1. Problem Solving in College: How To Manage Challenges

2. Video: Problem Solving In A College Classroom

3. Discussion: How Do you Define Problem Solving?

4. What is problem solving?
“The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.”-Google Define Search
“Using logic or common sense to reason out the solution to a challenge one is facing”-Random McDaniel Math Major
“What to do when you don’t know what to do” -

5. Do you Problem Solve?
Many do not realize it but everybody problem solves every single day of their life!
Some examples:
What clothes am I going to wear today?
What am I going to eat for breakfast?
What am I going to do for fun today?
What errands do I have to do toady? What order should they be done in?
What time should I set my alarm for tomorrow?

6. How do we Problem Solve?
There are five steps in the problem solving process:
ID the problem
Explore related info/brainstorm
Pick the best idea
Build/Test the Idea
Reflect on the Results

7. What types of problems might you face?
Roommate Issues
Time Management
(i.e. Academic vs Social )
Technical Problems (Computer Not Working, Internet Not Working etc.
Unforeseen Academic/Life Challenges
(i.e. Massive snow storm, several day campus wide power outage, los of a loved one, break up with a significant other/partner etc.)

8. What happens if…. I tried and I still can’t solve this!
Then in the words of Albert Einstein:
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.”

9. Thus……
Different techniques need to be used to find solutions to problems
More quotes from Einstein:

10. Einstein Also Said…..
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” In other words, DO NOT:

11. So what can you do if you have been stressing over a problem for a while?
Clear your head
If it is something that you have been struggling with for a couple of hours/days straight, take a break, clear your head and come back to the problem from a different perspective.
Ask for Help
There are many different resources on campus that can help you out….professors, counselors, deans, RA’s etc. Don’t know which one can help you the best? Asking your Peer Mentor, Faculty Advisor, or Dean is a good place to start.

12. More Things You Can Do To Problem Solve
Brainstorm –Think of all possible solutions to the problem even if you do not think they are realistic and write them down. Be Creative. Think in ideal terms. Do not evaluate the ideas (“That won’t work.”; “There is no way that will happen.”; “That’s a stupid idea.”) until the end….Just focus on generating all possible ideas. Once you have all the possible solutions to your dilemma, decide what would work for you. Consider adjusting some ideas so they could possibly work. The best solutions to problems often begin with ideas that are the most “off the wall” or seem to have little chance of happening.

13. More Things You Can Do To Problem-Solve
Use Visuals – Draw a picture, Diagrams, Flow Charts, Decision Matrix to help you brainstorm ideas, see all aspects of a situation, and make a final decision on the best way to solve a problem; Great technique for visual learners

14. More Things You Can Do To Problem-Solve
Be Flexible in Your Thinking –Avoid Functional Fixedness (Example: Think beyond the traditional or typical use of objects)
Take Various Perspectives On A Problem –If you have a problem with a roommate, think how other see the problem –How do you see the problem? How might your roommate see the problem? How would the people living in the room next to your see the problem? How would your RA see the problem? How would your parent or sibling see the problem? How would a counselor see the problem? How would a police officer see the problem?

15. References

16. References