Problem-solving
When you hit a "block wall",I think sometimes it helps to walk away and do something else and then return to the problem and reflect. Simply making a list of pros and cons can be very helpful.
Thomas,
You make a very good point and something that needs to be considered as you share information about how to become effective at critical thinking and problem solving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A certain maturity must be in place for problem solving. Patience is a required skill in figuring out what makes something tick. When we figure out these issues, it becomes easier to overcome our problems.
Difficulty in problem solving is sometimes due to the students disorientation with order and structure. Their thought process is all over the place and that is why they can not understand the connection of information in the problem. Sometimes changing course for a few minutes can make the difference for some of these students.
Richard,
Great to hear. I wish you continued teaching success as you impact the lives of your students and help them move closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This forum I have found to be very informative and will help me with my instruction of my students.
Sharon,
I am a firm believer in the use of common sense. Coming from a farming background I had to rely on common sense as a child to solve problems and get out of situations that came along. The result was that by adulthood my chief method of problem solving was to take a common sense approach and think the situation through. Keep up the good work you are doing with your students because they need to develop a common sense approach to problem solving while they are in your program if the can.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have always been told I am a good problem solver. The secret to my sucess is putting myself in the place of others and assessing how decisions would impact me. I also just use good old common sense: Does the answer fit the question
Also an excellent way to think critically, then return with a solution.
Mary,
Like your thinking process. Out here on the ranch sometimes we have issues come up that require problem solving in a way where we need to walk away and think about it then come back and see if we can solve the problem. We call this "mulling" it over. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes not. It is for sure though that the next time something like this comes up we are better prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
