
Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.
-- Roger Lewin
In education, problem-solving is a foundational skill for navigating the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
Recently, problem-solving loomed large in my home! I renovated my bathrooms and was thrilled with the outcome, except for one thing! Our shower? Let's just say it had a mind of its own. One minute, we were singing in the rain, and the next, we were doing the ice-bucket challenge without signing up for it!
Assuming it was a faulty mixer fitting, we called a plumber to replace it.
Instead of going for the easy fix we suggested, our plumber channelled his inner MacGyver. Armed with gadgets and gizmos, he went all CSI on the case, measuring water temperatures in different areas of the house and unravelled the mystery like a pro. Our house was hiding a secret: it has not one, but two competing hot water systems! He separated them, and the shower finally behaved itself.
It hit me that this plumber wasn't just fixing pipes; he understood problem-solving as an art form.
Applying Lessons to Education:
This story has relevant implications for educators aiming to cultivate problem-solving abilities. Students of all ages will enjoy engaging in similar hands-on problem-solving. For younger students, a task might be the best way to join cardboard boxes to make a castle for a stage prop. Students might consider different perspectives to create a workable classroom agreement about community behaviour in their school. As they progress, challenges may evolve into innovative solutions to overcome environmental issues.
Our future, indeed, our present, needs good problem solvers.
Key Problem-Solving Principles:
Gather Input and Information: Encourage students to gather all relevant information about the problem, considering different perspectives and sources of data.
Take a Systematic Approach: Teach students to methodically test hypotheses and iterate on solutions, embracing trial and error as part of the learning process.
Document Discoveries: Record ideas using written and spoken media as well as creative arts.
Use Tools: Use any scientific or other tool that can help solve a current issue.
Analysis and Evaluation: Teach students to analyse and evaluate the information they have gathered, identifying patterns, root causes, and potential solutions.
Combination of Knowledge and Experience: Encourage students to draw from their past experiences, expertise, and understanding of similar situations to generate several potential solutions or approaches.
Creativity: Adopt creative thinking techniques, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or lateral thinking to determine consequences and think outside the box.
Reach the Best Solution: Guide students to generate the best possible solution by evaluating the available data and considering practicality, effectiveness, and feasibility.
By avoiding assumptions, applying perseverance and using a systematic approach to problem-solving, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. Problem-solving isn't only about finding answers; it's about embracing resilience, collaboration and creativity. Let's empower the next generation to tackle challenges with confidence, ingenuity, and a passion for making a difference
Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is a Melbourne-based education consultant and author of Edu-Chameleon. Lili-Ann’s specialisations are in early childhood education (birth to nine years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She is a child, parent and family advocate who believes education is a transformative force for humanity. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.
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