Page 151 - Learning to Learn

LEARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF -GROWER 151
EXPERIENCE 6: M ETHODOLOGIES: UNLOCKING PROCESS KNOWLEDGE READING
Several factors influence how effectively people are able to solve problems. First, there is the issue of
motivation on the part of the problem solver. You will be much more motivated to put forth effort and
perform the task of problem solving if the problem to be solved is relevant, and if you are in a situation that
you find interesting or important. In other words, the key question asked by the problem solver is—how
important is it to me that the problem gets solved? If you don’t care about the problem itself, you tend to
have little motivation to put forth your best effort.
Another issue that affects the quality of the problem solving process is the complexity and scope of the
problem compared to the knowledge base of the problem solver. For example, if you were taking an algebra
course, you might have a great deal of difficulty solving a calculus problem regardless of your level of
motivation. However, if you have some familiarity and experience with a certain kind of problem, that
would be a definite advantage over someone who is completely new to the situation. If you did not learn
from your first experience, though, it will still be challenging to solve a similar problem the second time
around.
A person’s self-confidence at problem solving is an important factor that influences the quality of problem
solving. Confidence is gained through past successes, which come from the skillful use of a process that
can be applied to any problem or situation.
Evelyn’s problem: As a mother of young children and a college
student, Evelyn is already juggling several and varied demands. This
term, she is taking two general education courses along with this
course. Her advisor wants her to decide pretty soon about a major,
but she’s not sure what to do. Evelyn’s parents are encouraging
her to consider becoming a teacher and returning to teach Ojibwe
children. Although she has always been interested in teaching,
Evelyn now thinks she wants to start her own business. To
help her think about this problem, Evelyn and her husband
have developed a list of pros and cons for each option.
Problem Solving Skills
Do you know someone who is good at solving problems? What makes this person a good problem solver?
Following is a list of some of the skills this person has likely developed.
Table 1 Skills Needed for Problem Solving
Being curious—wanting to find out more
Clarifying expectations—defining proficiency level
Collaborating—working together for mutual benefit
Exploring context—seeing the relationship of parts to the environment
Identifying assumptions—examining preconceptions/biases
Inquiring—asking key questions
Interpreting—adding meaning for better understanding
Managing resources—applying assets and means to important goals
Observing—seeing details in an environment/object