What is a Problem?

Is a purposeful activity that will remove a difficulty or perplexity through a process of reasoning.

Reflective Thinking

Is utilized in problem solving; it consists of two (2) phases:

1) Statement of the perplexity or difficulty which gives rise to thinking.

2) The act of searching, or inquiring, to find the material, process that will solve or dispose of the perplexity.

Problem solving is both a learning and teaching procedure.

Classifications of Problems

1. Mental – These are problems that are contemplative, reflective, academic, reconstructive, or imaginative. Arithmetic problems fall under this category.

Example of a Mental Problem

Classifications of Problems

2. Symbolic – These are problems that require written language, drawing, modeling, or construction for solution.

Example of a Symbolic Problem

A car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly over a time of 5.21 seconds for a distance of 110 m. Determine the acceleration of the car.

Classifications of Problems

3. Real – These are material, physical, or practical problems.

What would fall faster?

Functions of the Problem Method

1. To give training in reasoning.2. To give practical knowledge

and skills.3. To develop proper thought

habits that will enable the child to meet whatever exigencies in life there are.

4. To escape the consequences of some acts.

5. To learn how to act in a new situation.

Functions of the Problem Method

6. To learn how to make something.

7. To solve a puzzling mental problem.

8. To get out of a difficult situation.

9. To learn to suspend judgment.10.To satisfy curiosity.

Functions of the Problem Method

11.To learn to define and limit problems.

12.To learn how to find solutions.13.To improve judgment.14.To verify opinion.15.To discover a new process.16.To invent a new device.17.To create a new idea.18.To improve knowledge.

Functions of the Problem Method

19.To entertain others.20.To help another solve a

problem.

Values

Because the problem method is based on psychological drives, like curiosity, the child’s attitude toward school work is improved. The problem become sits stimulus and its solution; the goal. The child is encouraged to work on his own ability and the teacher ceases to be a taskmaster. It builds proper attitudes, among which the scientific attitude of considering all data accurately and objectively and testing the conclusion carefully.

Values

Not only does the pupil improve his ability to solve his own problems, but he also learns to evaluate the thoughts and solutions of others. Too often, students can recite facts but cannot apply them to situations. Experience is problem solving will provide opportunities to utilize these facts, to acquire new meanings, and to gain new insights.

Characteristics of a Good Problem:

1. A difficulty exists which demands solution. It is thought provoking.

2. The problem is clear, definite, suitable to the level of the students and of practical value.

3. It is real, interesting, and worthwhile to the class.

Steps in Problem Solving:

1. Recognition and statement of the problem, originating in a difficulty or perplexing situation.

2. Statement of hypothesis – inspection and proposal of solution or solutions.

3. Critical evaluation of suggested solution.

4. Verification of accepted solution.