Unit 4: Reading Passage
Numerous books have been written about problem solving. This article highlights a basic six-step problem solving procedure which may be useful for many everyday problems. If you're facing a serious problem, it may be wise to consult a counselor, minister, or trusted friend for more advice. To illustrate this problem solving procedure, let's consider a problem many English learners face: how to improve their listening skills.
- Specify a problem -
The first step in solving a problem is to identify what it actually is. Not all problems are what they seem to be at first. How you specify a problem significantly influences its outcome. Take the time to make sure the problem you want to work on is well defined. Also, state the problem in terms of a positive outcome. Rather than saying, "I can't hear English sounds", it's better to rephrase this as, "I want to be able to understand 70% of the new broadcasts on on ICRT radio by [date]."
- Generate possible solutions -
Next, think of as many potential solutions as possible. This is done best in groups to get a diverse range of opinions. One way to generate solutions is to have each member of a group mention a possible solution to a problem. Someone in the group should write the suggestions down.
- Weigh options -
Now evaluate the previous ideas. A useful way of assessing ideas is by listing their pros (+) and cons (-) graphically like this -
| IDEA | + | - | |
| 1. | Record short radio segments & replay until understood |
detailed and specific | hard to tell what's important |
| 2. | Study the K.K. sound system | covers most English sounds | boring, doesn't consider sentences |
| 3. | Just let the radio play | easy | learn almost nothing |
| 4. | Talk with foreigners | "real" English | hard and sometimes socially awkward |
| 5. | Listen to children's tapes | simple vocabulary, easy topics |
often childish, topics limited |
Can you think of any other ideas to improve your English listening skills not listed above? If so, note them here -
6. 7. 8.
By weighing the benefits and disadvantages of each idea, their overall value becomes easier to determine.
Determine the best solution - After critically weighing the various choices, select the proposal(s) with the most promise. Among the proposals listed in Step 3, which do you feel are most worth doing?
Implement the solution - At this stage, commit yourself to carrying out the best proposal(s). Also, make sure you are reasonably clear about how to implement the plan.
Periodically re-assess your position - Finally, it should be recognized that a solution which worked at one time may not work at another. As a case in point, the K.K. system was considered the best way to learn English sounds for many years in Taiwan. Now a phonics-oriented approach has gained more favor. From time to time it is worth reviewing your solutions to make sure your ideas stay on track.
This article has briefly outlined a simple six step problem solving procedure. If you're interested in learning more about problem solving, take a look at some of the books listed below.
- Tim Newfields
Further Reading
Edwards, Ronald R. Problem Solving Through Critical Thinking. Addison Wesley Publishing Company. 1993.
Higgins, James. "101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques: The Handbook of New Ideas for Business". New York: Vintage Books, 1994.
Stoker, Alan. Learning Through Problem Solving. Casdec, 1984.
Wenger, Win and Richard Poe. The Einstein Factor: A Proven Method for Increasing Your Intelligence. Rocklin, Ca: Prima Publishing, 1996.
copyright (c) 1999 by Ming Chuan University
Ver. 2.0 - Updated 1 Nov. 1999
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