Define

**Defining the Problem[[image:images.jpg align="right"]]**
Every one of us is faced with many different problems every day. Should we buy something? How do we fix the broken item? What can we do to help people in need? How can we best motivate our students? While some of these problems have a simple solution, others to not. So where exactly do we begin in the process of solving them? We begin by defining the type of problem that we are faced with.


 * Answer Some Questions**

Oftentimes we tend to problem solve in our head. However, with more complex and critical thinking problems we would need to begin by writing things down and answering some specific questions.

1. Restate the problem in your own words. 2. Why is this a problem? 3. Who or what is involved? 4. Where and when is it happening? 5. How or why is this happening? 6. What other information do I need about this problem? 7. What other items or specific skill(s) will I need to solve this problem? 8. Can I solve this problem by myself or do I need to gather outside resources? 9. Restate the problem with at list of it components or a list of tasks that includes the evidence that you have gathered.

Once you have answered these basic questions it is now time to design some possible solutions to your problem.


 * Putting It Into Practice**

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 * Extra Resources**

According to Jonassen et al. in the book “Learning to Solve Problems With Technology”, there are at least 11 different types of problems including logical problems, algorithmic problems, story problems, rule-using problems, decision-making problems, troubleshooting problems, diagnosis-solution problems, tactical/strategic problems, case/systems analysis problems, design problems, and dilemmas (2003).

The following is a brief synopsis of each type of problem listed above:

Logical problems – Logical problems are puzzles that usually come in the form of games such as chess. This type of problem solving encourages the learner to find a sequence of moves that will bring them to and efficient solution (Jonassen et al., 2003).

Algorithmic problems – This is most common type of problem. The algorithmic problem uses a set of specific rules or calculations to discover a solution. They require the learner to have an understanding of the basic rules found in the problem and then to implement those rules in a way that will yield the solution. This type of problem can be found both in and out of the classroom (Jonassen et al., p. 21).

Story problems – These problems are algorithmic problems that have been imbedded in a story. The most common form is the word problem found in the math classroom (Jonassen et al., p. 21).

Rule-using problems – This type of problem may have a correct solution but there are multiple ways to find it. For example, using a search engine to find information on a given topic will yield results but how the user gets there may differ based on their understanding or knowledge of search strategies (Jonassen et al., p. 22).

Troubleshooting problems- This is probably the most common type of problem in which prior experience play a large role in the success of a possible solution. For example, when a computer fails to do what it is designed to do the troubleshooter’s own knowledge and experience of the system can determine the success or failure to fix the problem (Jonassen et al., p. 22).

Diagnosis-solution problems – While this type of problem is similar to troubleshooting, whereas they begin with a fault state, it differs in that there are multiple solutions to the same problem. With this type of problem the solution is usually a trail and error process (Jonassen et al., p. 23).

Tactical/strategic performance – This type of problem happens in real-time and requires some complex decision making to achieve the desired goal. For example, a pilot for the Air Force in combat must make split second decisions in order to achieve his/her goal or objective (Jonassen et al., p. 23).

Design problems – This type of problem “…requires applying a great deal of domain knowledge with a lot of strategic knowledge resulting in a original design” (Jonassen et al.,p. 24). For example, and inventor wished to create a new product for mass market. The designer must take several things into account during the design process in order to be create an item that will be successful on the market.

Dilemmas – or issue based problems are the most complex problem and difficult to solve with one solution. A primary example of this is the current state of the U. S. Economy. There are many solutions but there is not one right or wrong answer to this problem.

Jonassen, David H., Howland, Jane, Moore, Joi, and Marra, Rose M. (2003). Learning to Solve Problems with Technology: A Constructivist Perspective (2nd ed.). Columbus: Merril Prentice Hall. Change 0 of 0

The following website has some suggestion for other possible questions that you can ask yourself when defining your problme: http://www.managementhelp.org/prsn_prd/prb_bsc.htm