VETTER E learning course (EN)

Problems are problems waiting to be solved in a short way of definition. According to the 1995 Oxford dictionaries, the problem was defined in two ways; 

• “Unclear/doubtful or difficult issues that require resolution”

• “To successfully complete or overcome a difficult subject/thing”

According to the American industrialist Henry Kaiser, known as the father of modern American shipbuilding, the problem was only expressed as opportunities in work clothes.

Problem solving is the effort to overcome difficulties by trying solutions.

Problem Solving is the act of defining a problem, identifying the cause of the problem, selecting and identifying alternatives for the solution, and implementing the solution.

Problem Solving has 4 basic steps;

• Defining the problem

• Creation of alternative solutions

• Selection and evaluation of alternatives

• Implementation and follow-up of the solution.

What is a “problem solving strategy”? Definition and approach from the cognitive behavioral psychology. How a “problem solving strategy” could help to better cope with a stressful situation?

How to develop a mindset of problem solving looking at every situation as an opportunity of learning. Presentation of a series of activities in order to to identify a challenging situation and organize active steps trying to remove the stressor or to ameliorate its impacts, initiating a realistic and direct action. 

A problem-solving strategy is sometimes immediate for little problems but it can become complex for more high achievement. So, it is necessary to apply critical thinking accompanied by the ability to face situations with creativity.

As we see a lot of series of questions in this way which cause us to think in a way of critical thinking. Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

Critical Thinking and Creativity:

Using critical thinking accompanied by a sense of creativity helps to look around and face difficult situations. Every day we are obliged to solve issues and develop an ability on thinking with creativity will help to find unexpected solutions.

Developing a Practical Approach:

• Detecting a problem

• Looking at the solutions

• How to reach the objective to solve the problems

• Steps to reach the solution

• Developing a strategy and a timeline

In any traneeship may include also to load the tranees in a way of thinking to find the right solutions in any problemativ situation.

The Balanced Triangle Approach:

A triangle generally evokes a balance between three aspects: the physical self, the mental self and the spiritual self. It will help us to understand that challenges and difficulties in life have to be faced in a balanced way looking at them without stress, considering them an opportunity to look inside ourselves for developing our own skills and self-knowledge. A problem-solving strategy has to take into account our approach but also unexpected results and we have to develop the ability to face them looking always at an opportunity.

Defining the Problem:

The key to good problem identification is; is to deal with the real problem rather than just looking at the symptoms that are causing the problem.

There are some key steps in defining the problem. These steps are; It supports the involvement of interested parties in defining the problem, the use of factual/realistic information, the comparison of expectations for reality, and focusing on the root causes of the problem. In this case, the things needed are as follows;

• Evaluation of the possible effects of new tools and revision policies in the development of a model.

• Examining and documenting how current processes work.

• We can represent the problem in the following ways;

• Visually; use of models, diagrams and pictures

• Orally; describing the problem in words

• Visually and verbally; chain diagrams, flow diagram, lists, cause and effect diagram etc.

Creating Alternative Solutions:

At this stage, one should concentrate on producing many solutions. The value of the final solution can be increased by considering more than one alternative, but all these should not be evaluated.

Brainstorming and the set of problem-solving techniques are the most useful techniques at this stage of problem solving.

The most common mistake made in problem solving is; acceptance of all suggested solutions/alternatives. Therefore, the first acceptable solution is chosen even if it is not suitable.

Selection and Evaluation of Alternatives:

At this stage of the problem-solving process, it is necessary to examine various factors about each of the possible solutions. When choosing the best alternatives, skilled problem solvers must consider several considerations. These matters include;

• A particular alternative should resolve the issue without causing other unexpected problems.

• Everyone on the problem-solving team must accept the alternative.

• The implementation of the alternative must be rational.

• Alternative organizational/organizational constraints should be appropriate.