Ways to learn problem solving skills
By- Ishita Sharma
Problems, for some, they are the challenges to explore themselves better, for others it is just a matter to be dealt with. Well, if they could knock before coming in, we would never want them to come in. But there are only few who escape them wisely, while the rest just deal with finding solutions. We all know, nothing comes easy in life. Everything that we want needs to be earned and that requires putting in consistent efforts. The thought that comes initially in mind when one is ambushed with a problem is to get rid of it as soon as possible, be it related to the personal, academic, financial or professional front. The solutions to these problems can be looked out easily if we critically assess the problem. Although, problems and problem solving may be context and discipline specific, but the concept and process have overarching components and similarities across contexts.
The problems could be simple, complicated, complex or chaotic. Initially, it is required to find what exactly the problem is. The next step is to brainstorm the possible solutions that could be used to solve the particular problem. This could include what solutions one used in the past, like if it is required for a similar problem, or could think of at least 5-6 solutions that could be used to tackle it. The next step is to identify the pros and cons of each of the possible solutions and to have a clear understanding of them. This will make it easier to pick out the best solution to the problem, which is also the next step. After, sorting out the best possible solution, the next step is to implement it to the problem and find out if it works well as planned or not.
Although, there are many ways to learn problem solving skills, but one that remains the foremost is to be able to acknowledge our past experiences and derive (if any) possible solutions from them. These experiences contain what one has been through, and moved out of. Implementing to our present, from what we had already learned from the past brings in us a sense of confidence and self-dependence that we will be able to tackle the current problem.
Another way could include learning through observation. We happen to be a part of various situations in our day to day life. It could be at home, in our work place/ school/university, a vacation with friends or family, an awareness workshop or an influencing seminar. At home, it is always easy to observe our parents or other family members solving various problems or the steps they take to deal with that particular problem. Similarly in the workplace it could be our manager, colleagues or even the staff workers who make us learn a lot simply through observation. Learning how different people use different strategies for the same problem is also an interesting way to expand our knowledge about problem solving skills.
If we talk about kids who do not have enough experience, it is important for them to imagine what they would prefer as a solution to a particular problem. It is important to initially decide upon the possible ways to tackle that problem with the resources that are available to us at the moment. It is easier for kids of all ages to learn through the context of play, through building blocks, puzzles, spending time with their friends etc. it all just simply adds on the expansion of their experiences.
It is not always necessary to reach to the best possible solution. Sometime, when encountered with failure, it is crucial to just learn, accept and move on. If we are solving any particular problem as a team, it is necessary to agree on a process that is to agree to basic ground rules and procedures before starting with the problem-solving process like on the professional front. It is pivotal to take under consideration every individual’s perspective towards the solution of that particular problem and then decide on what works best.
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