Problem solving
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Critical thinking can help creatively solve problems. A problem is defined as a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution. There is an organized approach to problem solving which includes determining the problem, alternatives, advantages and disadvantages of alternatives, selecting a solution, and evaluating how well the solution is working. This involves being clear on the specific problem, brainstorming alternatives, gathering information, selecting the most effective alternative, implementing a sequence of steps, and reviewing outcomes to improve future problem solving.
Problem solving
- 1. Solving Problems! “Critical thinking can help creatively and constructively solve problems”
- 2. What is a Problem? The Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995) defines a problem as: “A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” “Something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.”
- 3. An Organized Approach to Problem Solving What is the problem? What are the alternatives? What are the advantages/disadva ntages? What is the solution? How well is the solution working?
- 4. What is the problem? Be clear about the problem. What do you know about the situation(related to the problem)? Be Specific as much as possible, on what you think the problem is.
- 5. What are the alternative? What are the boundaries? What are the possible alternatives? Brain Storming (In organizations different people will have different expertise in different areas and it is useful, therefore, to hear the views of each concerned party) Identify some of the alternatives you might consider.
- 6. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each alternatives? What are the advantages? Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each of the problems you identified What are the disadvantages? What additional information do we need? Gather the required and additional information related to the problem and the solution you will select
- 7. What is the Solution? Which option should we select to solve the problem? After evaluating the various alternatives, select what you think is the most effective alternative for solving the problem What steps are important in it? Describe the sequence of steps you would take to act on the alternative.
- 8. How well is the solution working? What is my evaluation? What adjustments are required? Monitor the outcome of the action taken. Review the outcomes, seek feedback, avoid such problems in future.
- 9. Activity Time 1: Describe a situation from some few time back when you demonstrated effective use of the problem solving skill? 2: What action did you have to take? 3: What was the result of your action?