Problem solving is a critical aspect of applied thinking. Finding the “why?” of something, or responding to the question, “so what difference does this make?”, leads us towards thinking in a more engaged and applied way. Over the years, I have encouraged teachers to use tests as problem solving tools for learning. Many teachers feel overwhelmed that so much of their teaching has to be focused on preset content and test preparation. We also know that the best way to prepare anyone for a test is to practice test questions. So, how can that be used to develop problem solving skills?
It’s now the day following a test…don’t forget about the test, but bring some of the questions back into the class group and change some of the factors or the details of the question and ask, “now what is the answer?” Helping students to think beyond a set question and realize how some changes can create a different reality and, therefore, a different outcome. That is a wonderful way to lead students into problem solving thinking.
TeacherVision suggests:
Problem-solving is a process—an ongoing activity in which we take what we know to discover what we don't know. It involves overcoming obstacles by generating hypotheses, testing those predictions, and arriving at satisfactory solutions.
Problem-solving involves three basic functions:
Therefore, it is the pursuit of new knowledge that is gained through tested and pushed parameters and the application of varying information in new ways to achieve new outcomes.
TIP: Encourage students to think beyond and pursue what is yet unknown.
Coming up next, “How can you assess problem solving?”. Stay tuned...