Strategy flexibility: Choosing different systems to apply the work-energy principle

An important goal of physics instruction is to help students become adaptive problem solvers~so that they can approach a wide range of situations. One aspect of adaptive problem solving is~strategy flexibility --- knowing multiple ways to approach a problem and choosing the most~appropriate approach. In this study, we examine the role of meta strategic judgements in students' application of strategy flexibility. Specifically, we study students' meta-strategic judgements when choosing a system with which~to apply the work-energy principle to various scenarios. College students enrolled in an~introductory mechanics course were interviewed about their rationales for their system choices~and asked to compare different options. Preliminary results will be analyzed to determine the~cues students use to make decisions and to determine whether there is evidence that students implement strategy flexibility in their problem-solving process.