How to learn English? Lectures of English Learning.
3.5 problem solving process
· There are many approaches to problem solving, depending on the nature of the problem and the people involved in the problem. The more traditional, rational approach is typically used and involves, e.g., clarifying description of the problem, gathering information ,identifying alternatives, assessing each alternative, choosing one, implementing it, and evaluating whether the problem was solved or not.
· All that worrying can become directed thinking by channeling it into the following procedure. To make the best decisions and to become valuable knowledge workers, we can follow this simple five-step plan.
3.5.1 Identify and clarify the problem. Our first task is recognizing that a problem exists. The first step in reaching a solution is pinpointing the problem area. Look at the situation carefully. Figure out what it is that you are trying to solve. This will be your problem.
The normal process for solving a problem will initially involve defining the problem we want to solve. we need to decide what we want achieve and write it down. Often people keep the problem in their head as a vague idea and can so often get lost in what they are trying to solve that no solution seems to fit. Merely writing down the problem forces you to think about what you are actually trying to solve and how much you want to achieve. The first part of the process not only involves writing down the problem to solve, but also checking that we are answering the right problem. It is a check-step to ensure that we do not answer a side issue or only solve the part of the problem that is most easy to solve. People often use the most immediate solution to the first problem definition that we find without spending time checking the problem is the right one to answer
3.5.2 Problem analysis (Information Gathering) Learn more about the problem situation. Look for possible causes and solutions. This step may mean checking files, calling suppliers, or brainstorming with fellow workers. For example, the air-freight delivery service would investigate the tracking systems of the commercial airlines carrying its packages to determine what went wrong. The next step in the process is often to check where we are, what the current situation is and what is involved in making it a problem. For example, what are the benefits of the current product/service/process? And why did we decide to make it like that? Understanding where the problem is coming from, how it fits in with current developments and what the current environment is, is crucial when working out whether a solution will actually work or not. Similarly we must have a set of criteria by which to evaluate any new solutions or you will not know whether the idea is workable or not. This section of the problem solving process ensures that time is spent in stepping back and assessing the current situation and what actually needs to be changed.
After this investigation, it is often good to go back one step to reconfirm that our r problem definition is still valid. Frequently after the investigation people discover that the problem they really want to answer is very different from their original interpretation of it.
3.5.3 Generating possible Solutions When we have discovered the real problem that we want to solve and have investigated the climate into which the solution must fit, the next stage is to generate a number of possible solutions. At this stage we should concentrate on generating many solutions and should not evaluate them at all. Very often an idea, which would have been discarded immediately, when evaluated properly, can be developed into a superb solution. At this stage, we should not pre-judge any potential solutions but should treat each idea as a new idea in its own right and worthy of
3.5.4 Analyzing the Solutions This section of the problem solving process is where we investigate the various factors about each of the potential solutions. We note down the good and bad points and other things, which are relevant to each solution. Even at this stage we are not evaluating the solution because if we do so then we could decide not to write down the valid good points about it because overall we think it will not work. However we might discover that by writing down its advantages that it has a totally unique advantage. Only by discovering this might we choose to put the effort in to develop the idea so that it will work.
3.5.5 Selecting the best Solution(s)this is the section where we look through the various influencing factors for each possible solution and decide which solutions to keep and which to disregard. we look at the solution as a whole and use our judgment as to whether to use the solution or not. In Innovation Toolbox, we can vote using either a Yes/No/Interesting process or on a sliding scale depending on how good the idea is. Sometimes pure facts and figures dictate which ideas will work and which will not. In other situations, it will be purely feelings and intuition that decides. Remember that intuition is really a lifetimes experience and judgment compressed into a single decision Draw conclusions from the gathered evidence and pose solutions. Then, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. What are the costs, benefits, and consequences? What are the obstacles, and how can they be handled? Most important, what solution best serves our goals and those of our organization? Here's where our creativity is especially important.
Exercise 3.7.1 Using five steps of problem solving. Find the solution of this problem.” I can't go to my school because my bicycle is punctured”.
3.7.2 Using five steps of problem solving. Find the solution of this problem.” It is impossible for me to take mathematics test that will be taken on tomorrow because in our area electricity is failed.”
3.7.3 Using five steps of problem solving. Find the solution of this problem.” Nasir’s health is falling down day by day because he did not like vegetables “.
3.7.4 Using five steps of problem solving. Find the solution of this problem.” Aslam always gets excellent marks in the exams but he could not get good marks in the final exam”
3.7.5 Using five steps of problem solving .Find the solution of this problem. A man was doing his job but was killed because he lacked a certain piece of furniture. Why?
3.7.6 News paper article
The purpose of this activity is to analyze the arguments in a newspaper article .The students will work on their ability to break ideas and problems into parts and analyze them ,as well as their ability to understand multiple points of view .For this proceed as follows
3.7.6.1 Make students groups
3.7.6.2 Students are asked to choose an article from the opinion section of the newspaper.( 5 minutes )
3.7.6.3 After reading it, write a brief description of what the article is trying to convince the reader of(10 minutes)
3.7.6.4 Discussion (10 minutes) .For this ask different questions
3.7.7 Advertisement Analysis
The purpose of this activity is to analyze the advertisement .For this we work in the following steps.
3.7.7.1 Divide the students into groups
3.7.7.2 Find out an advertisement from a magazine or news paper.
3.7.7.3 Ask them to analyze what the ad is trying to convince the viewer to buy and describe what technique ad uses.
3.7.7.4 Discussion .Ask the following questions
What is the ad trying to persuade you to do ?
How does it go about trying to persuade you?
If there are people shown in the ad, why do
Think advertiser chose the models they did
for the add ?
Does the ad make you want to try the
Product advertised why ?why not ?
3.7.8 Story Writing
Explain the students that we are going to begin a story and that each student will discuss how the story could end. Start with something like: "Once upon a time, there was a …………….story should not be more than one page.
3.7.9 The chillies Experiment
Naeem and his 12-year old brother waqas bought hot chilly pepper seeds, and planted some under a tree in their backyard. When the chillies were ready to be eaten, Naeem was disappointed because they were not hot. Why were the chillies not hot? Waqas’s hypothesis was that the plants were not watered enough. Naeem disagreed. His hypothesis was that the plants didn't get enough sun. They decided to conduct an experiment to find out who was right.
3.7.9.1 Describe an experiment that will tell us whose hypothesis was right.
3.7.9.2 What kinds of experimental results will support each of the conclusions?
3.7.9.3 That they were both wrong.
3.7.9.4 That they were both right.
3.7.9.5 That Naeem was right, and Waqas was wrong
3.7.9.6 That Waqas was right, and Naeem was wrong
How many squares are there
How many squares are there |
Answer:
3.7.10 How Many triangles Are There?
Directions: How many triangles are present in this picture
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Answer:
3.7.11 What Do We Have In Common?
Directions: For each number, explain what the words have in common
California, New York, Mississippi | _________________________________________ |
2. Pizza, French fries, Cheeseburger | _________________________________________ |
3. Rose, Daffodil, Carnation | _________________________________________ |
4. Washington, Lincoln, Clinton | _________________________________________ |
5. Red, Blue, Purple | _________________________________________ |
6. Radio, Telephone, CD player | _________________________________________ |
7. Milk, Juice, Soda pop | _________________________________________ |
8. Basketball, Football, Soccer | _________________________________________ |
9. Newspaper, Book, Magazine | _________________________________________ |
10. Cow, Pig, Horse | _________________________________________ |
11. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter | _________________________________________ |
12. Computer, Television, Movies | _________________________________________ |
13. Eyes, Nose, Mouth | _________________________________________ |
14. Fork, Spoon, Knife | _________________________________________ |
15. Math, Social Studies, Science | _________________________________________ |
3.7.12 What Doesn't Belong?
Directions: For each number, circle each word/object that does not belong and then explain whyWindow, Glass Door, Wall | _________________________________________ |
2. Roller Skates, Cars, Houses | _________________________________________ |
3. Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, Driveway | _________________________________________ |
4. Saturn, Venus, Frogs | _________________________________________ |
5. Lead, Nickel, Oxygen | _________________________________________ |
6. Sad, Happy, Mad | _________________________________________ |
7. Trees, Grass, Cats | _________________________________________ |
8. Ball, Sphere, Cube | _________________________________________ |
9. Pencil, Tape, Glue | _________________________________________ |
10. Dance, Present, Gift | _________________________________________ |
11. Shop, Bear, Buy | _________________________________________ |
12. Cake, Posion, Muffin | _________________________________________ |
13. Energy, Lawn Mower, Scissors | _________________________________________ |
14. Shower, Bath, Sewer | _________________________________________ |
15. Chalk, Lemon, Orange | _______________________________________ |
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