Problem Solving
In regards to my students, problem solving for them equates with survival. At times, they cannot see the difference and have difficulty grasping that they actually can work through solutions.
Alfonso,
In my school we teach automotive repair which is demanding work as far as thinking processes. We teach SSCC. This acronym stands for Symptom to System, Component to Cause diagnosis. We teach this format based on the fact that there is so much information in automotive that it would turn into a big blur for the best technician without a way to home in on a particular problem. Perhaps this model could be adapted to other disciplines.
Richard,
You make a very good point about the benefits of learning from mistakes. Our grading system in school is based upon not making mistakes. Those that make the least mistakes (answer the most questions correctly) get the highest grade. Same holds true with projects. What we need to do is help our students to think through situations and come up with solutions and then try them out even if they do not end with the result that is desired. School is the safest place to do this type of problem solving because students have us there as experts in our field to support them as well as consult with them on the problem and then they can take it from there and come up with a solution. This will help them because when they are in the work world it will be up to them to solve the problem the first time correctly. They need a lot of experience to be able to do that.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One theme we often hear during the important maturing years is the need to "avoid problems". Although I appreciate the value of "minimizing mistakes", have we created a philosophy that problems are "evil"? Most of us believe our best education resulted from "learning from our mistakes" especially when we creatively used effective problem-solving skills. By embracing the fact that throughout life, challenges (problems) will present themselves, and by both developing and nuturing sound problem-solving techniques and skills, we better prepare ourselves and our students for success in the workplace, in relationships, and in life. Afterall,"fire" does purify!
When dealing with different ages, cultural backgrounds and educational backgrounds, I find my students have varying problem solving skills. One student may problem solve with confidence and ease while another can panic and need a lot of assistance.
Alfonso,
I get frustrated with students like this because the easiest thing to do is fail. When you fail you can blame someone else and you don't have to do anything. Success requires effort but it also pays big rewards. Students have to get this concept through their heads.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some of my students give up easily and say, "I can't solve this problem. It is too difficult". The problem here is they don't understand what the question is all about. By analyzing carefully what the problem is all about, even reading the problem aloud, all of a sudden, there is that "aha" moment and everything is fine.
Teresita,
Getting them to track in a logical and understandable sequence can be a challenge for sure. The more examples we can give them about how this can be down and then help them gain experience in setting order to their thinking the better off they will be when they complete their programs with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the many causes of difficulty in problem solving is the students disorientation with order and structure. Their thought process is all over the place that is why they can not understand the connection of information in the problem.
Rickey,
Employers tell me all the time that graduates today lack in problem solving and critical thinking skills. The more we can help our students develop experience and skill in these areas the better prepared they will be upon leaving school. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
in my classes problem solving techniques are an extremely neccessary tool for success. literal and tactile projects force the student to: evaluate the challenge while calculating the next step as well as create the final outcome
Dena,
I can appreciate these comments. A lot of students want someone else to do everything for them including problem solve their problems. Life does not work that way in the adult world and many of my students are still in high school mode where if they stalled long enough they got a grade anyway.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
