Problem Solving

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the importance of good problem

solving.

• List the 6 habits of effective problem solvers

• Apply a systematic method to problem

solving
 Introduction, 1
• Everyone has problems; problems at home, at school or
at work.

• If you are alive and breathing, you have problems.

• Problems challenge us, and show us what sort of person

we are deep inside.

• Most problems can be solved in ways that draw upon our

inner strengths and leave us stronger and happier
individuals.
 Introduction, 2
 Problem solving and critical thinking refers to the ability
to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve
problems.

 The quality of your life is influenced by your competency

as a problem solver.

 Becoming a problem solver is a skill you can learn.

 However, the main challenge is applying these skills.

 The Six Habits of Effective
Problem Solvers
1: Admit you have a problem

2: Figure out exactly what the problem is

3: Identify possible solutions

4: Evaluate the possible solutions

5: Select the best solution

6: Justify with appropriate reasons

 Habit 1: Admit that you
have a problem, 1
• Most people have difficulty admitting that they have flaws.

• As we have discussed during the lecture on barriers to critical

thinking, we all like to think that we are special, better than
others, and that we are uncommonly blessed with talent, luck
and sturdy common sense.

• The first, and often the hardest step in confronting a problem

is admitting you have one.
 Habit 1: Admit that you
have a problem, 2

• No one can fix what they do not know is broken.

• Neither individuals nor organisations can solve problems

by pretending they do not exist.

• Admitting you have a problem can be painful and

requires honesty and courage.

• However, it is usually less painful to tackle a problem

head on than to ignore it or to allow it grow worse.
 Habit 2: Figure out exactly what the
problem is, 1
• Take time to understand accurately and thoroughly the
nature of the problem.
• Describe as specifically as possible what you think the
problem is.

Example
General “My problem is money.”
More specific “My problem is budgeting my money so that I won’t
always run out near the end of the month.”

Most specific “My problem is developing the habit and the

discipline to budget my money so that I won’t
always run out near the end of the month.”
 Habit 2: Figure out exactly what the
problem is, 2
• Talk to the people you trust.
• If necessary, break the problem into manageable subproblems.

Example:
You are having problems with one of the courses you are taking
this semester e.g. chemistry. Look at the factors that might
cause the problem.
• Your study habits?
• Your class attendance?
• The complexity of the material?
• Your level of interest?
• The distractions in your life?
• A combination of these?
 Habit 2: Figure out exactly what the
problem is, 3
• A car mechanic cannot fix a problem he or she cannot
diagnose.

• The same is true with most difficult decisions we make.

• To solve problems effectively, we need to understand

exactly what they are.
 Habit 3: Identify Possible Solutions

• Identify the alternatives

• Here, several factors need to be considered.

– What counts as a satisfactory “solution”?
• Would I be happy with a passing grade in chemistry, or must
it be at least a B?
– How confident can I be that I have identified all possible
solutions or at least the most promising ones?
– Have I researched and brainstormed enough?
– Do I need to be more creative?
– How sure am I that my solutions are genuine solutions?
 Habit 4: Evaluate the
Possible Solutions, 1
• What are the pros and cons of each potential
solution?

• It is helpful to write down comparative advantages

and disadvantages of the various options.

• The act of writing makes it easier to clarify one’s

thoughts and makes it easier to consider pros and
cons carefully and systematically.
 Habit 4: Evaluate the
Possible Solutions, 2

• Some decisions are minor and do not require such an

analysis.

• However, high-impact decisions should made as

thoughtfully and deliberately as possible.
 Habit 4: Evaluate the
Possible Solutions, 3
Example: Problem - Student having financial issues
Attend college part-time/ Attend weekend classes
e.g. Open University

Advantage: This would remove some of the immediate time and money
pressures I am experiencing while still allowing me to prepare for the
future. I would have more time to focus on the courses that I am taking
and to work additional hours.

Disadvantage: It would take me much longer to complete my

schooling, thus delaying my progress toward my goals. Also, I might
lose motivation and drop out before completing school because the
process would be taking so long. Being a part-time student might even
threaten my eligibility for financial aid.
 Habit 5: Select the Best Solution

• Decide on a thoughtful course of action

based on your increased understanding.
• Which alternative(s) can be pursued?
o Evaluate and compare alternatives
o Combine alternatives
o Try out each alternative in your
imagination
Habit 6: Justify with Appropriate Reasons

• Implementation is the critical stage of the

problem-solving process.

• This is where you draw up an action plan

and follow through with your chosen
approach.
 Problem –Solving Questions
Susan, who is your close friend and classmate, is a third semester foundation student.
Her CGPA is above 3.0 and she has been doing well for the past two semesters.
However, you noticed that for the past three weeks, she has been missing classes, and
has always been late for classes. As her friend, you are very concerned, so you
approached Susan after class and tried to talk to her. Susan said: "I am feeling totally
overwhelmed by everything. My family is having financial issues, and my parents only
have money to cover my tuition fees for the foundation programme. My parents informed
me that they are not able to pay for my fees for my degree programme, so I have taken
up a part-time job to save money so that I can pay for my tuition fees. My job is taking
more time than I expected. I'm supposed to work 20 hours a week, but lately my
employer wants more hours from me, and now it's more like 30 hours a week. I'm behind
in all my classes, I have a math and a physics quiz next week. I also have not had
enough sleep and I have a cold. I feel terrible. I just don't know where to start, or what to
do next. I feel like quitting my job, but I need the money for my tuition fees." What should
I do? What advice would you give to Susan?

Analyse the problem using the suggested structure .

 Problem –Solving Questions
Identify the Susan’s family is having financial issues and is unable to pay for
problem/issue her tuition fees for her degree programme. Susan has to take up a
. part-time job to save money for her education. However, her job is
getting more demanding and this has affected her studies.

Give TWO (2) Solution 1

possible Susan should quit her job and focus on her studies. Most
universities offer financial aid or scholarship to students who
solutions perform well in their studies. If her academic performance is
exceptional, she can even be offered a full scholarship.

Solution 2
If Susan decides to continue working, she should speak to her
employer and ask for her working hours to be reduced so that she
has time to study. Working 30 hours a week is too demanding and
has taken a toll on her studies.
 Problem –Solving Questions
Justify your Justification 1
action and She should focus on completing her foundation programme as she
is already in her third semester. Her academic performance has
solution
. with been good so far. Considering her family’s financial situation, she
TWO (2) is eligible for financial aid or scholarship. If she does not quit her
appropriate job and prioritise her studies, she cannot even pursue her degree.
reasons What is the point of working and saving money if she cannot even
pass her foundation programme?

Justification 2
Completing her foundation programme is priority at the moment.
Therefore, she should talk to her employer so that her employer
can understand her situation. If she does not inform her employer
of her situation, her employer would not know her situation.
Having reduced working hours will enable her to focus on her
studies.
 Activity:
Problem-Solving Questions

In groups of 4 or 5, read situations A, B and C.

For each situation,

• identify the problem or the issue.

• give TWO (2) possible solutions
• justify your action and solution with TWO
(2) appropriate reasons
 Suggested Structure for Problem Solving
Identify the
problem/issue

.
Give TWO (2)
possible solutions

Justify your action 1.

and solution with
TWO (2)
appropriate
reasons
2.  
 Activity:
Problem-Solving Questions
A. Procrastination

I am a procrastinator. Whenever I have something important to do, especially if

it’s difficult or unpleasant, I tend to put it off. Though this chronic delaying
bothers me, I try to suppress my concern and instead work on more trivial
things. It doesn’t matter how much time I allow for certain responsibilities, I
always end up waiting until the last minute to really focus and get things done,
or I overschedule too many things for the time available. I usually meet my
deadlines, but not always, and I don’t enjoy working under this kind of
pressure. In many cases I know that I’m not producing my best work. To make
matters worse, the feeling that I’m always behind causes me to feel really
stressed out and undermines my confidence. I’ve tried every kind of schedule
and technique, but my best intentions simply don’t last, and I end up slipping
into my old habits. I must learn to get my priorities in order and act on them in
an organized way so that I can lead a well-balanced and happier life.
 Activity:
Problem-Solving Questions
B. Losing Weight

My problem is the unwelcome weight that has attached

itself to me. I was always in pretty good physical shape
when I was younger, and if I gained a few extra pounds,
they were easy to lose if I adjusted my diet slightly or
exercised a little more. As I’ve gotten older, however, it
seems easier to add the weight and more difficult to
take it off. I’m eating healthier than I ever have before
and getting just as much exercise, but the pounds just
keep on coming. My clothes are tight, I’m feeling slow
and heavy, and my self-esteem is suffering. How can I
lose this excess poundage?
 Activity:
Problem-Solving Questions
C. Smoking

One problem in my life that has remained unsolved for about

twelve years is my inability to stop smoking. I know it is
dangerous for my health, and I tell my children that they
should not smoke. They then tell me that I should stop, and I
explain to them that it is very hard to do. I have tried to stop
many times without success. The only times I previously was
able to stop were during my two pregnancies because I didn’t
want to endanger my children’s health. But after their births, I
went back to smoking, although I realize that secondhand
smoke can also pose a health hazard. I want to stop smoking
because it’s dangerous, but I also enjoy it. Why do I continue,
knowing it can only damage me and my children?
 Summary

 Life is full of problems.

 It is important for us to confront and solve

problems effectively.

 Good problem-solving skills help us to

navigate life successfully and steer us in the
right direction of our dreams.