discipline and problem solving
It sometimes takes great discipline to be a good problem solver. It is important to examine the elements of the situation, break it down and re-build it to come up with a plausible solution. We can't always go directly to a final solution without some work put into it.
Brian,
Great point for students to understand. People bring their cars in to get them fixed and to get fixed the technician needs to be able to problem solve. By being good at it your students are going to be successful in their field, if not they are going to be seeking other employment. This is a concept they need to get a clear understanding about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Problem solving, as it relates to my field(automotive repair) is a huge part of what we do. If you cannot effectively problem solve, there is really no point in being there. There is a step by step process in figuring out what is going on, and how to solve it.
Richard,
Good way to solve the problem since you can refer them to school policy and you don't have to argue with them about your own class policy since you are following the school's policy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
at our school we have S.O.P.'s which are in effect not allowing students to use their phones class or lab. I am very thankful for this.
Steven,
This is such an important connection for students to see and comprehend. It is their future that is at stake so they need to learn all they can about how to think critically and problem solve.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree.. until the student can see how his work will relate to the job place, you may not get the results.
Lisa,
In what way. Can you expand your response to support your statement? Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
there always is a delicate balance
Brian,
I think your statement about not all knowledge being contained on a smart phone would shock many of my younger students. They believe they do not have to think only access their phones to have all knowledge. Common sense and self discipline must be present as well because to have knowledge without an understanding of application leaves a person stranded in terms of problem solving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that not every answer is not on a smart phone. The phone can be used to start the critical thinking process and the emphasis should be placed on time at this moment.
Franz,
Good point. Students need to learn how to find and use other resources so they have the widest and best information from which to make decisions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
That is true but if everything comes from the phone how do they know it is fact without putting all the puzzle together.
It sometimes takes even more discipline than good problem solving skills. As you examine the elements of the situation, it is sometimes hard to break it down and re-build it to come up with a plausible solution. Too often I try to go directly to a final solution without some work put into it.
Ray,
You got that right. This is an ongoing challenge for educators to get students to think beyond the tiny screen that they stare at and try to find the answers to life within. They need to see how self discipline and effort will result in career success and personal growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
So many think that all the answers for their life can be found on their I phone
Larry,
Right you are. We as learning leaders need to help our students to see the value of self discipline in relation to career success. Once they see and understand this concept they start to acquire the needed content, experience and discipline that will help to shape their career in a way that generates success for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Discipline is a very difficult thing for many people to comprehend and actualize. Our students today tend to seek instant gratification and expect an automatic result just for showing up. The discipline of attending class, studying and actually comprehending the core class material is a skill set I would like to see returned to the classroom environment.
Daniel,
Thank you for your caution in relation to problem solving. Yes, there must be a balance because if a problem solver goes too far one way or another then the selected solution to the problem might not be the best solution after all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I tend to agree with this statement. Great discipline is required to become a great problem solver. However, a balance must be reached as to how much discipline is required. The systematic problem thinker probably tends to over analyze the problem and places much more discipline than is truly required. On the other hand, the intuitive problem solver might not be so well-disciplined, producing an abrupt, but inefficient solution to the problem. I am the type of person that believes that discipline is necessary in every aspect of problem solving. The trick is not allowing discipline to assuage the problem solver.
