The Process of Problem Solving and Data Processing

The Problem-Solving Cycle

The following steps need to be followed to solve a problem. This is often called the problem-solving cycle:

Digital Tools To Teach Problem Solving | Exemplars

Understand the Problem: Read the problem carefully. Identify the inputs and outputs. Delete all unnecessary information to get to the core task.

Example: Calculate the floor area of the boardroom that is on the second floor of the building next to the road to Newgate Minna. The length of the room is 7 meters and the width is 4 meters. It is the largest room on the second floor.

We remove unnecessary info to get: "Calculate the floor area. Length = 7m, Width = 4m."

Devise a Plan (Make a Plan): Choose a strategy to connect the input to the output. This is where you decide how you will solve it (e.g., by writing an algorithm).

Carry Out the Plan (Execute the Plan): Implement the plan. This is where you write the code or follow the steps of your algorithm.

Look Back (Review/Reflect): Check your solution. Does it make sense? Can it be improved? This reflection is how you learn.