BY: SHIELA MARIE F.

BAHALLA
Group II
WHAT IS PROBLEM-SOLVING?

• Problem-solving is an instructional
method or technique where by the
teacher and pupils attempt to find a
solution. Students are presented
with problems that require them to
find either a scientific or
technological solution.
 DEFINITION

Skinnner 1953 defined problem-solving as

“ any behavior which through the manipulation of variables,
makes the appearance of a solution more probable”

Problem solving is the act of defining a problem;

determining the cause of the problem; identifying,
prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; &
and implementing a solution.
TYPES OF PROBLEMS

ILL-DEFINED PROBLEMS – are those

that do not have clear goals, solution
paths, or expected solutions.

THE WELL-DEFINED PROBLEMS- have

specific goals, clearly defined solution
paths, and clear expected solutions.
5 STEPS OF PROBLEM-SOLVING

REVIEW
IMPLEMENT
PICK
BRAINSTORM
DEFINE
 Problem-Solving Strategies

METHOD DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Trial and error Continue trying different Restarting phone turning off
solutions until problem solved wifi turning off Bluetooth in
order to determine why your
phone is malfunctioning

Algorithm Step by step problem solving Instruction Manual for

formula installing new software on
your computer

Heuristic General problem solving Working backwards breaking

framework task into steps
The Cognitive approach to problem
solving
PROBLEM SPACE THEORY
In 1972, Allen Newell and Herbert published the book Human Problem Solving, in which
they outlined their problem space theory of problem-solving. In this theory, people solve
problems by searching in a problem space

The problem space consists of:

1. The initial (current) state
2. The goal state
3. All the possible states in between.
PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE
PROBLEM-SOLVING

The GESTALT approach to problem

solving differentiates between:
Productive Thinking- insight and
creativity
Reproductive Thinking- following a
sequence known to produce a
workable answer
MONKEY SHOWED “INSIGHT’’ DURING
PROBLEM-SOLVING (kohler 1945)
Demonstrated productive “ new way of structuring
elements showing insight and creativity”
Deep useful understanding of the nature of the problem
 THE CANDLE PROBLEM (Dunker,1945)

THE CANDLE PROBLEM (Dunker,1945)

Fix a lit candle to the wall, with a candle. box of nails and box of matches

THE TWO-STRING PROBLEM (Maier,1931)

Subjects in a room with 2 strings hanging from the ceiling and a set of other objects (nut, bowl, pliers,
sandwich) attach the strings. However, cannot reach them at the same time.
 SOLVING PUZZLES
Problem-solving abilities can improve with practice many
people challenge themselves every day with puzzles and other
mental exercises to sharpen their problem-solving skills.
Soduko puzzles appear daily in most newspaper

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Problem no#1

‘’ Can you connect all of the dots below using only four
straight lines?
NOVICE
Vs EXPERT
Problem Solver
Backwards Chaining ( working backward) working back from the end state until reaching
the origin state. Believe that most problems are too difficult for them to solve.
Forwards Chaining (working forwards). Believe that you can solve most problems by
memorizing only a few central principles.
After solving problems, review why the question was important, asking why the professor
gave the assignment.

T
h
i
s
P
h
PURPOSE

Train the students in the act of reasoning

Gain and improve the knowledge
Give an active answer
Overcome the obstacles in the attainment
of objectives
SKILLS FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING

Think creatively to discover new ideas

Learn to work together and share ideas
Research before you get into a problem
Make the decision that fits the situation
best
RULES IN PROBLEM-SOLVING

THERE ARE EIGHT RULES OF SOLVING PROBLEM:

Run over the elements of the problem until a pattern emerges
Don’t jump to conclusion
Explore the environment
Produce the second solution after the first
Critically evaluate your ideas
When stuck, change your representational system
Take a break when you are stuck
Talk about your problem with someone.
USES

Develop ability to analysis

Real life situations
In future use
In different fields
 BARRIERS TO PROBLEM-SOLVING

Confirmation Bias- This is about not following the problem-solving

method, and introducing bias. This can be the result of missing
steps out, or not using them correctly.

Mental Set- This comes from relying too heavily on heuristics rather
than actively looking for the best or simplest solution.

Functional Fixedness- This is about not thinking creatively. It is a

narrow mindset. Functional Fixedness comes from the people
thinking that an object has only one function.
Unnecessary Constraint- links to trying to solve a problem using
previous experience of what has worked in a situation and trying to
force it to work in the current situation, rather than looking for a
new solution
Irrelevant Information- This is information that is not needed to
solve the problem
TEACHER ROLE IN
PROBLEM-SOLVING

▪ The students to define the problem clearly.

▪ To analyze the situation in parts.
▪ Must be alert and active to arouse interest among
students
▪ Teachers should help the learner if they are
facing any difficulties.
 PROBLEM SOLVING EXAMPLES

Divergent Thinking- refers to the process of coming up with

multiple different answers to a single problem
Convergent Thinking- the process of narrowing down
multiple possibilities to arrive at a single solution.
Brainstorming- is a group activity designed to generate a
multitude of ideas regarding a specific problem
Thinking outside the Box- encourages a shift in
perspective, urging you to approach problems from an
entirely new angle
Case Study Analysis- analyzing case studies involves a
detailed examination of real-life situations that bear
relevance to the current problem at hand.
 ADVANTAGES

❖ Problem-solving places the focus on the

student making sense of ideas about the
problem.
❖ Problem-solving encourages students to
believe in their ability to think creative
❖ Helps to develop the power of expression
of the child.
❖ Problem-solving develops higher-level
thinking skills.
❖ The students learn to accept different
opinions of their classmates and thus
become tolerant
 DISADVANTAGES

Time constraints
Lack of team spirit
Lack of objective guidelines
Less physical activity
All topics and areas can not be covered by
this method
CONCLUSION

Problem-solving is a suitable approach

for teaching as it helps learners
develop the ability to recognize,
analyze, solve, and reflect upon
problematic difficulties. This approach
improves both knowledge and attitude.
So, use all the problem-solving skills
you've got to simplify your life.