Problem Solving and Project Method

Problem Solving

What is problem solving?

Problem solving is a process and skill that you develop over time to be used when needing to solve immediate problems in order to achieve a goal.

A seven-step problem solving cycle

There are many different ways to solve a problem, however all ways involve a series of steps.

The following is a seven-step problem solving model:

Step 1. Identify the problem

Firstly you need to identify and name the problem so that you can find an appropriate solution. You may not be clear of what the problem is or feel anxious/confused about what is getting in the way of your goals. Try talking to others, as this may help you identify the problem.

Step 2. Explore the problem

When you are clear about what the problem is you need to think about from different angles. You can ask yourself questions such as:

§  How is this problem affecting me?

§  How is it affecting others?

§  Who else experiences this problem?

§  What do they do about it?

Seeing the problem in different ways is likely to help you find an effective solution.

Step 3. Set goals

Once you have thought about the problem from different angles you can identify your goals. What is it that you want to achieve? Sometimes you may become frustrated by a problem and forget to think about what you want to achieve. For example, you might become ill, struggle to complete a number of assignments on time and feel so unmotivated that you let due dates pass.

§  Improve your health?

§  Increase your time management skills?

§  Complete the assignments to the best of your ability?

§  Finish the assignments as soon as possible?

If you decide your goal is to improve your health, that will lead to different solutions to those linked with the goal of completing your assignments as soon as possible. One goal may lead you to a doctor and another may lead you to apply for extensions for your assignments. So working out your goals is a vital part of the problem solving process.

Step 4. Look at Alternatives

When you have decided what your goal/s is you need to look for possible solutions. The more possible solutions you find the more likely it is that you will be able to discover an effective solution. You can brain-storm for ideas. The purpose of brain-storming is to collect together a long list of possibilities. It does not matter whether the ideas are useful or practical or manageable: just write down the ideas as they come into your head. Some of the best solutions arise from creative thinking during brain-storming. You can also seek ideas about possible solutions by talking to others. The aim is to collect as many alternative solutions as possible.

Step 5. Select a possible solution

From the list of possible solutions you can sort out which are most relevant to your situation and which are realistic and manageable. You can do this by predicting the outcomes for possible solutions and also checking with other people what they think the outcomes may be. When you have explored the consequences, you can use this information to identify the solution which is most relevant to you and is likely to have the best outcomes for your situation.

Step 6. Implement a possible solution

Once you have selected a possible solution you are ready to put it into action. You will need to have energy and motivation to do this because implementing the solution may take some time and effort. You can prepare yourself to implement the solution by planning when and how you will do it, whether you talk with others about it, and what rewards you will give yourself when you have done it.

Step 7. Evaluate

Just because you have implemented the best possible solution, you may not have automatically solved your problem, so evaluating the effectiveness of your solution is very important. You can ask yourself (and others) :

§  How effective was that solution?

§  Did it achieve what I wanted?

§  What consequences did it have on my situation?

If the solution was successful in helping you solve your problem and reach your goal, then you know that you have effectively solved your problem. If you feel dissatisfied with the result, then you can begin the steps again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When to use problem solving

You can problem solve anytime you experience a challenge or have a goal to achieve. You can use the problem solving model to look for solutions to concerns connected with your study or other aspects of your life. You can take the problem solving steps by yourself, with a friend or others. Problem solving with others is often very effective because you have access to a wide variety of viewpoints and potential solutions. The problem solving model is a useful resource for you to utilize in all aspects of your life and when dealing with challenging situations.

Project method

The project method is a medium of instruction which was introduced during the 18th century into the schools of architecture and engineering in Europe when graduating students had to apply the skills and knowledge they had learned in the course of their studies to problems they had to solve as practicians of their trade.

In the early 20th Century, William Heard Kilpatrick expanded the project method into a philosophy of education. His device is child - centered and based in progressive education. Both approaches are used by teachers worldwide to this day. Unlike traditional education, proponents of the project method attempt to allow the student to solve problems with as little teacher direction as possible. The teacher is seen more as a facilitator than a deliverer of knowledge and information.

Students in a project method environment should be allowed to explore and experience their environment through their senses and, in a sense, direct their own learning by their individual interests. Very little is taught from textbooks and the emphasis is on experiential learning, rather than rote and memorization. A project method classroom focuses on democracy and collaboration to solve "purposeful" problems.

There are two basic approaches for implementing the project method. According to the historically older approach, the students take two steps: initially, they are taught in a systematic course of study certain skills and facts, then they apply these skills and knowledge, creatively and self-directed to suitable projects. According to the second approach, the instruction by the teacher does not precede the project but is integrated in it. In other words the students first choose the project, then they discuss what they need to know for solving the problem and learn the required techniques and concepts.

Finally they execute the chosen project by themselves. In both approaches, time for reflection should be provided during all phases of project learning, giving students the opportunity to evaluate their progress. Many teachers – especially vocational and industrial arts educators – use a series of small-scale projects to help students develop continuously increasing competence in practical problem solving.

Advantages

1.    It arouses and maintains the interest of the student.

2.    It keeps the student on freedom of thoughts and action while doing the work.

3.    It provides more creative constructive thinking of the student.

4.    It helps to know the individual differences.

5.    It helps the students to think scientifically and logically before starting the project.

6.    It provides the growth of individual through activity.

7.    It helps student to evaluate and judge his finished work.

8.    Group project develops team spirit and cooperation.

Disadvantages

1.    Wrong selection of topic.

2.    Over consumption of time.

3.    Costly and non-availability of suitable things.