What does the problem solving skill mean to you and why is it an important skill to develop?

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Importance of problem solving skills
How to improve upon problem solving skills
Why is Problem Solving Important in Child Development?
Problem-Solving Skills Improve Academic Performance
Problem-Solving Skills Build Confidence
Problem-Solving Skills Prepare Students for Future Careers
Why Choose Marlborough?
What is problem
What is the most important problem

A problem is any unpleasant situation which prevents people from achieving what they want to achieve. Any activity to eliminate a problem is termed problem solving.

Problem solving skills refers to our ability to solve problems in an effective and timely manner without any impediments.

It involves being able to identify and define the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating and selecting the best alternative, and implementing the selected solution. Obtaining a feedback and responding to it appropriately is an essential aspect of problem solving skills too.

We face problems every time. However, some problems are more complex than others. But whether you face big problems or small ones, this skill helps solve it effectively.

Importance of problem solving skills

Obviously, every organization has problems and every individual has problems too. For this reason, the ability to solve problems is of great importance to individuals and organizations. Some of the benefits include:

Make the impossible possible. Knowledge alone is not the key to solving problems but rather, complimenting it with systematic problem solving approaches makesthe difference. This helps individuals and organizations overcome perilous challenges.
Makes you a stand out. People are trained to do the usual. They have acquired skills and knowledge in what they do. However, people can hardly solve problems when they are unexpected or unprecedented ones. If you become a regular problem solver at your workplace, you are easily noticed, recognized, and appreciated.
Increased confidence. No matter where you work or what your profession is, having the ability to solve problems will boost your confidence level. Because you are sure of your ability to solve problems, you don’t spend time worrying about what you will do if a problem should arise.

How to improve upon problem solving skills

Just like any of the other skills, the art of problem solving can be learnt and improved upon. Below are few tips to help you improve this skill.

Detach yourself from the problem. Don’t regard yourself as the problem itself and don’t presume you are incapacitated to solve the problem. See the problem as the enemy that has to be defeated by you.
Analyze it in parts and not as a whole. Don’t see the problem as a whole big unit that needs to be fixed – That may deter you from attempting to solve it. Rather, break it into parts and tackle them step by step, and portion by portion. The little pieces you solve will add up to become the solution for the whole unit. For instance; if there’s turmoil in your organization, analyze the various aspects or departments of the organization. Choose one problematic area, such as communication, to start from. When that is fixed, you may move on to the other problematic areas.
Be inquisitive and investigative. Being inquisitive and conducting thorough investigation and research helps you identify what the core of the problem is. In other words, it grants you access to the cause of the problem. Once the real cause of the problem is known, it becomes easier to solve it.
Be open to suggestions. Other people’s contributions can be very helpful. It saves you the time of having to search for every piece of information that is needed.

Job profiles that require this skill

Children develop problem-solving skills at different rates; nevertheless, it is imperative that children learn to tackle problems with grit and creativity, especially as they learn to cope with setbacks or resolve conflict. Moreover, problem solving is one of the most important skills children can develop, because it prepares them to face increasingly complex academic and interpersonal issues as they mature.

Experts agree that the ability to meet challenges confidently is “a critical skill for school readiness.” In many cases, children learn by watching parents or caregivers solve problems.

This article will explore three benefits of learning problem-solving skills at school:

Improved Academic Performance
Increased Confidence
Career Readiness

Why is Problem Solving Important in Child Development?

The earlier children begin solving problems, the more ready they are to deal with bigger challenges as they mature.

By introducing problem solving skills in the classroom, children learn to think in terms of manageable steps as they:

1. Identify Problems

2. Brainstorm Possible Solutions

3. Test Appropriate Solutions

4. Analyze Results

By viewing problems as opportunities to grow, children broaden their understanding while building confidence.

The classroom is a safe, controlled environment, with experienced teachers who direct students as they hone problem-solving skills.

Good schools know that problem solving is important in child development. Therefore, we incorporate problem-solving exercises into a wide range of classes. Marlborough’s goal is to ignite intellectual inquiry by combining problem solving with creativity, collaboration, and communication, thereby empowering our students to become actively engaged global citizens.

We ask our middle school girls to solve various types of problems; thus, they develop flexibility. Since our students regularly practice problem solving, they dramatically improve their academic performance.

Problem-Solving Skills Improve Academic Performance

One reason that problem solving is important in child development is that it teaches discernment, helping young people distinguish what is a solvable problem.

Problem solving also develops grit, a trait that successful students routinely display.

Often, it takes an entire team to solve a problem. Since it can feel intimidating to collaborate or ask for help, the classroom is a perfect space to take risks. Together, students learn how to ask determining questions, such as:

Why is this situation so challenging?
Do I know how to address the problem?
Who can help me find a workable solution?

Students who learn how to solve problems have a deeper understanding of cause and effect. Teachers often urge students to look for patterns or make predictions. Problem-solving skills, then, boost reflective, critical thinking.

At Marlborough, we foster practical, analytical thinking through individual and collaborative school projects. Here are two middle school elective courses that show how problem-solving skills lead to academic success:

Middle School Debate teaches the art of research, deliberation, and argument. Students consider both sides of a question, discussing realistic solutions, and presenting their findings with clarity and eloquence.
Crime Scene Investigation: CSI Marlborough synthesizes biology and chemistry as students learn about forensic science. Students systematically solve problems by investigating a fictional crime, securing the crime scene, gathering detailed evidence, testing hypotheses, identifying potential suspects, then solving the case.

Problem-Solving Skills Build Confidence

Solving problems means making choices. Typically, effective problem-solving skills result in “happier, more confident, and more independent” individuals.

When children tackle problems on their own, or in a group, they become resilient. They learn to look at challenges from a fresh perspective. Therefore, they take more calculated risks.

Problem solving is important in child development because confident, capable children usually grow into confident, capable adults. <

If students practice problem solving consistently, they can develop greater situational and social awareness. Additionally, they learn to manage time and develop patience.

As students mature, problems they face become more complex:

How do I make lasting friendships?
How can I bring justice to my community?
Which career suits my abilities and interests best?

Marlborough recognizes the need for practice; no one masters problem solving overnight. Consequently, we offer a wide range of courses that teach middle school girls how to solve problems in the real world.

Here are a few middle school electives that focus on critical thinking, thus enhancing students’ confidence:

Makers’ Space 1.0 introduces middle school girls to original, school projects that they design, then create with hand and power tools.
Tinkering and Making with Technology invites girls to play with electronics + code. They learn the basics of electronics, ultimately completing an interactive and/or wearable technology project.
Drawing and Animating with Code uses text-based computer programming to teach girls to write code and create computer graphics drawings or animations.

As students develop their problem-solving skills, they learn to rely on independent, creative thinking, which enhances their sense of independence; these skills, then, prepare students for life and future careers.

Problem-Solving Skills Prepare Students for Future Careers

Children who learn how to solve problems when they are young tend to appreciate lifelong learning. They are curious, motivated, and innovative.

Employers want new hires to think imaginatively, especially since many problems that society faces today are new.

The push for school STEM programs in schools reflects this trend. For instance, coding requires students to envision a goal, then identify logical steps, and plan ahead. Coding also requires persistence, which means that students must be able to power through failure.

Notwithstanding the need for personal excellence, employers also really want team members. Taking classes that encourage group problem solving can be invaluable as students look ahead to college and careers.

As a result, our students participate in academic teams that build leadership through problem-solving activities, including these middle school elective courses:

VR and Animation is a project-based class that invites middle school girls to create a virtual reality (VR) theme park attraction with interactive artwork and digital designs.
Robotics classes allow middle school girls to design, build, program, and operate a robot. Our students also participate in the national FIRST Tech Challenge.

Marlborough is preparing girls to enter the workforce. Problem solving is important in child development because it trains young people to think independently and to collaborate. Marlborough’s graduates are ready to enter adulthood because they know how to solve problems.

Why Choose Marlborough?

Marlborough serves girls in grades 7 through 12. We are a private, college-preparatory secondary school, conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, California.

Our goal is to ignite intellectual inquiry and to build the problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that our students will need to innovate, invent, and lead in college and beyond.

Next Steps

If you want your daughter to become a curious, agile thinker, consider Marlborough. We will enhance your daughter’s problem-solving skills, helping her gain an academic edge as she builds confidence and prepares for the future.

Want to know more about the Marlborough experience?

Contact us today

What is problem

Generally, problem-solving refers to a person's ability to successfully manage and find solutions for complex and unexpected situations. Candidates with great problem-solving skills have a combination of both analytical and creative thinking.

What is the most important problem

Dependability. Dependability is one of the most important skills for problem-solvers. Solving problems in a timely manner is essential. Employers highly value individuals they can trust to both identify and then implement solutions as fast and effectively as possible.