The Problem Solving Process

The process of problem solving can be thought of in terms of four basic steps. This four-step approach is usually attributed to the mathematician George Polya (1887-1985).

  1. Understand the problem
  2. Plan how to solve it
  3. Solve the problem
  4. Look back and check your answer.

Everyday we are involved in some kind of problem solving. Each person has different ways of approaching problems. We are faced with the challenge to develop our problem solving processes to fit the problem at hand. What we need, then, are strategies, a well-stocked tool box, and the skill and knowledge necessary to choose the appropriate tool(s) in our tool kit. Toward that end, the following generic problem solving model is presented for your consumption and utilization.

A Socratic Approach To The Problem Solving Process

  • Understand the Problem

    •  What am I asked to find/solve?

    •  What does the problem ask for?

    •  What information is given?

    •  What information is known and what information is missing?

  • Plan how to solve it- Brainstorm Alternatives to respond- Devise a Plan

    •  How do I find out?

    •  What can I use to find what is requested?

    •  Could I use a diagram to help clarify the problem?

    •  How can I organize the data to assist in solving the problem?

    •  What problem- solving strategies can I use?

  • Implement a Plan- Solve the Problem

    •  Where can I find what I need?

    •  What information can I use?

    •  Does the strategy I have chosen use any tables, charts, formulas or properties I need to review?

    •  Can I identify a series of steps which are needed to solve the problem?

    •  What is the sequence of steps which I need to implement to respond to the request?

  • Look Back and check your answer- Evaluate the Plan

    •  Is the problem solved?

    •  How can I put my information together?

    •  What does the result tell me?

    •  What have I learned?

    •  Does the result respond to the request?

    •  Can I check or verify my solution by substituting the results into the original problem?

For your convenience, a problem solving process template has been designed.

Problem Solving Process

Understand the Problem

Organize the knowledge about the situation/about the request

  • FIND OUT :
    • What am I asked to find/Solve?

    • What does the problem ask for?

  • KNOWN :
    • What have i got ?
    • What is important?

 

Plan how to solve it -Brainstorm Alternatives to respond

  • Devise a Plan/Visualize the Situation Implement a Plan/ Solve the Problem

  • DRAWING How do I find out? What can I use to find what is requested? Sketch a picture, diagram, chart and/or graph.
  • STRATEGY Where can I find what I need? What information can I use? Generate ideas on how to fulfill the need (request). Develop viable concepts based on generated ideas. Perform operations based on the concepts.


Look Back -Evaluate the plan/result: Is the problem solved?

  • SOLUTION How can I put my information together? What does the result tell me? What Have I learned? Does the result respond to the request?

Russell Conwell Center

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