Different Problem Solving Strategies

pick-list of possible solutions that would achieve the stated goal. The ideal solution is effective (it will meet the goal), efficient (is affordable), and has the fewest side effects (limited consequences from implementation). It’s often iterative, where the focus should be on short implementation cycles with testing and feedback, not trying to get it “perfect” the first time. It also helps you improve long-term problem solving skills and keeps you from re-inventing the wheel. Once you understand the five steps of problem solving, you can build your skill level in each one.

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However, if your teacher gives you a quiz that instead asks you, 'think about some history, then draw a picture and be sure to wash your hands,' you're not really sure what to do. This is a poorly-defined problem, because you don't know how to reach a solution or answer.

The second way that educational psychology has broken down different types of problems is by making a distinction between routine and non-routine problems.

Knowing the different problem solving steps allows you to work on your weak areas, or team-up with someone who’s strengths complement yours. Check out our training programs or try these 20 problem solving activities to improve creativity.

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In school and in everyday life, we all have to solve a wide variety of problems. In everyday life, problems might be how to maintain a long-distance relationship or how to pay bills on a limited income.

In school, these problems might be how to complete an algebraic equation or remembering the order of U. Either way, in order to be successful, we must have the ability to solve different types of problems using different types of solution strategies.Before we talk about the stages of problem solving, it’s important to have a definition of what it is.Let’s look at the two roots of problem solving — problems and solutions.Not all problems follow these steps linearly, especially for very challenging problems.Instead, you’ll likely move back and forth between the steps as you continue to work on the problem, as shown below: Let’s explore of these steps in more detail, understanding what it is and the inputs and outputs of each phase. In addition to getting clear on what the problem is, defining the problem also establishes a goal for what you want to achieve.Routine problems are what most people do in school: memorizing simple facts, how to do addition and subtraction, how to spell words, and so on.However, in more advanced years or in more advanced subjects in school, teachers might present students with non-routine problems that require skills and subjective solutions.Some people are great at generating ideas but struggle implementing them.Other people have great execution skills but can’t make decisions on which solutions to use.A well-defined problem is one that has a clear goal or solution, and problem solving strategies are easily developed.In contrast, a poorly-defined problem is the opposite.