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Problem Solving Method of Teaching

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31 views

Problem Solving Method of Teaching

Uploaded by

Trivia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a problem-solving method of teaching?

Problem Solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem;
identifying, prioritizing and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution. In
a problem-solving method, children learn by working on problems. This skill enables the
students to learn new knowledge by facing the problems to be solved. It is expected of them to
observe, understand, analyze, interpret, find solutions, and perform applications that lead to a
holistic understanding of the concept. This method develops scientific process skills. This
method helps in developing a brainstorming approach to learning concepts.

In simple words, problem-solving is an ongoing activity in which we take what we know to


discover what we do not know. It involves overcoming obstacles by generating hypotheses,
testing those predictions, and arriving at satisfactory solutions.

The problem-solving method involves three basic functions:

Seeking information

Generating new knowledge

Making decisions

This post will include key strategies to help you inculcate problem-solving skills in your
students.

First and foremostly, follow the 5-step model of problem-solving presented by Wood

Woods' problem-solving model

Identify the problem

Allow your students to identify the system under study by interpreting the information provided
in the problem statement. Then, prepare a list of what is known about the problem, and identify
the knowledge needed to understand (and eventually) solve it. Once you have a list of known
problems, identifying the unknown(s) becomes simpler. The unknown one is usually the answer
to the problem; however, there may be other unknowns. Make sure that your students have a
clear understanding of what they are expected to find.

While teaching problem solving, it is very important to have students know how to select,
interpret, and use units and symbols. Emphasize the use of units and symbols whenever
appropriate. Develop a habit of using appropriate units and symbols yourself at all times. Teach
your students to look for the words only and neglect or assume to help identify the constraints.

Furthermore, help students consider from the beginning what a logical type of answer would be.
What characteristics will it possess?

Think about it

Use the next stage to ponder the identified problem. Ideally, students will develop an imaginary
image of the problem at hand during this stage. They need to determine the required background
knowledge from illustrations, examples and problems covered in the course and collect pertinent
information such as conversion factors, constants, and tables needed to solve the problem.

Plan a solution

Often, the type of problem will determine the type of solution. Some common problem-solving
strategies are: compute; simplify; use an equation; make a model, diagram, table, or chart; or
work backwards.

Help your students choose the best strategy by reminding them again what they must find or
calculate.
Carry out the plan

Now that the major part of problem-solving has been done start executing the solution. There are
possibilities that a plan may not work immediately, do not let students get discouraged.
Encourage them to try a different strategy and keep trying.

Look back

Encourage students to reflect. Once a solution has been reached, students should ask themselves
the following questions:

Does the answer make sense?

Does it fit with the criteria established in step 1?

Did I answer the question(s)?

What did I learn by doing this?

Could I have done the problem another way?

Other tips include

Ask Open-Ended Questions

When a student seeks help, you might be willing to give them the answer they are looking for so
you can both move on. But what is recommend is that instead of giving answers promptly, try
using open-ended questions and prompts. For example: ask What do you think will happen if..?
Why do you think so? What would you do if you get into such situations? Etc.

Emphasize Process Over Product


For elementary students, reflecting on the process of solving a problem helps them develop a
growth mindset. Getting an 'incorrect' response does not have to be a bad thing! What matters
most is what they have done to achieve it and how they might change their approach next time.
As a teacher, you can help students learn the process of reflection.

Model The Strategies

As children learn creative problem-solving techniques, there will probably be times when they
will be frustrated or uncertain. Here are just a few simple ways to model what creative problem-
solving looks like and sounds like.

Ask questions in case you don't understand anything.

Admit to not knowing the right answer.

Discuss the many possible outcomes of different situations.

Verbalize what you feel when you come across a problem.

Practising these strategies with your students will help create an environment where struggle,
failure and growth are celebrated!

Encourage Grappling

Grappling is not confined to perseverance! This includes critical thinking, asking questions,
observing evidence, asking more questions, formulating hypotheses and building a deep
understanding of a problem.

There are numerous ways to provide opportunities for students to struggle. All that includes the
engineering design process is right! Examples include:
Engineering or creative projects

Design-thinking challenges

Informatics projects

Science experiments

Make problem resolution relevant to the lives of your students

Limiting problem solving to class is a bad idea. This will affect students later in life because
problem-solving is an essential part of human life, and we have had a chance to look at it from a
mathematical perspective. Such problems are relevant to us, and they are not things that we are
supposed to remember or learn but to put into practice in real life. These are things from which
we can take very significant life lessons and apply them later in life.

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