Problem Solving Methods

By Hafiz Muhammad Javed Gul

Content
 Definition
 Features
 Example
 Steps
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Role of teacher
 Conclusion
Definition:
“ Problem solving is planned attack on
difficulty for finding out satisfactory solution”
Features
The problem should be:
 Clear and Definite .
 Meaningful and challenging for student.
 Interest generating for students.
 Related to real life situations.
 The children should have some previous knowledge

of the problem which they are going to discuss.

 Solutions of the problem should be found out by the

learners themselves under the guidance of teacher.

 Suitable to the age, needs, physical and mental

ability of students.
Example
Question: If 0.5 C charge pass through a wire in 10 seconds.
How much current flows in the wire?
Step 1: Identifying and Defining the Problem
After selecting and understanding the problem the student will be able
to define the problem in his own words.
Stop 2: Analyzing the Problem
The student will analyze the given problem that how the problem can be solved?
Step 3: Formulating Hypothesis
After analyzing the various aspects of the problem he will be able to make hypothesis
that the current flows in the wire.
Step 4: Testing Hypothesis
Thus on the basis of given data, the student will be able to solve the problem in the
following manner.
Solution:
Given data:
Q = 0.5 C
t = 10 seconds
To find:
I=?
Calculation:
I = Q/ t
I = 0.5/10
I = 0.05 A
Result:
I = 0.05 A
Steps
Identifying and Defining
 Analyzing the Problem
 Formulation Hypothesis
 Testing the Hypothesis
 Verifying of the Result
Advantages:
 It helps the students to adopt the idea of not to
be hurry to make a decision.
 Helps to develop power of expression of the
student.
 Helps in maintaining discipline in the class
because students stay busy in finding out the
solutions of their own problems.
 Thought provoking and develops higher level
thinking skills in students.
 The students learn to accept different opinions of
their classmates and become tolerate.
Disadvantages
 Time consuming methods and difficult to cover
the prescribe syllabus.
 All topics and areas cannot be covered by this
method.
 More mental activity and less physical activity.
 Method will fail if teacher is dominated.
 Talented and skillful teachers are required for
this method.
 Method does not suit students of lower classes.
Role of Teacher
 Must be alert and active teacher to arouse
interest among students.
 Guide them at every step and provide

assistance when needed to overcome

obstacle.
 Teacher should help the learner if they are

facing any difficulties.

 Establish report with students for smooth

competition of the work.

Conclusion
Problem solving is a suitable approach in
teaching. It develops in the learners the
ability to recognize analysis, solve and reflect
upon the problematic difficulties.