Problem Solving

I have always had difficulty problem solving.  Maybe it’s because I never really learned a technique or method that works for me.  Maybe because of that, I never gained confidence when solving problems and making decisions.  The author of the site gives me hope that problem solving and decision making are skills that can be improved upon, studied, and mastered (“Problem Solving,” n.d.).  Whenever I hear “problem solving” I automatically think of “critical thinking”.  I become anxious with both because I do not view myself as a “critical thinker”.  The author of the site applies a metaphor when referring to the relationship between the two: If problem solving is the car that gets your business to its goal, critical thinking skills are the gas (“Problem Solving,” n.d.).  My anxious feeling is still present because in this metaphor I would not have gas nor a car.  There are 5 steps of the critical thinking process that are listed on the site (“Problem Solving,” n.d.):

1. Identification- Identify and define the problem
2. Solution- Design a potential solution
3. Exploration- Formulate a potential action plan that results in the chosen solution
4. Action- Take necessary steps to complete the action plan
5. Reevaluation- Consider the action plan and whether it solved the original problem

With it laid out in this manner, it is comparable to the Scientific Method of which I am familiar.  Even with the knowledge of problem solving and critical thinking, my downfall has always been the approach.  What do I do first?  How do I navigate through the problem solving process?  The author of the site lists 6 methods and techniques for problem solving and decision making.  The Method I will address is one that is more aligned with the education field because I would like to be able to translate this information to my students.  The 6 Step Problem Solving Method, also known as the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Method, is organized into three key phases of problem solving: Exploring the Challenge, Generating Idea, and Preparing for Action (“Problem Solving,” n.d.).  When approaching a problem, one must first know what the problem is, then come up with ideas or possible solution, and finally come up with an action plan as to how to solve the problem.  The 6 steps includes (“Problem Solving,” n.d.):

1. Define the Problem
2. Determine the Root Cause of the Problem
3. Develop Alternative Solutions
4. Select a Solution
5. Implement the Solution
6. Evaluate the Outcome

Brainstorming ideas is a core feature in this model (“Problem Solving,” n.d.).  This model is great for teaching students how to problem solve in a group setting to elicit more ideas and various viewpoints.  Collaboration is key.  After reading this article and focusing on this method, I realized that I never really had the opportunity to learn the concept of problem solving.  On the other hand, I may have learned it but did not find it meaningful at the time.  Educators should stress the importance and meaningfulness of problem solving beyond the classroom.  One approach would be to provide opportunities for students to problem solve outside of just math and science.

Resource:
Problem Solving. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.discoverbusiness.us/problem-solving/.