Problem Solving

Skill:	Problem Solving
Definition:	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.
Purpose:	The ability to solve problems is a basic life skill and is essential to our day-to-day lives, at home, at school, and at work. We solve problems every day without really thinking about how we solve them. The problem solving skill helps to refine a number of other skills such as logic, creativity, resilience, imagination, lateral thinking, determination and increases self-confidence and above all makes the impossible possible.
Description:	Problem solving can be defined as the capacity to engage in cognitive processing to understand and resolve problem situations where a method of solution is not immediately obvious. It includes the students’ willingness to engage with such situations in order to achieve their potential as constructive and reflective citizens.
Knowledge:	Humans learn how to solve simple problems from a very early age (learning to eat, make coordinated movements and communicate) – and as a person goes through life problem solving skills are refined, matured and become more sophisticated (enabling them to solve more difficult problems).
Abilities:	Each step in the problem solving process employs skills and methods that contribute to the overall effectiveness of influencing change and determine the level of problem complexity that can be addressed. Finding a suitable solution for issues can be accomplished by following the basic four-step problem solving process: 1. Define the problem; 2. Generate alternative solutions; 3. Evaluate and select an alternative; 4. Implement and follow up on the solution. In order to be effective at problem solving are needed some other key skills, which include creativity, researching skill, team working, emotional intelligence, risk management, decision making.
Tips for teachers:	Problem solving is also the process of observing what is going on in your environment; identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact of those actions in the environment. During lessons, can be proposed exercises that simulate problem situations from real life, in order to assess the general ability of students to draw conclusions, to structure the problem solving process and their willingness to do so.
Sources / resources	https://asq.org/quality-resources/problem-solving https://www.pisa.tum.de/en/domains/problem-solving/ https://www.kepner-tregoe.com/blog/what-is-problem-solving-and-why-is-it-important/ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-educationalpsychology/chapter/problem-solving/ https://asq.org/quality-resources/problem-solving https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/problem-solving.html