Developing Problem Solving Skills

Unlike certain other skills, Problem Solving Skills are not something that we are born with. It is just a methodical approach that is acquired through training and practice. And unlike memorizing solutions to specific problems, learning the skills to problem solving develops confidence and capability in an individual to solve many such problems

1. Define the problem :

Albert Einstein said, “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it,” 

What was true for Albert Einstein is true for most of us too. At least that is step 1. Students should learn to define the problem accurately. They need to learn to take a deep breath and focus their attention on the problem to be solved. Then try and eke out all the available information, the different pieces of the jig saw that would later need to be put together.

2. Use previously acquired General Knowledge:

General Knowledge is always a good thing to have. Knowledge of basic math or science or knowledge of similar situations which have been resolved earlier provide confidence and direct the thinking process

3. Critical Thinking:

And finally, the ability to think critically. This is the key to solving most of life's problems. By developing an ability to questions assumptions, to identify the logical from the improbable, to complete a what if analysis in the mind, to process the available information and infer students are truly equipped to face the world and that includes exams. And that is the right perspective.

Are your students intrinsically motivated?

Are students motivated by the desire to score high marks, called 'extrinsic motivation'? Or are they motivated by a genuine interest in the subject i.e. intrinsic motivation? 

Research has shown (Ref: Tools for Teaching by Barbara Gross Davis) that when children grow up being extrinsically motivated, they tend to always look outside of themselves for approval and as one grows up, this may not be always easy to find. But, when students are intrinsically motivated, they actually learn more and can apply the knowledge better, which in turn leads to self fulfillment and confidence. 

There are a few ways in which schools can improve intrinsic motivation:

• Shift emphasis from cut-off grades to providing customized, student specific, positive feedback ( I was delighted to see the CBSE adopt CCE and am a big supporter of this initiative)
• Allow student input and provide sufficient flexibility in courses, so students have a sense of control ( as being introduced by our PROJECT SIKSHA initiative)
• Change with the times. We are in 2013. Make your educational tools and techniques relevant and interesting.
• Listen to students. Let them have a voice and let it be heard. Teachers and Schools are here to help students not to control them.

I would love to hear your opinions. For private comments / questions, please email enquiries@jnccapital.org

Co- Scholastic Education

All parents remember the first days when they bring their screaming kids to school and slowly sadly walk away entrusting them to the care of teachers and schools. Then one year passes and another and one fine day, the children have grown up and are ready to leave school, leave home to go to hostels or take up jobs. In all this time, what exactly do they learn?

They learn their alphabets and math and dissect a few frogs, but is that enough education when they leave behind their parents and childhood teachers to face the world on their own? They may become engineers or doctors, but how do they deal with life? How do they interact with their peers? How do they handle life's highs and lows? What impact do they make for their nation? A job or degree does not define a human being, but his character. It is perseverance that leads to a successful life. It is adaptability that leads to a happy life.

Life in the coming years is going to be full of choices, changes and high stress situations. It is our responsibility as educators to equip our students in life skills that will help them survive in this increasingly complex world. We have to teach them values, so they remain grounded and grow up to be responsible human beings.

Welcome to my blog on co-scholastic skills. Hope you will follow me and give me your comments and share your experiences in this area.