Problem Solving

Problem Solving means addressing a difficult matter that acts as a barrier to goals and therefore,  requires a solution. This is one of the most important skills to master as a student. First, students must identify the problem and understand its complexities. Next, students must realize that there is more than one solution to the problem, thus it is imperative to think of the different outcomes. After this step, it is a good idea to think of the pros and cons of each solution before making an informed decision. This requires research, fact-finding and then, evaluating these findings. Once the decision is made, it is important to monitor and review the outcome. Being able to master the steps when problem-solving promotes the development of various important skills. For instance, it cultivates and strengthens critical thinking and rational thinking, which increases analytical skills. It also teaches the value of research and of being knowledgeable about a particular subject. As a result of this step-by-step process, patience is developed, as is an understanding that the process is not as time-consuming as making a quick, rash decision because sudden and uninformed decisions lead to more problems and ultimately, more time is wasted when trying to find a solution to more than one problem. Furthermore, problem-solving teaches practical skills such as effective communication (both oral and written), initiative, time management and it does much more than that, it fosters happiness, teaches independence, the importance of lifelong learning and all of this leads to increased success, and that means achieving goals.

If you’d like to practice your problem-solving skills, here are a few scenarios you can work through to help strengthen your skills:

*You have a group presentation and one of the members does not do their fair share of the work. It is three days before the due date and the group knows they are required to complete the assignment, but don’t have time to finish the slack member’s share.

*A student I don’t know well skips classes often, does drugs from what I hear, and continuously asks me what they missed and for help with the assigned evaluations.

*You know one of your classmates is fooling around with dangerous chemicals.  You also know that if you tell anyone about what he’s doing he will know it was you who ratted on him.

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