Module 2 — Problem Solving Strategies & Skills

What is the first step in understanding a problem?

Identify when and how the problem became apparent, then clearly describe the problem or decision that needs to be addressed.

Why is it important to define a problem in your own words?

Explaining the problem clearly helps reveal what is actually wrong, what needs to change, and which factors matter. The slides emphasize that a properly defined problem is half-solved.

Why should multiple definitions of a problem be considered?

Different definitions reveal different causes, assumptions, and possible solutions. The first interpretation of a problem may not be the most useful.

What is the importance of identifying your current and desired situations?

Comparing where you are now with where you want to be reveals the gap that the solution must address and clarifies the objective.

What information should be gathered before attempting to solve a problem?

Important facts, relevant background information, applicable policies, rules, limitations, procedures, and any missing details needed to understand the situation.

Why should a problem be simplified without being oversimplified?

Simplification makes the problem easier to understand, but oversimplification removes important factors and may lead to ineffective or incorrect solutions.

What questions should be asked when developing potential solutions?

Have the assumptions been tested? Which options are feasible? Can ideas be combined into an effective plan? Have others solved similar problems successfully?

How can studying other people's solutions improve problem-solving?

Previous experience can reveal useful strategies, common mistakes, practical limitations, and methods that may be adapted to the current problem.

What should be evaluated before implementing a decision?

Available resources, likely consequences, different perspectives, practicality, deadlines, possible obstacles, and whether a backup plan is needed.

What is a contingency plan?

An alternative plan prepared in case the original solution encounters unexpected problems or fails to achieve the intended result.

Why should a problem-solving plan include deadlines and a review period?

Deadlines help organize implementation and measure progress; scheduled reviews allow the team to evaluate results and adjust the solution based on experience.

What are the two main categories of problems discussed in Module 2?

Obstacles that interfere with progress along a chosen path and system problems involving a deviation from normal or expected functioning.

How should system problems be approached?

Identify how the system differs from its normal state, investigate the cause of the deviation, and develop a solution that restores appropriate functioning.

What is the general problem-solving approach summarized in the slides?

Define the problem clearly, generate feasible solutions, ask appropriate questions, and select the most effective course of action.

Who developed the Paul-Elder Framework, and what is its purpose?

Richard Paul and Linda Elder developed a structured approach to critical thinking that helps people examine their reasoning, evaluate its quality, and develop better intellectual habits.

What are the three main components of the Paul-Elder Framework?

Elements of reasoning, intellectual standards, and intellectual traits.

What are the eight intellectual traits emphasized by the Paul-Elder Framework?

Intellectual humility, courage, empathy, autonomy, integrity, perseverance, confidence in reason, and fair-mindedness.

What do intellectual humility and intellectual courage mean?

Humility means recognizing the limits of your knowledge and possible mistakes; courage means being willing to question established beliefs or consider unpopular ideas.

What do intellectual empathy and fair-mindedness mean?

Empathy means understanding perspectives different from your own; fair-mindedness means evaluating different viewpoints fairly rather than favouring personal preferences.

What do intellectual autonomy, integrity, perseverance, and confidence in reason mean?

Autonomy: independent thinking; integrity: applying consistent standards; perseverance: continuing through difficulties; confidence in reason: trusting careful evidence-based reasoning.

What are the nine intellectual standards of the Paul-Elder Framework?

Clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness.

What is the difference between clarity and accuracy in critical thinking?

Clarity means an idea is understandable and unambiguous; accuracy means the information is factually correct. A clear statement can still be inaccurate.

How do precision and relevance differ as intellectual standards?

Precision requires sufficient exactness or detail; relevance requires information to be directly connected to the issue being investigated.

What is the difference between depth and breadth in critical thinking?

Depth considers the complexity and underlying causes of an issue; breadth considers alternative viewpoints, interpretations, and approaches.

What do logic, significance, and fairness require in the Paul-Elder Framework?

Logic requires conclusions to follow coherently from evidence; significance focuses on what matters most; fairness requires impartial treatment of competing viewpoints.

What are the elements of reasoning described in the presentation?

Purpose or problem, assumptions, point of view, data, interpretation of data, concepts and language, and implications and consequences.

Why must the purpose and problem be clearly identified in the Paul-Elder Framework?

Reasoning should aim toward a specific and productive objective; without a clear purpose, analysis may become unfocused or fail to address the actual issue.

Why must assumptions and point of view be examined in the Paul-Elder Framework?

Assumptions may lack evidence, while culture, personal interests, and biases influence interpretation. Identifying them helps make conclusions more objective.

What is the role of data and its interpretation in the Paul-Elder Framework?

Data provides evidence supporting or challenging claims; interpretation connects the evidence to meaningful conclusions without distorting the findings.

Why are concepts and language important in the Paul-Elder Framework?

Ideas must be explained clearly enough for an audience to understand, without changing, weakening, or misrepresenting the evidence.

What is the importance of implications and consequences in the Paul-Elder Framework?

They show what follows from a conclusion or decision and help determine whether the reasoning leads to an effective response to the original problem.

What is Bloom's Taxonomy, and why is it useful?

A hierarchical framework of thinking skills developed by educators to organize learning from basic recall to complex evaluation and creation, supporting structured critical thinking and innovation.

What are the six levels of the revised Bloom's Taxonomy, from lowest to highest?

Remember → Understand → Apply → Analyze → Evaluate → Create.

What is the difference between Remember and Understand in Bloom's Taxonomy?

Remember means recalling facts or concepts (list, define, state); Understand means explaining their meaning (describe, classify, discuss, explain).

What is the difference between Apply and Analyze in Bloom's Taxonomy?

Apply means using knowledge in a new situation (demonstrate, implement, solve); Analyze means examining relationships or breaking ideas apart (compare, contrast, distinguish, investigate).

What is the difference between Evaluate and Create in Bloom's Taxonomy?

Evaluate means judging or defending a decision using evidence (critique, justify, weigh); Create means developing something new or original (design, formulate, construct).

Which Bloom's Taxonomy levels match these tasks: listing a rule, using it, comparing solutions, defending a choice, and designing a new solution?

Listing = Remember; using = Apply; comparing = Analyze; defending = Evaluate; designing = Create.

How can critical-thinking frameworks be applied to personal health?

Identify health conditions and relevant measurements, review habits such as sleep, diet, exercise, and mental health, and honestly document a typical daily schedule.

How could the Paul-Elder Framework help someone improve a health habit?

Define the health goal, identify assumptions and biases, gather relevant information, interpret the evidence, consider alternatives and consequences, and make a reasoned plan.

How can Bloom's Taxonomy be used to develop a health-improvement plan?

Remember health facts, understand their meaning, apply healthy practices, analyze habits, evaluate possible changes, and create a personalized action plan.