Page 132 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Profile of a Strong Problem Solver

Now to our next question—what makes a good problem solver? Table 5.2 contains the characteristics and
traits associated with strong problem solvers.

Table 5.2 A Good Problem Solver... score

Affective • Enters into problem solving situations with confidence in his/her abilities
Issues
• Is able to effectively manage frustration so he/she is able to take on more challenging
problems

• Enjoys the problem solving process as much as obtaining a solution

• Enjoys participating in activities that produce opportunities to solve intellectual problems

Strong and • Is able to appropriately identify and define the current problems confronting a process,
Varied Skill system, person or group

Set • Logically identifies key issues by utilizing previous problem solutions or outside expertise

• Selects relevant available information and determines what additional critical information is
worthwhile to obtain

Quality • Partitions a problem into a clear set of manageable sub-problem types which have been
Solutions previously solved

• Learns from past experience and effectively applies prior knowledge

• Effectively integrates sub-solutions into a cohesive solution

• Documents every problem solution so that others are able to use both the solution and the
documentation

• Improves the quality of problem solutions through the selection and use of modeling tools

• Produces multiple problem solutions to test and give depth and richness to the problem
solution

• Makes sure that every solution is tested for both reliability and robustness

Technology • Seeks out, learns, and uses technological tools to improve both the problem solving process
and the presentation of problem solutions

• Adapts to changing technological environments by identifying, analyzing, or discovering what
needs to change

Assessment • Assesses and validates the problem solution to make sure that every underlying assumption
and Feedback has been identified, tested, and documented

• Desires assessment of his/her problem solving process and uses the feedback to strengthen
his/her problem solving skills

Total:

126 Foundations of Learning