Problem Solving

how to develop thoughts

communicate

how to communicate?

talk and listen

write and read

communicate with whom?

yourself

other people

artificial entities

like Joesph Weizenbaum's ELIZA.

write

layouts for writing things down

linear notes

mind maps

concept maps

other forms

technical means

pen and paper. computer.

problem solving tools

tools for creative thinking

force fit

brainstorming

Osborn's checklist

SCAMPER tool

tools for analytical thinking

ask questions. break down into parts. use diagrams. use tables.

tools for providing information

web search. talking to others. collect and organize data. experts. users. stakeholders.

tools for staying functional during problem solving

dealing with frustration. dealing with lack of motivation. dealing with fatigue.

tools for organizing your thoughts

problem solving stages.

a video

how to present problem solving tools

through a "tutor". written / graphical. human. machine. mind map. list. through pop-up information. see the "tool map" concept.

a useful practise for problem solving

Use 2 maps at a time: - a "problem map" and - a "tool map". main tool: concentrate on central problem. use abbreviations or symbols in your map. What is a tool map?. What is a problem map?. e.g.. collection of problem solving tools. tools arranged according to .... how is it used?. map where the actual problem is investigated. how is it used?. "cp" for central problem. "i" for idea. IDEAL acronym. problem solving stages. common problem solving difficulties. as reference. as "recipe book". as a first aid kit in case you're stuck. note down your ideas on the problem. e.g.. e.g.. This analysis comes from David N. Perkins' book "Outsmarting IQ". ask questions. tentative answers. collect ideas. define goals. focus on central problem. IDEAL model. More on this model can be found in Bransford / Stein: The IDEAL Problem Solver, published by Freeman.. narrow thinking. hasty thinking. sprawling thinking. fuzzy thinking. I. D. E. A. L. identify the problem. define goals. explore options. assess and act. look back and learn.