A Model for Problem Solving

State the Problem

• Learn to use your feeling by letting your urease crystallize into a statement of a problem such as, "I don't understand how to do this assignment...?

Analyze the Elements of the Problem

• Make sure you understand your statement of the problem by analyzing the elements of the problem and seeing that they are clear to you. State the elements. For example: "I seem to have to define A, Illustrate B, and demonstrate how A and B are used..."

Generate Alternatives

• Start thinking of ways to solve the problem by generating alternatives. You might say something like, "I know where I can read some more about A, and I can ask Sue something about B..." Think of as many alternatives as possible and don't judge or reject them (evaluation comes later).

Evaluate the Alternatives

• Now, evaluate and weigh the alternatives, thinking about the long-term and short-term consequences.

Find the Solution

• Next, Choose a solution and try it out by implementing your ideas with action ("I'll write this out and see how it looks...").

Test the Solution

Finally, test the effectiveness of the solution by:

• measuring your progress
• testing your solution against a model situation
• asking questions such as "How far did I go?", "How well did I do?", and "Did I accomplish what I wanted to my satisfaction?
• Getting feedback from others.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006 12:35:26 PM