Problem-Solving Strategy

 Problems: It is a situations in which we experience uncertainty or difficulty in achieving what we want to achieve.

Problem-Solving strategy: Problem-solving is a tool, a skill, and a process. As a tool is helps you to solve a problem or achieve a goal. As a skill you can use it repeatedly throughout your life. And, as a process it involves a number of steps.

Purposes of problem solving:   
•To give “tools” with which to face the challenges of the real world.
•To help students to foster self discovery and adaption.
•To help students understand complex dilemmas.
•To help students think about the problems and trace the obstacles to achieve the objective.
•Can be guided to effective problem solving strategies.

PRINCIPLES OF PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Model a useful problem-solving method(Show students by your example how to be patient).
•  Teach within a specific context(Teach problem-solving skills in the context in which they will be used).
• Help students understand the problem(students need to define the end goal).
• Take enough time(When planning a lecture/tutorial, budget enough time for understanding the problem and defining the goal).
• Ask questions and make suggestions(Ask students to predict “what would happen if…”).
• Link errors to misconceptions(Use errors as evidence of misconceptions, not carelessness or random guessing).

 Types of Problem Solving Strategy.

1. Convergent/closed problem.

              -In this type of problem solving strategy, it need to have a right answer ( need a fixed answer).
   
     2.  Divergent/open-ended problem.
              -In this type  it requires knowledge from different areas.

Elements of  Problem Solving Strategy.

• The definition of a problem(should have some knowledge of a problem to solve it).
• The definition of problem solving(Should have some connection between thinking and knowledge).
• Algorithms(Using of step by steps procedure to solve the problems).
• Heuristics(Need self- exploration).
• The relationship between theory and practice.
• Teaching creativity(applying of previous learned knowledge,no new creation).
• The transfer or the application of conceptual knowledge. 

Procedure of Problem Solving Strategy.

•  Define The Problem(How is the current situation different from what you actually want it to be?).
• Problem Analysis( Should analyzed how is the problem effecting you and other people).
• Generate possible Solutions(Finding solutions involves analyzing the problem to ensure that you fully understand it).
• Analyze the Solution(Think about the solution weather the solution is relevant to your solution or not).
• Implementation( Find out weather you have achieved what you wanted and how effective was the solution). 

 
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem Solving Strategy
Advantages: 

• Solving of problems in real life experience/situation.
• It gives direction to a decision and prevent wondering.
• It contributes to the personality development of a child.

Disadvantages:

• It create fake ideas about the problems.
• Create over realization.
• Forming hasty conclusion.