AP CSP - Good Problem Solvers realize...

What do good solvers realize?

Extra Fact: Problem Solving is an area of Cognitive Psychology!

Problems can be:

  • An opportunity for improvementā€¦

  • or an obstacle between your current state and your goal. It can be both, too.

However, there are some rules of thumb concerning problem-solving:

  • Trial and Error is pretty important

  • Thereā€™s no ā€œrightā€œ way to solve a problem(unless itā€™s math. Then thereā€™s only one right way, 9 times out of 10).

  • You can rearrange/slightly modify the problem to make it easier to solve

  • Itā€™s not always linear(itā€™s usually not a cut-and-dry path to success)

  • However, you can improve your problem-solving skills by problem-solving how you solve problems. Woah.

And how, exactly, do you problem-solve your problem-solving? Iā€™m so glad you asked.

Engage

  • Get psyched up

  • Think back to previous success, and think about whatā€™s worked for you in the past.

Define

  • Read the task

  • Look for clues on how to start

  • Break down the task

  • Analyze the prompt; find what youā€™re solving

  • VISUALIZE the problem

  • Understand it with your own š“¼š“½š”‚š“µš“®

Explore

  • Identify constraints(time, resources, etc)

  • Make a hypothesis on your method

  • Ask questions

Plan

  • Decide on a method/strategy

  • Map out your steps

  • Monitor your progress

Assess

  • Interpret/evaluate your solution

  • Check your work

  • Make sure you answered the question

Reflect

  • Review the process

    • What went well?

    • What could you have done better?

    • What was missing?