Weekly Writing: The Problem Solving Approach

A key skill that employers look for in their employees is the ability to problem solve; however, statistics show that this skill is often lacking. This week's readings all focused on the problem solving approach. As educators, it is important to teach and promote problem solving skills for our students to prepare them for the professional world. Education has sometimes been criticized for not focusing on this element...but we are going to change that!

Bransford's IDEAL problem solving model: 

1. Identify problem
2. Define the problem through thinking about it and sorting out the relevant information
3. Explore solutions through looking at alternatives, brainstorming, and checking out different points of view
4. Act on strategies
5. Look back and evaluate the effects of your activity 

This relates to the human nature of overcoming challenges/problems! Check out this:

Why is this leaf blower no longer working? 

This is an real-life example that we can ask a class to base the content knowledge that they will be learning about small gas engines. The reading discussed three cognitive activities of problem solving that we must present: represent problem --> solution search --> implement solution. We can apply the students' knowledge of small gas engines to find solutions using these three cognitive activities.

So how do we TEACH problem solving?

Newcomb, et. al. went through these six steps:

1. Interest approach
2. Objectives to be achieved
3. Questions to be answered
4. Problem solution
5. Testing solutions through application
6. Evaluation of solutions 

However, one of implementation tips that I read noted that the most effective teaching styles will build student interest, motivation, and confidence, while reducing anxiety. I think this is an incredibly important take-away, because as a student, I find it almost impossible to achieve an optimum cognitive learning level with anxiety present in the classroom.  I am looking forward to learning more delivery methods that focus on this problem solving approach!