Problem+Solving+Skills

Problem solving is the starting point. It is not something that classes merely "get to" when they show mastery of the basic skills or have covered the textbook. Problem solving is the basic tool for all students to be successful in school and eventually in their chosen career field. **Basic Steps to Problem Solving or Decision Making** i. This is often where people struggle. They react to what they //__think__// the problem is. //__If you can’t identify the problem, you can’t solve the problem.__// i. Ask others for input ii. Research solutions iii. Brainstorm solutions i. Gather resources ii. Follow steps identified iii. Observe iv. Be open to feedback i. If not, go back to Step 2 and go through the steps again to determine another possible solution. **1.** This part of the plan may be repeated as necessary until a satisfactory solution is found. If you have correctly identified the problem in Step 1 and gathered appropriate information in Step 2, the solution will be found in a few trials. ii. If yes, evaluate the new knowledge, skills, and understanding you have gained for future use.
 * The Importance of Problem Solving Skills**
 * 1) **Define the Problem.**
 * 2) What is the problem and why is it happening?
 * 1) **Develop a Plan.**
 * 2) What are you going to do?
 * 1) **Implement the Plan.**
 * 2) Carry out the intervention you decided upon.
 * 1) **Evaluate.**
 * 2) Did the plan work?