Blog

October 17, 2024

Problem-solving is a skill

By Charlie Swan, Instructor

Adults problem-solve every day without realizing that it is an acquired skill. How do I find this information? How do I answer this question?  Despite its ubiquity, problem-solving is actually quite an advanced skill that draws on many distinct skill sets, including the ability to initiate tasks, think flexibly and self-monitor while working through a problem.  These skills, which fall under the umbrella of executive functioning, can be targeted with some intentional scaffolds and strategies, such as the ones below:

  1. Define the problem: Start by taking the time to define the problem with your child. Talk through the problem together and identify the parts. What do they already know about the problem at hand? What resources exist to help? Brainstorming, chunking and identifying supporting materials are all critical first steps in analyzing the problem effectively. 
  2. Provide wait time: Don’t always rush toward an answer. Allow your child time to think, process and try to approach the problem independently. A little bit of struggle is okay! Set the expectation that challenge problems are meant to involve a bit of trial and error; Effort expenditure, not getting the right answer, is what should be recognized and applauded here.
  3. Modeling: Model for your child how you would solve the problem. This may include discussing your thought process and how you ended up with a solution after some trial and error. For example, if you are modeling how to find information online, you might talk aloud through the process of trying specific search terms, and also how you modified those search terms when they didn’t yield the exact results you were looking for. 
  4. Provide Different Solutions: Oftentimes there is more than one right way to go about things. It’s important to state this explicitly for your child and to present multiple solutions when applicable. You can even share two different ways to solve a problem and use that as a platform for reflective thinking (ex. Which way makes more sense to you? What are the differences between them? etc.) This approach not only helps promote cognitive flexibility but also metacognitive awareness as well. 
  5. Encourage: If your child tries a strategy that doesn’t work, it is important to encourage them to try another solution and provide praise for their previous attempt. Positive reinforcement, of course, is also important to provide when your child does engage in any part of the problem-solving process appropriately.
  6. Reflect: It is important to encourage self-reflection. Talk with your child about the process. What went well? Were there any roadblocks? Do we need to consider a different solution? Reflecting and evaluating possible solutions is valuable to learning new skills and building confidence in one’s solutions. 

Problem-solving is an important skill to develop as it is used in both academic settings and also in everyday life. Teaching children to independently problem-solve will help them become more confident, self-sufficient and reflective learners.