understands and what one observes in reality; and
wonder has two dimensions, namely a gnostic and a pathic. The
gnostic refers to the knowledge that one does not know enough
about a thing - that there is something strange to it. The pathic
refers to the feeling that one is able to know and is able to
conquer the unknown.
In real life situations thinking thus originates in wonder.
(ii) Personal orientation with regard to the problem
During this stage the pupil determines his own position with regard to the problem
situation. According to Nel & Urbani (1990) this involves different aspects :
a) The emancipatory feelings
Any problem is regarded as a challenge. The child's intellectual feelings are actualised
to a high level. A child's affective disposition towards a subject or category of events
will influence his decision on whether to give more attention thereto. From a
psychopedagogic point of view the demand is that a child must be actively involved
otherwise he will not even start thinking about a problem.
b) Facts about the situation
A pupil with the necessary background knowledge will be able to relate the
problem-setting proposition (situation) to his own cognitive structure and thus
understand the nature of the problem confronting him. Experiences in solving
problems enhances a pupil's ability to understand the nature of problems. Research
has shown that although the solution to many difficult problems appears suddenly, in