Training for Problem Solving

Training for Problem Solving

Course Overview:

This course is designed to develop problem solving skills through a variety of approaches. The material covered will provide students with opportunities to practice identifying and solving problems. In addition, the course will address the different types of problem solving strategies and when they are most appropriate.

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Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

– Understand what constitutes a problem

– Understand different types of problem solving strategies

– Apply problem solving strategies to various problems

– Evaluate the appropriateness of different problem solving strategies

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Outline:

– Introduction to problem solving: In this lesson, we will cover the basics of problem solving, including what constitutes a problem and why problem solving is important.

– Problem identification: This lesson will focus on how to identify problems. We will discuss different ways to approach problem identification and brainstorming.

– Types of problem solving strategies: In this lesson, we will learn about the different types of problem solving strategies. We will explore when to use each type of strategy and how to choose the most appropriate strategy for a given problem.

– Applying problem solving strategies: This lesson will provide opportunities for students to apply the different types of problem solving strategies learned in the previous lesson. Students will work through various problems, using the appropriate strategy for each one.

– When to use different problem solving strategies: In this lesson, we will discuss when it is best to use each type of problem solving strategy. We will also talk about how to adapt strategies to different types of problems.

– Evaluation and assessment: This lesson will focus on evaluating and assessing problem solving strategies. We will discuss different ways to evaluate the effectiveness of a strategy and how to modify or change a strategy if it is not working.

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Sneak Peak & Glossary:

What Is a Problem?

Most people think of a problem as something that needs to be fixed. And while it’s true that many problems do need to be fixed, not all problems are bad. In fact, some problems can be quite good!

For our purposes, we’re going to define a problem as anything that prevents you from achieving your goal. So a problem can be big or small, simple or complex. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be something that needs to be fixed; it could just be something that’s preventing you from moving forward.

Types of Problem Solving Strategies:

There are lots of different ways to solve problems, and the right approach depends on the specific problem you’re trying to solve. Here are some of the most common problem solving strategies:

– Trial and error: This is the most basic form of problem solving, and it simply involves trying different things until you find something that works.

– Brute force: This is a more systematic form of trial and error, where you systematically try every possible solution until you find the right one.

– Divide and conquer: This approach involves breaking the problem down into smaller pieces and then solving each piece separately.

– Reduction: This approach involves reducing the problem to a simpler version that can be more easily solved.

– Incremental: This approach involve solving the problem a little bit at a time, making small improvements each time.

When to Use Which Problem Solving Strategy:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best strategy for solving a problem depends on the specific problem you’re trying to solve. However, here are some general guidelines:

– If the problem is simple and well-defined, then a trial and error or brute force approach may be sufficient.

– If the problem is complex and ill-defined, then a more systematic approach like divide and conquer or reduction may be necessary.

– If the problem is incremental in nature, then an incremental approach may be best.

Of course, these are just general guidelines; ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which strategy is best for the problem you’re trying to solve.

The Problem Solving Process:

No matter which strategy you use, the problem solving process generally follows the same basic steps:

1. Identify the problem.

2. Generate possible solutions.

3. Evaluate the possible solutions.

4. Select the best solution.

5. Implement the solution.

6. Evaluate the results and adapt as necessary.

Of course, this is just a general overview of the process; in practice, you may find that you need to revisit some of these steps or even skip some altogether depending on the specific problem you’re trying to solve.

 

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Glossary:

– Problem: Anything that prevents you from achieving your goal.

– Solution: A course of action that will address the problem and help you achieve your goal.

– Strategy: A plan of action for how to solve a problem.

– Trial and error: A method of problem solving whereby you try different things until you find something that works.

– Brute force: A more systematic form of trial and error, wherein you systematically try every possible solution until you find the right one.

– Divide and conquer: A problem solving approach that involves breaking the problem down into smaller pieces and then solving each piece separately.

– Reduction: A problem solving approach that involves reducing the problem to a simpler version that can be more easily solved.

– Incremental: A problem solving approach that involve solving the problem a little bit at a time, making small improvements each time.

– Identification: The process of determining what the problem is.

– Generating possible solutions: The process of coming up with potential solutions to the problem.

– Evaluating possible solutions: The process of assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of different solutions.

– Selection: The process of choosing the best solution from the ones generated.

– Implementation: The act of putting the chosen solution into action.

– Evaluation and adaptation: The process of assessing the results of the implementation and making changes as necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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