As a teacher, I often encounter students who come to me asking for guidance. They are usually confused about their academic performance, their mistakes, or their challenges. They think that these are the problems they need to solve. But are those really?
In this blog post, I will share with you my approach to problem-solving, which I use to help my students and myself. I will explain what a problem is, how to identify it, and how to find the best solution.
What is a problem?
A problem is not a situation that makes you unhappy, frustrated, or disappointed. A problem is not a weakness, a flaw, or a failure. A problem is not something that you have to avoid, ignore, or deny.
A problem is a question that you need to answer, a decision that you need to make, or a goal that you need to achieve. A problem is something that challenges your current knowledge, skills, or resources. A problem is something that requires your creativity, logic, or action.
Here is an example: you go to the bathroom every day and wash your face with a Dettol soap. But one day, there are two soaps in the bathroom. One is Dettol and the other is Lux. Now that’s a problem. Which soap should you use?
How to identify a problem?
The first step to solving a problem is to identify it. This means that you need to clarify what the problem is, why it is a problem, and what you want to achieve by solving it.
To identify a problem, you can ask yourself these questions:
- What is the situation that I am facing?
- What are the obstacles that prevent me from reaching my desired outcome?
- What are the possible options or alternatives that I can choose from?
- What are the criteria or standards that I need to consider when making a choice?
- What are the consequences or implications of each option?
For example, if your shirt gets an ink stain, you can identify the problem by asking yourself:
- What is the situation that I am facing? My shirt has an ink stain that I want to remove.
- What are the obstacles that prevent me from reaching my desired outcome? The stain is stubborn and does not come off easily.
- What are the possible options or alternatives that I can choose from? I can try to wash the shirt with different detergents, bleach, or vinegar. I can also try to cover the stain with a patch, a sticker, or a pin. I can also buy a new shirt or wear a different one.
- What are the criteria or standards that I need to consider when making a choice? I need to consider the cost, the time, the effectiveness, and the appearance of each option.
- What are the consequences or implications of each option? Washing the shirt may or may not remove the stain, but it may also damage the fabric or the color. Covering the stain may hide it, but it may also look awkward or unprofessional. Buying a new shirt or wearing a different one may solve the problem, but it may also be expensive or inconvenient.
How to find the best solution?
The second step to solving a problem is to find the best solution. This means that you need to evaluate the options that you have identified, compare them based on the criteria that you have set, and choose the one that meets your needs and preferences.
To find the best solution, you can use these methods:
- Pros and cons: list the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and weigh them against each other.
- Ranking: assign a score or a rank to each option, based on how well it meets each criterion, and add up the scores or ranks to find the highest one.
- Trial and error: test each option in a small scale or a simulated environment, and observe the results and feedback.
- Expert opinion: consult someone who has more knowledge, experience, or authority on the problem, and follow their advice or recommendation.
For example, if your shirt gets an ink stain, you can find the best solution by using these methods:
- Pros and cons: washing the shirt has the pro of being cheap and easy, but the con of being uncertain and risky. Covering the stain has the pro of being quick and simple, but the con of being noticeable and unattractive. Buying a new shirt or wearing a different one has the pro of being sure and neat, but the con of being costly and troublesome.
- Ranking: washing the shirt gets a score of 3 for cost, 4 for time, 2 for effectiveness, and 2 for appearance, for a total of 11. Covering the stain gets a score of 4 for cost, 5 for time, 3 for effectiveness, and 1 for appearance, for a total of 13. Buying a new shirt or wearing a different one gets a score of 1 for cost, 2 for time, 5 for effectiveness, and 5 for appearance, for a total of 13.
- Trial and error: washing the shirt with different detergents, bleach, or vinegar may result in removing the stain, fading the color, or ruining the fabric. Covering the stain with a patch, a sticker, or a pin may result in hiding the stain, attracting attention, or damaging the shirt. Buying a new shirt or wearing a different one may result in solving the problem, spending money, or changing the outfit.
- Expert opinion: asking a laundry service, a tailor, or a fashion designer may result in getting a professional opinion, a practical suggestion, or a creative idea.
Conclusion
Problem-solving is a skill that can help you in many aspects of life, whether it is academic, personal, or professional. By following these steps, you can define and solve problems more effectively and efficiently. Remember, a problem is not a threat, but an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
Stay tuned for our next blog on Classification of the Problem