Cluster 9: Problem Solving

Marisa Maldonado
EDU 2110
March 11, 2015

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Cluster 9: Problem Solving
What role does factual knowledge play in expert problem
solving?
I think that factual knowledge plays a huge role in problem solving. I
think that without knowing the facts of a situation then it will be hard
to solve a problem efficiently. I think that it is very important to know
all the sides to an issue before you actually solve it.

How can you teach problem solving and still have students
develop basic skills?
By having children begin with solving problems in schoolwork helps
them become introduced with issues and how to solve them and these
problems are great for practicing. Then as they become more familiar
with them you can begin adding real world problems to the mix. EX: If
Johnny has three pies and wants to share one pie with Petunia how
many pies would Johnny have left. With these sort of problems the
children can relate and understand and eventually learn how to solve
any story problems.
What can teachers do to encourage creative problem solving?
I think by demonstrating creative problem solving themselves and
talking together as a class and coming up with creative ideas together
can help the students not only solve problems creatively but also ask
for help from their peers.

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What types of things might impede students creative problem
solving?
I think by not asking for help and not given any problems to work with
everyday and impede the student. I think like anything, you must
practice to be able to perfect the skill. By not giving the students
problems to practice they will never learn how to solve them and work
through them alone.
What problem solving techniques work best for you? Why?
I think by working step by step with the students not only breaks the
problem but it is an effective way to teach the students that they can
do this only their own. I am a dance teacher and when the girls are
having a problem with each other or the dance, we break it down and I
make sure that they are asking questions, so they can explain to me
what they dont understand and we can work through it together. I
think that is the best technique to both help the teacher and the
student.