Key Reasons for Failure in Problem Solving
The following points highlight the primary reasons why problem solving may fail:
- Lack of a systematic approach to problem solving.
- Failure to adhere to the established timeline for resolving issues.
- Poor identification and representation of the problems at hand, or the absence of adequate or accurate information, leading to unsuccessful resolution efforts.
- Insufficient knowledge of the methods and processes involved in effective problem solving.
- Inability to utilize various problem-solving techniques effectively.
- Application of inappropriate methods to address specific issues.
- Failure to integrate analytical and creative thinking, or a lack of diverse thinking approaches.
- Absence of a clear strategy for identifying and resolving problems.
- Misplacement of problems outside their relevant context, hindering resolution efforts.
- Limitation of stakeholder involvement in the problem-solving process.
- Fear of failure, innovation, change, and exchanging ideas.
- Inability to adapt to changes.
Understanding Problem Solving
Problem solving is a systematic inquiry that employs different types of thinking to achieve predefined objectives. This process can be approached through two fundamental types of thinking:
- Divergent Thinking: In this approach, individuals generate a wide array of alternative solutions to a problem, such as through essay-type examinations.
- Convergent Thinking: This involves narrowing down the various possibilities to find the best solution to a specific issue, often exemplified by multiple-choice tests.
Stages of Problem Solving
The following steps should be followed during the problem-solving process:
Identifying the Problem
In this phase, an individual defines the specific problem they are facing and determines its nature.
Resource Allocation
Once the problem is identified, the individual specifies the type and extent of resources or tools needed to explore potential solutions. They might consider the time required to find a resolution, whether to seek suggestions from peers, or if consulting an expert is necessary.
Organizing the Problem
This stage involves organizing the information necessary to address the problem in a structured manner, ensuring that certain foundational criteria are met.
Formulating Strategies
After establishing these criteria, the individual must decide how to integrate or prioritize them to create a coherent plan of action.
Monitoring
The person must observe and assess whether the problem resolution is progressing as intended. If the generated solutions deviate from the planned criteria, the individual may need to adjust the established parameters or their relative significance.
Evaluation
In this step, the individual evaluates the success of the problem-solving process.
Educational Goals of Problem-Solving Strategies
The educational objectives of employing problem-solving strategies include:
- Equipping students with skills to tackle future problems.
- Igniting students’ interest and desire for learning and teaching.
- Helping students make sound and informed judgments regarding any issues they can address.
- Encouraging critical thinking among students.
- Fostering a spirit of inquiry and search for knowledge sources.
- Promoting collaboration, camaraderie, and teamwork among students.
- Encouraging students to be self-reliant and responsible.
- Addressing individual differences among students.
- Enhancing students’ cognitive skills.
- Considering the right hemisphere of the brain in the thinking process.
- Involving students actively in their learning journey.
- Improving students’ academic performance.