Chapter 1: Introduction To Problem Solving.

Type of problems to discuss and explain:

basic concepts of problem, and problem solving.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is a problem?
Concept of problem whenever an individual has a goal which is blocked by any reason such as lack of resources, lack of information, and so on, he / she is indeed having a problem. Whatever he/she does in order to achieve the goal is basically the act of problem solving.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is a problem?
According to Greeno (1978), a problem is a situation in which you face a given situation which can be called the given state and you want another situation which can be called the goal state, but there is no obvious way of accomplishing your goal.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is a problem?
A problem is a situation, quantitative or otherwise, that confronts an individual or group of individuals that requires solution, and for which no path to the answer is known. A problem is also situation encountered that requires thought and synthesis of previously learned knowledge to resolve.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is a problem?
A problem is a situation that an individual wants to resolve arises but no solution is readily apparent (ketara). It is also a situation in which the individual is confronted by something he/she does not recognize that he/she cannot apply any model to solve for the unknown.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is a problem?
A problem to an individual may NOT be a problem to another individual. A situation is NOT considered a problem when it can be solved by merely applying algorithms that have been previously learned when the situation is similar to the one previously encountered.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

3 Characteristics of a problem:
According to Mayer (1983), there are 3 characteristics of a problem: Givens: The problem begins in a certain state with certain conditions, objects, pieces of information , and so forth being present. Goals: The desired or terminal state of the problem is the goal state, and thinking is required to transform the problem from the given to the goal state. Obstacles (halangan/rintangan): The thinker (problem solver) has at his / her disposal, certain ways to change the given state or the goal state of the problem. He/she, however, does not know the correct answer neither the correct sequence of operations that will lead to a solution.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

In order to solve for the unknown (problem), the individual undergoes the problem solving. It is the process by which the unfamiliar situation is resolved (diselesaikan).

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Problem solving refers to the process of moving from the given state to the goal state of a problem. It can be summarized that problem solving is a series of mental operations that are directed toward some goals (Mayer, 1983). Substantial (cukup banyak) mental operations are needed to reach the goals which link to the process of problem solving.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Dewey (1910) mentioned that problem solving involves some form of information received perceptually, physiologically and via sensory utilization to reach a solution. Polya (1945) described problem solving process as a grain of discovery in which with curiosity and inventive facilities one will be able to solve the problem and may experience the tension and triumph of discovery.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Hayes (1981) described problem solving as finding an appropriate way to cross gap. Two major parts of problem solving are representing the problem and searching for a means to solve the problem.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Chi and Glaser (1985) stated that problem solving is a situation in which an individual is trying to reach some goals and must find means to arrive a them. They suggested that the process takes place in the frontal lobe of an individuals brain. Thinking occurs when a person solves a problem that is producing behavior that moves individual from the given state tot the goal state, or at least tries to achieve this change.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

McCormick (1990) suggested that problem solving may also be a means of teaching that encourages active learning and acquisition of generic ability to deal with problem situations. Problem solving is clearly seen as a teaching method with links back to experiential learning.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Gagne (1985), on the other hand, used the term problem solving to describe a higherorder intellectual ability and a way of learning. Having solved a problem, an individual is said as he/she has learned. The individual might only have learned to solve that problem, but it is more likely that he/she has learned to solve a variety of similar problems and perhaps even a variety of problems possessing some similar characteristics.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

What is Problem Solving?

Rudinow and Berry (1994) regarded problem solving as a process which calls for specific skills, strategies and insights (wawasan) appropriate to the kind and specific details of the problem an individual is facing.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Problem Solving Process:

Krulik and Rudnick (1993) emphasized that a problem usually satisfies 3 criteria: Acceptance an indication that individual accepts the problem. This shows personal involvement which may be due to internal motivation or external motivation, or simply the desire to experience the enjoyment of solving a problem. Blockage The individuals initial attempts to solve the problem are fruitless. His / her strategies simply do not work. Exploration - The individual is personally involved in solving the problem which forces him/her to explore new methods of attack.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Problem Solving Process:

Krulik and Rudnick (1993)

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Core skills for problems solving:

(i) Awareness Both awareness & effectiveness is closely connected. Maximizing awareness of oneself and ones circumstances enhances problem solving skills.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Core skills for problems solving:

(ii) Analysis Coming to terms with the problem is the next important element by asking questions such as:
Is it a calculation? Or a logic? How should we describe or represent it? Chart? Diagram? Or Equation?

Steps to be taken during analysis of problems are:

Defining the problem, Clarifying the problem, Clarifying available information, Recognizing patterns and relationships. Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2
Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Core skills for problems solving:

(iii) Evaluation & Generation This element comprised of evaluation of options, consequences, the analysis, challenging assumptions and strategies.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Conclusion:
Problem solving is characterized by 3 basic ideas:
Problem solving is cognitive which means that it occurs internally in the mind of in the cognitive system & must be inferred indirectly, Problem solving is a process that involves some manipulation of a set of operations on knowledge in the cognitive system, Problem solving is directed (terarah) and results in behavior that solves a problem or is directed toward solution.

In general, solving problems effectively draws heavily upon the skills, strategies and dispositions (pembawaan) of critical thinking.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Reference:
Introduction to Mathematics Education, OUM.

Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang

Activity 1.1:
Describe what problem solving is according to the following scholars:
Dewey, Polya, Wickelgren, Hayes, Chi and Glaser, McCormick, Gagne.
Basic Maths - PPISMP Sem 2 Lu Cheng Soon, IPG Kampus Rajang