problem solving

Introduction

Problem solving is a fundamental cognitive process essential for achieving goals when the solution is not immediately apparent. It involves various cognitive strategies and processes, and its importance spans educational, professional, and everyday contexts. This synthesis explores the key insights from multiple research papers on problem solving, focusing on the cognitive processes, instructional strategies, and the role of creativity and errors in problem solving.

Key Insights

Understanding and Defining the Problem:
- Effective problem solving begins with accurately understanding and defining the real problem, which involves collecting and analyzing information, consulting with knowledgeable individuals, firsthand observation, and confirming findings.
Cognitive Processes in Problem Solving:
- Problem solving involves several cognitive processes such as representing, planning, executing, and monitoring. These processes are supported by different types of knowledge including facts, concepts, procedures, strategies, and beliefs .
- Problem solving is a higher-layer cognitive process that interacts with other cognitive functions like abstraction, searching, learning, decision making, inference, analysis, and synthesis.
Types and Classification of Problems:
- Problems can be classified as routine or non-routine, and as well-defined or ill-defined. Each type requires different cognitive, affective, and conative processes, necessitating varied instructional support .
Instructional Strategies and Learning:
- Teaching problem solving effectively requires focusing on cognitive strategies and their role in problem solving. Instruction should be designed to teach these strategies, which are often task-specific and may include more general "executive" strategies .
- Problem-based learning emphasizes the development of problem solving skills through stages such as orientation, analysis, planning, and calculation.
Role of Creativity and Errors:
- Creativity and innovative thinking are crucial for problem solving, especially in fields like engineering. Non-conventional tools such as drama, video, and model making can enhance engagement and learning.
- Errors are an integral part of the problem solving process. Tolerance for mistakes is necessary as they indicate active problem solving and learning.
Transfer of Problem-Solving Skills:
- Fostering the transfer of problem-solving strategies can be achieved through mechanisms like low-road transfer (automatic transfer of skills) and high-road transfer (conscious application of learned strategies). These mechanisms interact with domain-specific knowledge and higher-order thinking.

Conclusion

Problem solving is a multifaceted cognitive process that involves understanding and defining the problem, employing various cognitive strategies, and leveraging creativity and tolerance for errors. Effective problem solving requires tailored instructional strategies that address the specific nature of the problem and the cognitive processes involved. The ability to transfer problem-solving skills across different contexts is also crucial for developing proficient problem solvers. Overall, problem solving is an essential skill that underpins successful adaptation and achievement in a rapidly changing world.

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Problem Solving

Understanding and defining the real problem is crucial for effective problem solving.

Toward a design theory of problem solving

This paper proposes a metatheory of problem solving, highlighting the need for different instructional support based on problem structure, domain specificity, and complexity, as well as individual differences.

Problem Solving and Transfer

Low-road transfer of higher-order thinking can improve problem-solving strategies for students with disabilities, with implications for curriculum and instruction.

Learnable aspects of problem solving

This paper highlights the need to distinguish between task-specific cognitive strategies and a more general "executive" strategy in problem-solving instruction, and evaluates various instructional options.

Problem Solving

Problem solving involves cognitive processes, knowledge, and domain-specific strategies to achieve goals in various contexts.

On the cognitive process of human problem solving

Problem solving is a fundamental human cognitive process, involving internal knowledge representation and cognitive structures, which can be used to develop future cognitive computing methods and novel cognitive computers.

Creativity and inspiration for problem solving in engineering education

Using non-conventional tools like drama, video, posters, model making, and drama in engineering education can foster creativity and innovativeness in students, enhancing their problem-solving skills.

What Is Problem Solving

Problem solving is the process of moving toward a goal when the path to that goal is uncertain, and it is crucial for individuals to adapt to societal change and thrive in a changing world.

Problem Solving Strategies

Problem-based learning requires the development of problem-solving skills, which can be improved through cognitive strategies, which involve four stages: orientation, analysis, planning, and calculation.

Problem solving: can anybody do it?

Problem-solving in chemistry is influenced by gender, with males tending to start quickly and females spending more time thinking, but overall performance shows no gender difference.

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