Problem Solving Activities Perspectives on what they are, why we do them and how we approach the task Geoff Day 2010

Solution Seeking Activities Perspectives on what they are, why we do them and how we approach the task Geoff Day 2010

Stepping Back Why are we willing to work to acquire solutions? What drives and motivates us? Necessity, desire . . . ? Understanding, amusement . . . ? What underlies the need? Closure, satisfaction, competition, collaboration . . ? All of the above?

Achieving a Solution What are the skills and thinking tools involved? How do we learn and think during solution seeking? Is there a relationship between the strategies and approaches we take? Are all problems actually similar or are there some differences that suggest different approaches? Are we teaching students about solving all the kinds of problems they will meet?

Some Thoughts and Observations People use the term “Problem Solving” in very different ways, often determined by background and areas of expertise Could there be a “universal” Problem Solving model or are we trying to “force” one? Are there any common characteristics? 3

Solution Seeking Activities SPECTRUM OF METHODS?

Solution Seeking Activities How many solutions are acceptable? ONE MANY

Solution Seeking Activities What determines whether a solution is deemed acceptable? BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE LAWS RULES LOGIC PERCEPTION

Solution Seeking Activities EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS What type of evaluation do we apply to a solution? RIGHT/WRONG FEELINGS OBJECTIVE SUBJECTIVE

Solution Seeking Activities LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE Who accepts the solution? EVERYONE ONE PERSON?

Solution Seeking Activities REASONING Why do they accept the solution? PROVED CORRECT FEELS OK

Solution Seeking Activities KEY SOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS LOGIC PERCEPTION RIGHT/WRONG FEELINGS OBJECTIVE SUBJECTIVE PROVED CORRECT FEELS RIGHT EVERYONE ONE PERSON ONE MANY

Solution Seeking Activities “Major Families”? LOGIC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PERCEPTION

LOGIC LANGUAGE What is the solution? Can I and all others replicate the answer? What should I exclude to give me the correct answer? Can I prove that I am right? Focus on : reasoning, critical analysis, being “right” 24

PERCEPTION LANGUAGE What is a solution? How do I feel about what should be done? What could I include to give me a possible answer? Can I sense that this will work? Focus on: developing ideas – “being satisfied” 26

Solution Seeking Activities Examples in Society of the Families LOGIC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PERCEPTION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Creative Analytical - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Designer Researcher- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scientists - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Architects

Logic . . . Scientist Analysis Curiosity Inquiry What is the answer to my hypothesis? What can I eliminate to ensure I am right? Can I reduce the variables? Criteria focus: which criteria will prove that I am right? Can I and others replicate the answer? Analysis Curiosity Inquiry 25

Synthesis Creativity Design Architect . . . Perception What could be an answer to this need? What could I bring together to solve it? What other variables should I take into account? Criteria focus – what do I feel is the order of priority? Can I sense that this will work? Synthesis Creativity Design 26

A Problem of Simple Polarization? Fuzzy Logic? Chaos Theory? LOGIC PERCEPTION Emergence?

Summary “Families” more easily identified by our acceptance of their solutions, their evaluation and their characteristics. Method of achieving a solution should not be confused with the acceptability, e.g. creativity and analysis appear in both All approaches use similar tools, perhaps in a different order and emphasis, but with a different acceptable end-point. Recognizing the family we are using gives clues for creating authentic activities for students and appropriate assessment. Students need to experience both Inquiry and Design in every subject because it better reflects their real world.

Solution Seeking Activities Perspectives on what they are, why we do them and how we approach the task Geoff Day 2010