Module 8 - Topic 2 -1. General Problem-Solving Strategies podcast PDF

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Module 8 − Topic 2: General Problem-solving Strategies Audio Transcript: Problem-solving is something we do every day. We problem-solve when there is no obvious solution, or when we need to find a different solution. Using Piaget’s term, problem-solving arises from a state of disequilibration. Henceforth, the outcome of problem-solving is the construction of new knowledge.

Some of the problems we encounter are well-structured problems. For example, most math problems we do at school are well-structured. There is a right answer, and there is a set of steps that lead to the right answer. On the other hand, some problems are ill-structured. For example, “how to manage my household finances” is an ill-structured problem because there are many different solutions and different approaches.

Regardless of subject matter or the domain-specific factors, ALL problems can be approached in five steps:

Step 1: Identify the problem To begin, we need to identify what the problem is. This is a critical step, because it helps clarify the next step.

Step 2: Define the goals What is the goal? As mentioned earlier, problem-solving is a goal-directed activity, so determining the goal is critical. For example, if I identify my problem as, “I have a test for EDUC 210 next week”, then my goal may be, “I want to get at least a B+ in this test”. You may think this is very obvious, but students in the same EDUC 210 course may understand the problems differently. Some students may say, “This test is only worth 5%, so I do not need to worry about it.” These students will obviously

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have a very different goal, and very different approach to the problem. They may not study at all.

Step 3: Explore possible solution strategies Once we understand a problem and have a clear goal, we will need to figure out what are the most effective strategies to achieve the goal. If getting a B+ in the test is my goal, I will then proceed to find solutions, or strategies to help me achieve this goal. I may simply do what I have always done, because I figure that a test is a test — thus it comes down to the same thing! This would be an example of a schema-driven problem solving procedure.

In general, some problems can be solved by an algorithm, which is a step-by-step procedure that would surely lead you to the solution or right answer. In math computations, we often refer to algorithms for multiplication, division, solving an equation, etc.

However, many real life problems are not so straightforward, and we may have to use heuristics, which are more general strategies. You can probably think of many instances when you used heuristics to solve problems. For example, to determine when you need to leave your house in order to get to school on time, you might use a working-backwards strategy, starting at the time you need to arrive at school, and then calculating how much time you need to allot for the metro/bus ride, etc.

Step 4: Anticipate outcomes and acting After exploring and choosing a solution plan, the next step is to carry out the solution plan and to anticipate any problems that may interfere with your plan.

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Step 5: Evaluate the outcome And finally, you must evaluate the outcome, making sure that you are meeting your goal(s). If your solution plan is ineffective, you may wish to re-start the problemsolving steps to find a new solution.

Summary:

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Problem-solving o Problem-solving is a goal-directed activity that leads to learning and knowledge construction o Problems can be:

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Well-structured

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Ill-structured

General problem-solving strategies: 1. Identify the problem 2. Define the goals 3. Explore possible solution strategies 4. Anticipate outcomes and acting 5. Evaluate the outcome

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