Problem Solving

A problem exists when you are in a state that

differs from s desired end state and there is
some uncertainty about reaching the end
state.
 DEFINITION
Problem-solving is the
identification and application of
knowledge and skills that result in
goal attainment.
Martinez, 1998
THREE COMMON TYPES OF PROBLEMS

Well-structured problems
Clearly formulated, solved by specific procedure,
solution evaluated against agreed-upon standard
Ill-structured problems
Complex, few clues to solution procedures, less-
definite criteria for measuring solution
Issues
Ill-structured problems that arouse strong feelings
FIVE STEP APPROACH TO PROBLEM
SOLVING

Realize that a problem exists.

Understand the nature of the
problem.
Compile relevant information.
Formulate and carry out a
solution.
Evaluate the solution.
REALIZE THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS

 Key to problem recognition is curiosity or

dissatisfaction
 Structured problems given by teachers as H.W…..

 Identification of a problem – Obstacles-

 Lack of experience in defining problems
 Tendency to rush towards a solution before defining the
problem
 Tendency to think convergently
 Lack of domain specific knowledge
UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE
PROBLEM/
REPRESENTING THE PROBLEM
 Problem representation or problem
framing
 Use of words and visuals
Switch – 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10……..
Diagrammatic representation- use of

venn diagrams..
FORMULATE AND CARRY OUT A
SOLUTION/
SELECTING A STRATEGY
 Algorithm- a specified set of steps.
 Heuristics – general, widely applicable problem-
solving strategies.
 Trial
and Error
 Means-End Analysis
 Drawing Analogies
HEURISTICS
 Study worked examples.
 Work on a simpler version of the problem.

 Break the problem into parts./ Means-end analysis

 The problem solver attempts to break the problem into sub-
goals and works successively one each.
 Work backward.
 Solve an analogous problem/ Drawing analogies
 Is an attempt to solve unfamiliar problems be comparing them
with familiar ones that have already been solved.
 Create an external representation of the problem.
EVALUATE THE SOLUTION

 Verification
 How do you know you have arrived at a correct
solution?
SYSTEMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR
EVALUATION
 Ask and answer a set of basic questions (who,
what, where, when, how).
 Identify imperfections and complications.

 Anticipate possible negative reactions from other

people.
 Devise improvements.
IMPLICATION
 Teach students how to identify problems
 Teach students how to represent problems
 Practice helps.
 Teach students how to compile relevant
information.
 Expert problem solvers have a wide knowledge.
 Teach students several methods for formulating
solutions.
 Teach students the skills of evaluation.
 Beingopen minded about opposite views.
 Understanding the essence of an argument.
 Evaluating the reliability of resources.
 Properly interpreting factual data.
PROBLEMS IN PROBLEM SOLVING
 Functional fixedness
 Response set