Define the situation Identify the goal Generate ideas for reaching the goal. Select best ideas. Make a step-by-step plan for implementing the ideas Take action (execute the plan). Review the solution. Review the process. Solidify knowledge gains. what are the facts? what is the problem? what results do I want? what ideas (physics) will help me? what steps should I take? what next? did I reach my goals? how I improve my process? what did I learn? Wales/Woods Model of Problem Solving (PDM) Classification of Problems Decomposition: Break the big problem into small problems Iteration. Solve problem multiple time Simpler Problem: Redefine the problem so it is simpler and solve this. Troubleshooting: Trace the error, then fix it. how can I break this problem into parts? can I go just through this and see what I learn? can I solve a simpler problem? where is the error occuring (what subsystem)? what is the error? Strategies for solving problems Type 1: Real World Problem Type 2: Academic Exercises (given, find) Type 3: Puzzle or challenge how can I get started? can I find an example? how do I get the answer? how can I figure this out? Problem Problem Solving Model what? PDM is a method for attacking real world problems; also works on academic exercises why? solve problems better; become more aware of how to solve problems; better team work when? * on tasks * all the time because this builds up skills where? school, job, personal life how to you do PDM? * ask questions * learn over time * adapt to how you do things * adapt to each context