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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

Wondering how good is your resume?

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As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to Improve Problem Solving Skills

Last Updated: July 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Erin Conlon, PCC, JD . Erin Conlon is an Executive Life Coach, the Founder of Erin Conlon Coaching, and the host of the podcast "This is Not Advice." She specializes in aiding leaders and executives to thrive in their career and personal lives. In addition to her private coaching practice, she teaches and trains coaches and develops and revises training materials to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. She holds a BA in Communications and History and a JD from The University of Michigan. Erin is a Professional Certified Coach with The International Coaching Federation. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 240,261 times.

The ability to solve problems applies to more than just mathematics homework. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are a part of many jobs, ranging from accounting and computer programming to detective work and even creative occupations like art, acting, and writing. While individual problems vary, there are certain general approaches to problem-solving like the one first proposed by mathematician George Polya in 1945. By following his principles of understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back, you can improve your problem-solving and tackle any issue systematically.

Define the problem clearly.

• Try to formulate questions. Say that as a student you have very little money and want to find an effective solution. What is at issue? Is it one of income – are you not making enough money? Is it one of over-spending? Or perhaps you have run into unexpected expenses or your financial situation has changed?

State your objective.

• Say that your problem is still money. What is your goal? Perhaps you never have enough to go out on the weekend and have fun at the movies or a club. You decide that your goal is to have more spending cash. Good! With a clear goal, you have better defined the problem.

Gather information systematically.

• To solve your money shortage, for example, you would want to get as detailed a picture of your financial situation as possible. Collect data through your latest bank statements and to talk to a bank teller. Track your earnings and spending habits in a notebook, and then create a spreadsheet or chart to show your income alongside your expenditures.

Analyze information.

• Say you have now collected all your bank statements. Look at them. When, how, and from where is your money coming? Where, when, and how are you spending it? What is the overall pattern of your finances? Do you have a net surplus or deficit? Are there any unexplained items?

Generate possible solutions.

• Your problem is a lack of money. Your goal is to have more spending cash. What are your options? Without evaluating them, come up with possible options. Perhaps you can acquire more money by getting a part-time job or by taking out a student loan. On the other hand, you might try to save by cutting your spending or by lowering other costs.
• Divide and conquer. Break the problem into smaller problems and brainstorm solutions for them separately, one by one.
• Use analogies and similarities. Try to find a resemblance with a previously solved or common problem. If you can find commonalities between your situation and one you've dealt with before, you may be able to adapt some of the solutions for use now.

Evaluate the solutions and choose.

• How can you raise money? Look at expenditures – you aren’t spending much outside of basic needs like tuition, food, and housing. Can you cut costs in other ways like finding a roommate to split rent? Can you afford to take a student loan just to have fun on the weekend? Can you spare time from your studies to work part-time?
• Each solution will produce its own set of circumstances that need evaluation. Run projections. Your money problem will require you to draw up budgets. But it will also take personal consideration. For example, can you cut back on basic things like food or housing? Are you willing to prioritize money over school or to take on debt?

Implement a solution.

• You decide to cut costs, because you were unwilling to take on debt, to divert time away from school, or to live with a roommate. You draw up a detailed budget, cutting a few dollars here and there, and commit to a month-long trial.

Review and evaluate the outcome.

• The results of your trial are mixed. On one hand, you have saved enough during the month for fun weekend activities. But there are new problems. You find that you must choose between spending cash and buying basics like food. You also need a new pair of shoes but can’t afford it, according to your budget. You may need to a different solution.

Adjust if necessary.

• After a month, you decide to abandon your first budget and to look for part-time work. You find a work-study job on campus. Making a new budget, you now have extra money without taking too much time away from your studies. You may have an effective solution.

Do regular mental exercises.

• Word games work great. In a game like “Split Words,” for example, you have to match word fragments to form words under a given theme like “philosophy.” In the game, “Tower of Babel,” you will need to memorize and then match words in a foreign language to the proper picture.
• Mathematical games will also put your problem solving to the test. Whether it be number or word problems, you will have to activate the parts of your brain that analyze information. For instance: “James is half as old now as he will be when he is 60 years older than he was six years before he was half as old as he is now. How old will James be when his age is twice what it was 10 years after he was half his current age?”

Play video games.

• Play something that will force you to think strategically or analytically. Try a puzzle game like Tetris. Or, perhaps you would rather prefer a role-playing or strategy game. In that case, something like “Civilization” or “Sim-City” might suit you better.

Take up a hobby.

• Web design, software programming, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and chess are also hobbies that will force you to think strategically and systematically. Any of these will help you improve your overall problem solving.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Problem-solving
• ↑ https://asq.org/quality-resources/problem-solving
• ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluate-community-interventions/collect-analyze-data/main
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_96.htm
• ↑ https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/problem-solving.html
• ↑ Erin Conlon, PCC, JD. Executive Life Coach. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5930973/
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/13/mental-exercises-to-keep-your-brain-sharp
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/video-game
• ↑ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05449-7

About This Article

To improve your problem-solving skills, start by clearly defining the problem and your objective or goal. Next, gather as much information as you can about the problem and organize the data by rewording, condensing, or summarizing it. Then, analyze the information you've gathered, looking for important links, patterns, and relationships in the data. Finally, brainstorm possible solutions, evaluate the solutions, and choose one to implement. For tips on implementing solutions successfully, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Problem-solving skills and how to improve them (with examples)

What’s life without its challenges? All of us will at some point encounter professional and personal hurdles. That might mean resolving a conflict with coworkers or making a big life decision. With effective problem solving skills, you’ll find tricky situations easier to navigate, and welcome challenges as opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. 

In this guide, we dive into the importance of problem solving skills and look at examples that show how relevant they are to different areas of your life. We cover how to find creative solutions and implement them, as well as ways to refine your skills in communication and critical thinking. Ready to start solving problems? Read on.

What is problem solving? 

Before we cover strategies for improving problem solving skills, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of the problem solving process. Here are the steps in solving a problem:

• Recognise the issue you are facing 
• Take a look at all the information to gain insights
• Come up with solutions
• Look at the pros and cons of each solution and how it might play out
• Plan, organise and implement your solution
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of the solution and make adjustments as needed

Problem solving skills

There’s more to problem solving than coming up with a quick fix. Effective problem solving requires wide range of skills and abilities, such as:

• Critical thinking: the ability to think logically, analyse information and look at situations from different perspectives.
• Creativity: being able to come up with innovative, out-of-the-box solutions.
• Decision-making:  making informed choices by considering all the available information.
• Communication:  being able to express ideas clearly and effectively.
• Analytical skills: breaking down complex problems into smaller parts and examining each one.
• Time management:  allocating time and resources effectively to address problems.
• Adaptability: being open to change and willing to adjust strategies.
• Conflict resolution:  skillfully managing conflicts and finding solutions that work for all.

Examples of problem solving skills

Problem solving skills in the workplace are invaluable, whether you need them for managing a team, dealing with clients or juggling deadlines. To get a better understanding of how you might use these skills in real-life scenarios, here are some problem solving examples that are common in the workplace.

• Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking is something that comes naturally to some, while others have to work a little harder. It involves being able to look at problem solving from a logical perspective, breaking down the issues into manageable parts. 

Example scenarios of analytical thinking

Quality control: in a manufacturing facility, analytical thinking helps identify the causes of product defects in order to pinpoint solutions.

Market research: marketing teams rely on analytical thinking to examine consumer data, identify market trends and make informed decisions on ad campaigns.

• Critical thinking

Critical thinkers are able to approach problems objectively, looking at different viewpoints without rushing to a decision. Critical thinking is an important aspect of problem solving, helping to uncover biases and assumptions and weigh up the quality of the information before making any decisions. 

Example scenarios of critical thinking

• Strategic planning:  in the boardroom, critical thinking is important for assessing economic trends, competitor threats and more. It guides leaders in making informed decisions about long-term company goals and growth strategies.
• Conflict resolution: HR professionals often use critical thinking when dealing with workplace conflicts. They objectively analyse the issues at hand and find an appropriate solution.

Decision-making

Making decisions is often the hardest part of problem solving. How do you know which solution is the right one? It involves evaluating information, considering potential outcomes and choosing the most suitable option. Effective problem solving relies on making well-informed decisions.

Example scenarios of decision-making

• Budget allocation: financial managers must decide how to allocate resources to various projects or departments. 
• Negotiation:  salespeople and procurement professionals negotiate terms, pricing and agreements with clients, suppliers and partners.

Research skills

Research skills are pivotal when it comes to problem solving, to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. These skills involve searching for relevant data, critically evaluating information sources, and drawing meaningful conclusions. 

Example scenarios of research skills

• Product development: a tech startup uses research skills to conduct market research to identify gaps and opportunities in the market. 
• Employee engagement:  an HR manager uses research skills to conduct employee surveys and focus groups.

A little creative flair goes a long way. By thinking outside the box, you can approach problems from different angles. Creative thinking involves combining existing knowledge, experiences and perspectives in new and innovative ways to come up with inventive solutions. 

Example scenarios of creativity

• Cost reduction: creative problem solvers within a manufacturing company might look at new ways to reduce production costs by using waste materials.
• Customer experience: a retail chain might look at implementing interactive displays and engaging store layouts to increase customer satisfaction and sales.

Collaboration

It’s not always easy to work with other people, but collaboration is a key element in problem solving, allowing you to make use of different perspectives and areas of expertise to find solutions.

Example scenarios

• Healthcare diagnosis: in a hospital setting, medical professionals collaborate to diagnose complex medical cases.
• Project management: project managers coordinate efforts, allocate resources and address issues that may arise during a project's lifecycle.

Conflict Resolution

Being able to mediate conflicts is a great skill to have. It involves facilitating open communication, understanding different perspectives and finding solutions that work for everyone. Conflict resolution is essential for managing any differences in opinion that arise.

Example scenarios of conflict resolution

• Client dispute: a customer might be dissatisfied with a product or service and demand a refund. The customer service representative addresses the issue through active listening and negotiation to reach a solution.
• Project delay: a project manager might face resistance from team members about a change in project scope and will need to find a middle ground before the project can continue.

Risk management

Risk management is essential across many workplaces. It involves analysing potential threats and opportunities, evaluating their impact and implementing strategies to minimise negative consequences. Risk management is closely tied to problem solving, as it addresses potential obstacles and challenges that may arise during the problem solving process.

Example scenarios of risk management

• Project risk management: in a construction project, risk management involves identifying potential delays, cost overruns and safety hazards. Risk mitigation strategies are developed, such as scheduling buffers and establishing safety protocols. 
• Financial risk management: in financial institutions, risk management assesses and manages risks associated with investments and lending.

Communication

Effective communication is a skill that will get you far in all areas of life. When it comes to problem solving, communication plays an important role in facilitating collaboration, sharing insights and ensuring that all stakeholders have the same expectations. 

Example scenarios of communication

• Customer service improvement:  in a retail environment, open communication channels result in higher customer satisfaction scores.
• Safety enhancement:  in a manufacturing facility, a robust communication strategy that includes safety briefings, incident reporting and employee training helps minimise accidents and injuries.

How to improve problem solving skills 

Ready to improve your problem solving skills? In this section we explore strategies and techniques that will give you a head start in developing better problem solving skills. 

Adopt the problem solving mindset

Developing a problem solving mindset will help you tackle challenges effectively . Start by accepting problems as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as obstacles or setbacks. This will allow you to approach every challenge with a can-do attitude.

Patience is also essential, because it will allow you to work through the problem and its various solutions mindfully. Persistence is also important, so you can keep adapting your approach until you find the right solution.

Finally, don’t forget to ask questions. What do you need to know? What assumptions are you making? What can you learn from previous attempts? Approach problem solving as an opportunity to  acquire new skills . Stay curious, seek out solutions, explore new possibilities and remain open to different problem solving approaches.

Understand the problem

There’s no point trying to solve a problem you don’t understand. To analyse a problem effectively, you need to be able to define it. This allows you to break it down into smaller parts, making it easier to find causes and potential solutions. Start with a well-defined problem statement that is precise and specific. This will help you focus your efforts on the core issue, so you don’t waste time and resources on the wrong concerns.

Strategies for problem analysis

• Start with the problem statement and ask ‘Why?’ multiple times to dig deeper.
• Gather relevant data and information related to the problem. 
• Include those affected by the problem in the analysis process.
• Compare the current problem with similar situations or cases to gain valuable insights.
• Use simulations to explore potential outcomes of different solutions.
• Continuously gather feedback during the problem solving process. 

Develop critical thinking and creativity skills

Critical thinking and creativity are both important when it comes to looking at the problem objectively and thinking outside the box. Critical thinking encourages you to question assumptions, recognise biases and seek evidence to support your conclusions. Creative thinking allows you to look at the problem from different angles to reveal new insights and opportunities.

Enhance research and decision-making skills

Research and decision-making skills are pivotal in problem solving as they enable you to gather relevant information, analyse options and choose the best course of action. Research provides the information and data needed, and ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its context. Effective decision-making is about selecting the solution that best addresses the problem.

Strategies to improve research and decision-making skills

• Clearly define what you want to achieve through research.
• Use a variety of sources, including books, articles, research papers, interviews, surveys and online databases.
• Evaluate the credibility and reliability of your information sources.
• Incorporate risk assessment into your decision-making process. 
• Seek input from experts, colleagues and mentors when making important decisions. 
• After making decisions, reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned. Use this to improve your decision-making skills over time.

Strengthen collaboration skills

Being able to work with others is one of the most important skills to have at work. Collaboration skills enable everyone to work effectively as a team, share their perspectives and collectively find solutions. 

Tips for improving teamwork and collaboration

• Define people’s roles and responsibilities within the team. 
• Encourage an environment of open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Practise active listening by giving full attention to others when they speak. 
• Hold regular check-in sessions to monitor progress, discuss challenges and make adjustments as needed.
• Use collaboration tools and platforms to facilitate communication and document progress. 
• Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements and milestones. 

Learn from past experiences

Once you’ve overcome a challenge, take the time to look back with a critical eye. How effective was the outcome? Could you have tweaked anything in your process? Learning from past experiences is important when it comes to problem solving. It involves reflecting on both successes and failures to gain insights, refine strategies and make more informed decisions in the future. 

Strategies for learning from past mistakes

• After completing a problem solving effort, gather your team for a debriefing session. Discuss what went well and what could have been better.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of resolved problems. 
• Evaluate the outcomes of past solutions. Did they achieve the desired results? 
• Commit to continuous learning and improvement. 

Leverage problem solving tools and resources

Problem-solving tools and resources are a great help when it comes to navigating complex challenges. These tools offer structured approaches, methodologies and resources that can streamline the process. 

Tools and resources for problem solving

• Mind mapping:  mind maps visually organise ideas, concepts and their relationships. 
• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis:  helps in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Fishbone diagram (Ishikawa Diagram): this tool visually represents the potential root causes of a problem, helping you identify underlying factors contributing to an issue.
• Decision matrices:  these assist in evaluating options by assigning weights and scores to criteria and alternatives.
• Process flowcharts:  these allow you to see the steps of a process in sequence, helping identify where the problem is occuring.
• Decision support software:  software applications and tools, such as data analytics platforms, can help in data-driven decision-making and problem solving.
• Online courses and training: allow you to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Regular practice

Practice makes perfect! Using your skills in real life allows you to refine them, adapt to new challenges and build confidence in your problem solving capabilities. Make sure to try out these skills whenever you can.

Practical problem solving exercises 

• Do puzzles, riddles and brainteasers regularly. 
• Identify real-life challenges or dilemmas you encounter and practice applying problem solving techniques to these situations.
• Analyse case studies or scenarios relevant to your field or industry. 
• Regularly review past problem solving experiences and consider what you learned from them. 
• Attend workshops, webinars or training sessions focused on problem solving. 

How to highlight problem solving skills on a resumé

Effectively showcasing your problem solving skills on your resumé is a great way to demonstrate your ability to address challenges and add value to a workplace. We'll explore how to demonstrate problem solving skills on your resumé, so you stand out from the crowd.

Incorporating problem solving skills in the resumé summary

A resumé summary is your introduction to potential employers and provides an opportunity to succinctly showcase your skills. The resumé summary is often the first section employers read. It offers a snapshot of your qualifications and sets the tone for the rest of your resumé.

Your resumé summary should be customised for different job applications, ensuring that you highlight the specific problem solving skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example 1: Project manager with a proven track record of solving complex operational challenges. Skilled in identifying root causes, developing innovative solutions and leading teams to successful project completion.

Example 2:  Detail-oriented data analyst with strong problem solving skills. Proficient in data-driven decision-making, quantitative analysis and using statistical tools to solve business problems.

Highlighting problem solving skills in the experience section

The experience section of your resumé presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your problem solving skills in action. 

• Start with action verbs: begin each bullet point in your job descriptions with strong action verbs such as, analysed, implemented, resolved and optimised.
• Quantify achievements: use numbers and percentages to illustrate the impact of your solutions. For example: Increased efficiency by 25% by implementing a new workflow process.
• Emphasise challenges: describe the specific challenges or problems you faced in your roles. 
• Solution-oriented language: mention the steps you took to find solutions and the outcomes achieved.

Including problem solving skills in the skills section

The skills section of your resumé should showcase your top abilities, including problem solving skills. Here are some tips for including these skills.

• Use a subsection:  within your skills section, you could create a subsection specifically dedicated to problem solving skills – especially if the role calls for these skills.
• Be specific: when listing problem solving skills, be specific about the types of role-related problems you can address. 
• Prioritise relevant skills:  tailor the list of problem solving skills to match the requirements of the job you're applying for. 

Examples of problem solving skills to include:

• Creative problem solving
• Decision making
• Root cause analysis
• Strategic problem solving
• Data-driven problem solving
• Interpersonal conflict resolution
• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Problem solving tools
• Negotiation skills

Demonstrating problem solving skills in project sections or case studies

Including a dedicated section for projects or case studies in your resumé allows you to provide specific examples of your problem solving skills in action. It goes beyond simply listing skills, to demonstrate how you are able to apply those skills to real-world challenges.

Example – Data Analysis

Case Study: Market Expansion Strategy

• Challenge:  the company was looking to expand into new markets but lacked data on consumer preferences and market dynamics.
• Solution: conducted comprehensive market research, including surveys and competitor analysis. Applied this research to identify target customer segments and developed a data-driven market-entry strategy.
• Result:  successfully launched in two new markets, reaching our target of 30% market share within the first year.

Using problem solving skills in cover letters

A well-crafted cover letter is your first impression on any potential employer. Integrating problem solving skills can support your job application by showcasing your ability to address challenges and contribute effectively to their team. Here’s a quick run-down on what to include:

• Begin your cover letter by briefly mentioning the position you're applying for and your enthusiasm for it.
• Identify a specific challenge or issue that the company may be facing, to demonstrate your research and understanding of their needs.
• Include a brief story or scenario from your past experiences where you successfully applied problem solving skills to address a similar challenge. 
• Highlight the positive outcomes or results achieved through your problem solving efforts. 
• Explain how your skills make you the ideal person to address their specific challenges.

Problem solving skills are essential in all areas of life, enabling you to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, settle conflicts and drive innovation. We've explored the significance of problem solving skills and how to improve, demonstrate and leverage them effectively. It’s an ever-evolving skill set that can be refined over time. 

By actively incorporating problem solving skills into your day-to-day, you can become a more effective problem solver at work and in your personal life as well.

What are some common problem solving techniques?

Common problem solving techniques include brainstorming, root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, decision matrices, the scientific method and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. These techniques offer structured approaches to identify, analyse and address problems effectively.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

Improving critical thinking involves practising skills such as analysis, evaluation and problem solving. It helps to engage in activities like reading, solving puzzles, debating and self-reflection.

What are some common obstacles to problem solving?

Common obstacles to problem solving include biases, lack of information or resources, and resistance to change. Recognising and addressing these obstacles is essential for effective problem solving.

How can I overcome resistance to change when implementing a solution?

To overcome resistance to change, it's essential to communicate the benefits of the proposed solution clearly, involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, address concerns and monitor the implementation's progress to demonstrate its effectiveness.

How can problem solving skills benefit my career?

Problem solving skills are highly valuable in a career as they enable you to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, adapt to change and contribute to innovation and efficiency. These skills enhance your professional effectiveness and can lead to career advancement and increased job satisfaction.

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16 Ways to Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills

Strong problem-solving skills are crucial to have in business. Without developing the ability to step back, look at the various causes and outcomes, and then take the steps needed to pursue the right course, you or your team will be regularly in a state of crisis, unable to move forward with any real speed.

When you feel like you’re hitting a wall in your leadership or entrepreneurial journey, you’ll want to be able to find your way around it. To help you better handle such roadblocks, we asked a panel of  Young Entrepreneur Council  members to share their best advice for honing problem-solving skills. Here’s what they said:

1. Reflect on your worst times.

Problem-solving is something we all deal with on a daily basis. However, we all deal with problems differently. In order to solve your own problems and teach others how to do the same, one must reflect back on their worst times and remember the processes they took to get out of it. As you do this, be sure to take notes and reverse engineer your action process—then apply this to other situations.

— Zac Johnson ,  Blogger

2. Always be a student.

As we hit certain accomplishments and gather certain credibility, our ego might get the best of us. One piece of advice for all thought leaders is to continuously learn from others. We have to be open minded. Just because we became successful doesn’t mean we have no room for improvement. We don’t and won’t ever know it all. So in order to hone our skills, we must be forever a student.

— Fritz Colcol ,  ABN Circle

3. Exercise creativity like a muscle.

You can exercise creativity regularly to get better at problem-solving. It’s like a muscle—the more you work, the stronger it gets. Some helpful skills that are free are writing, doodling and brainstorming. It’s important to allow yourself to express any idea no matter how absurd it seems. Once you’ve come with more answers than you need, you can whittle it down to the most useful answer.

— Syed Balkhi ,  WPBeginner

4. Don’t take things personally.

When we can’t solve a problem as quickly or efficiently as we hope, we habitually blame ourselves. Ironically, blaming ourselves makes it harder to solve new problems as they arise. I suggest that you always step back from a situation that requires a solution and look at it from an objective point of view.

— John Turner ,  SeedProd LLC

5. Define the problem before trying to solve it.

You need to know exactly what problem you’re facing before you can solve it. Lay it all out there—the circumstances and your options—and decide what is best for you based on what you know. The more you practice, the better at it you’ll get.

— Jared Atchison ,  WPForms

6. Change your perspective.

If you change the way you see a problem, from another person’s shoes, or perspective , you are more likely to have the tools you need to understand their point of view. Which helps you make a more balanced and informed decision.

— Stephanie Wells ,  Formidable Forms

7. Bounce ideas off other people.

There’s a lot of power in stating your problems and thoughts aloud to other people; you get feedback and fresh ideas. Other people can often point out things that are obvious but which you’ve missed because you were too close to the problem. You don’t have to be alone when it comes to problem-solving for your business. It’s helpful to find a community or colleagues to support you.

— Blair Williams ,  MemberPress

8. Keep your higher purpose in mind.

The best advice I have for leaders to hone their problem-solving skills is to keep your higher purpose in mind. What drives you? Why are your putting effort and time into your business? Knowing the answer to these questions allows you to solve problems with more creativity, confidence and power. Those around you will also see your passion, prompting them to develop leadership skills, too.

— Shu Saito , Godai

9. Look for unusual connections.

The most extraordinary solutions to problems are not necessarily complex, but they are always creative. Creativity is not only about making something new. It’s also the ability to find unusual connections between familiar things. My advice is to exercise your creativity by soaking in as many ideas as you can. The more ideas you learn, the more creative solutions you prepare for.

— Solomon Thimothy ,  OneIMS

10. Don’t neglect your body.

The body and the mind are connected as part of one organism. That means if you want to improve your mental health and problem-solving skills, you can’t neglect your physical health. Remember to exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep and take breaks if you spend a long time behind a desk looking at the computer.

— Bryce Welker ,  The Big 4 Accounting Firms

11. Simplify the problem.

Simplify the problem down to its most basic core. Then simplify the solution. Determine two or three concrete steps that, when taken, will solve the problem. For the most part, it’s that simple.

— Andrew Schrage ,  Money Crashers Personal Finance

12. Look at the problem as an opportunity.

Problem-solving skills are vital in the workforce and often determine success. I would say one of the best pieces of advice for leaders to hone their problem-solving skills is to be aware of your mindset. If you allow yourself to be burdened or frustrated by the problem, then you are less likely to come up with the best solution. See problems as an opportunity to learn, get creative and be resourceful instead.

— Diego Orjuela ,  Cables & Sensors

13. Volunteer for other organizations.

The best way to practice problem-solving is to expose yourself to new challenges and new industries. A great way to do that is by volunteering for a nonprofit organization or even a political campaign. You’ll interact with new people and learn new tools and approaches that can help expand your creativity to solve problems in your own business.

— Nanxi Liu ,  Enplug

14. Read case studies.

Wherever possible, read case studies of current and past leaders you admire. Their memoirs, internal reports and analysts’ reports all help paint a vivid picture of how more established leaders have handled difficult decisions in a wise manner. Even better, turn this activity into a group exercise by asking fellow executives to review the same cases and discuss their conclusions with you.

— Yaniv Masjedi ,  Nextiva

15. Change up your routine.

One of the biggest challenges to problem-solving is habitual thinking. To solve problems, you need to think in creative ways. And to think creatively, you need to get outside the routine. One of the best ways to get your brain in a creative space is to schedule a time to get away from the desk, go for a walk and allow your mind to wander. You’ll find that new ideas emerge.

— Keith Shields ,  Designli

16. Face your problems authentically.

With every problem you attempt to solve, remind yourself of who you are and why you are doing what you’re doing. Face all your problems bravely and solve them based on your inner voice, gut feel and authenticity to yourself . There’s no other way to solve your problems but to face them with pride in knowing that you are being true to yourself, and your mission and vision are still intact.

— Daisy Jing ,  Banish

Related: Answer These 3 Questions to Be a Better Problem Solver and Leader

These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most  successful  young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue each year and have created tens of thousands of jobs. Learn more at  yec.co .

Image by Pranch / Shutterstock

Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective , a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.

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Building future workplaces

5 Simple Steps to Effective Problem Solving

The ability to solve problems is a crucial skill in the modern workplace. It can make the difference between success and failure, and it can help you navigate the complexities of a fast-paced environment. But what exactly is effective problem solving? And how can you develop the skills needed to solve problems efficiently and effectively?

Effective problem solving involves several key steps that can help you identify the root cause of a problem, develop a plan of action, and implement that plan to achieve a successful outcome . Here are five simple steps you can take to develop your problem-solving skills and tackle any challenge that comes your way in the workplace.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re faced with a workplace problem, and you’re not sure where to start? Whether it’s a customer complaint, a team conflict, or a project delay, it’s essential to address it promptly to maintain productivity and morale. In this article, we’ll provide practical steps that can help you effectively solve problems at your workplace.

Step 1: Define the Problem

The first step in effective problem solving is to define the problem clearly. Take the time to analyze the issue and gather as much information as possible. It’s crucial to identify the cause of the problem and its impact on your team or organization. For example, if a team member is underperforming, it’s essential to understand the root cause of the issue and how it’s affecting the team’s productivity. Is it a lack of training, motivation, or resources? Are there external factors, such as personal issues or workload, that are affecting their performance?

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin to develop a plan of action to address it. It’s important to involve all stakeholders in this process, including those who are directly affected by the problem, to ensure that you have a complete picture of the situation. Involving others in the process can also help you gain different perspectives and insights, which can be valuable in developing an effective solution.

Step 2: Brainstorm Possible Solutions

After identifying the problem, the next step is to brainstorm possible solutions. It’s important to be creative and come up with as many solutions as possible, even if they seem unrealistic or impractical. Brainstorming can be done individually or in a group setting, where team members can bounce ideas off each other. In a group setting, it’s important to create an open and safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. Remember to focus on generating ideas, without evaluating or criticizing them during the brainstorming session.

Once you have a list of possible solutions, evaluate each one based on their feasibility, potential impact, and costs. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each solution before selecting the most appropriate one. Keep in mind that the solution may not be perfect, but it should be the best one available given the resources and constraints. By considering different options, you can increase the chances of finding an effective solution that addresses the problem.

Step 3: Evaluate the Solutions

When evaluating the solutions, it’s important to keep an open mind and consider different perspectives. Seek feedback from other team members or colleagues who may have a different point of view. It’s also important to consider the long-term effects of each solution, rather than just the immediate impact. For instance, while changing the project scope may seem like a quick fix to a delayed project, it could cause further delays or even impact the project’s success in the long run.

During the evaluation process, it’s essential to prioritize solutions based on their impact on the problem and their feasibility. Consider the resources, time, and effort required to implement each solution. Some solutions may be quick fixes that can be implemented immediately, while others may require more planning and preparation. It’s important to choose a solution that addresses the problem effectively while also being feasible to implement within the given resources and timeframe.

It’s also important to remember that not all solutions may work as expected. Be prepared to modify or pivot to a different solution if the initial solution does not yield the desired results. Additionally, ensure that the chosen solution aligns with the company’s policies and values and does not violate any ethical standards.

Step 4: Implement the Solution

Implementing the chosen solution requires careful planning and execution. The team needs to work together to ensure that the solution is implemented smoothly and efficiently. The plan should include a timeline, specific tasks, and deadlines. Assigning roles and responsibilities to each team member is crucial to ensure that everyone understands their role in the implementation process.

Effective communication is also essential during the implementation phase. The team should communicate regularly to discuss progress, identify any obstacles, and adjust the plan if necessary. For example, if the team decides to implement a new customer service strategy, they should train the customer service team, provide them with the necessary tools, and communicate the new strategy to customers.

It’s also important to track the progress of the implementation to ensure that everything is on track. Regular check-ins can help identify any problems early on and provide an opportunity to address them before they become bigger issues.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

Monitoring and adjusting the solution is crucial in ensuring that the problem is fully resolved. It’s essential to track the progress of the solution and evaluate its effectiveness. If the solution is not working as planned, it’s important to adjust it accordingly. This step requires flexibility and open communication among team members.

For example, if the team decided to adjust the project timeline, they should monitor the progress regularly and make adjustments if necessary. They should also communicate any changes to the stakeholders involved in the project. If the new timeline is not working, the team should be open to making further adjustments, such as revising the project scope or adding more resources.

Feedback plays a vital role in this step. It’s important to gather feedback from team members and stakeholders to ensure that the solution is meeting their needs. Feedback can also help identify any potential issues that may arise and allow the team to address them promptly.

Learning from mistakes is also an important aspect of effective problem solving. Every problem presents an opportunity to learn and grow. By reflecting on the process and the outcome, team members can identify areas for improvement and apply them in future problem-solving situations.

So, there you have it – a five-step process to solve any workplace problem like a pro! Whether it’s a pesky customer complaint, a tricky team conflict, or a stubborn project delay, you can tackle it with ease.

Remember, the first step is to define the problem – analyze it, gather information, and understand the root cause. Next, brainstorm possible solutions, even if they seem unrealistic or impractical. Get creative and come up with as many solutions as possible!

After that, evaluate the solutions by identifying their pros and cons, and choose the one that’s most feasible and practical. Make sure to consider the potential risks and benefits of each solution. Then, it’s time to implement the most practical solution. Develop a plan, communicate it to everyone involved, and assign roles and responsibilities.

Last but not least, monitor the progress and adjust the solution if necessary. Keep track of the progress and be open to feedback. Remember, learning from your mistakes is the key to success!

So, the next time you face a workplace problem, take a deep breath and follow these simple steps. You’ll be able to find a solution that works for everyone and become a valuable asset to your team or organization. With effective problem solving skills, you can maintain productivity, boost morale, and achieve success!

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How Can Cognitive Training Improve my Problem-Solving Skills?

Learn How Cognitive Training Can Benefit Your Problem-Solving Abilities

The most striking quality about powerhouses like Bill Gates or Elon Musk is their extraordinary ability to innovate creative solutions. Admittedly it’s easy to feel like they’re somehow different from us—somehow more naturally inspired  and resourceful than the average person. But believe it or not, you can also train your brain to think like a genius . In fact, you can accomplish amazing feats just by sharpening your problem-solving skills and learning to navigate challenges.

It all starts with cognitive training.

No matter who you are, your problem-solving abilities depend on the core cognitive skills you use every day. Cognitive training helps you hone those skills so you can accomplish more in the day-to-day of your professional life. Let’s take a closer look at those skills.

Cognitive training makes you better at solving problems alone or in a team.

How Does Problem-Solving Depend on Cognitive Skills?

Essentially, cognitive skills are the building blocks of all your thought processes.  In fact, they’re used so frequently that most of the time you aren’t even aware of them—much like breathing. However, once you start noticing and actively working on them, you’ll become more capable and effective than ever.

Cognitive skills related to information-processing and problem-solving :

• Direction and Orientation:  These skills make it easier to understand relationships in the environment. They allow you to give, take, and prioritize directions.
• Classification and Categorization:  These skills allow you to group and reorganize ideas, emotions, objects, actions, and time periods. They help you deal with complicated tasks.
• Environmental Awareness:  This is how well you see how different things are related. It helps you develop mental templates for dealing with similar situations.
• Analysis and Synthesis:  These skills break down ideas and challenges into smaller, more manageable pieces. They keep you from becoming overwhelmed by too much information.
• Motor Integration:  This skill makes it easier for you to set aside emotions and plan tasks out ahead of time.
• Concrete Sequencing:  This skill makes you more aware of what is and isn’t working when carrying out a plan. It helps you to think logically and identify potential problems.
• Pattern Recognition:  This skill helps you identify patterns and allows you to manage complicated or repetitive information.

How Will Cognitive Training Help?

Now, what can you do to develop those problem-solving skills and improve your on-the-job performance?

At Critical Thinking for Success, we start out by administering proficiency tests that identify which skills have the most room for growth . This lets us hone in on the skills that will benefit you the most. Once we’ve determined where to focus our efforts, we develop an individualized training regimen just for you . Furthermore, this training regimen involves daily exercises as well as in-person sessions.

Additionally, for each cognitive skill there are a variety of   games, puzzles, and other exercises to help your development.  For example, we use games and puzzles where moving one piece changes the rest of the board, forcing you to visualize a plan before you execute it rather jumping right into blind experimentation. This way, you train your brain to take an analytical approach and assess the inner logic and relationships behind a problem before you try to tackle it.

At our in-person sessions, we’ll review your progress with those exercises, as well as how you’ve been doing in your personal and professional life. We’ll discuss ways you can apply your cognitive training and suggest strategies for using them to face upcoming real-life challenges.

As you progress, you’ll see yourself having an easier time coming up with effective and creative solutions to the problems you face, and getting more done with less stress. That’ll make you more resourceful, more capable of handling whatever comes your way, and all-around a better business professional.

Ready to boost  your problem-solving skills and take the next step toward accomplishing your dreams?

Call Critical Thinking for Success at 847-845-0422 . Let’s set up a consultation, and discuss how we can train your brain to be a problem-solving machine!

Author:  Critical Thinking for Success

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Robert Kauffman Obituary

Robert Louis Kauffman – A Man Who Loved Helping People March 23, 1943 – April 14, 2024

Robert Louis Kauffman, 81 years old, of Gurnee, IL, affectionately known as Bob, departed from his life here on earth after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob was a caring family man-devoted husband to Kit (Cathleen Mika), loving father to Katherine Specht (Brian), Tim (Ashley), and the late Jennifer; adoring grandfather of Jackson, Emily, Alison, Riley, and Joey; and loyal brother, uncle, and cousin to many Kauffman relatives.

Bob was born in Bremen, Indiana to Donald Kauffman and Madeline (Darscheid), the third of six children including brothers Dick (Rita), Keith (Marcy), Kathy Snyder (David), Carol Balentine and Susan O’Connor (Knute).

Bob was raised with strong Midwest farming roots that taught him the meaning and value of hard work and service to others from a young age which became the foundation of his life’s work. His formative education began at

Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, Indiana, where he explored his strong faith, but soon realized that the priesthood was not his calling. He continued his higher education at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, where he received a Bachelor of Sociology, and went on to receive his Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois in Chicago. From there his professional journey began, working as a counselor at a pharmaceutical company where his passion for helping people to deal with various life problems really began.

As his career evolved, Bob continued to expand his knowledge of how to help people. His personal life experiences also shaped him in profound ways, most notably the birth of his first child Jennifer who subsequently died at an early age. After recovering from this devastating loss, Bob was able to help others going through similar life-altering experiences with compassion and love.

Bob’s knowledge of the brain and human nature continued to open doors to new opportunities in his life. As a psychotherapist Bob counseled thousands of individuals over the course of his long career, helping people to improve their lives by offering strategies for happiness and self-fulfillment.

Bob was also a successful businessman and launched several entrepreneurial endeavors, most recently the company Critical Thinking for Success in 2009 which further expanded his impact in helping others. Through the use of neurofeedback, biofeedback, and cognitive therapy techniques, Bob was able to address a range of conditions from anxiety, depression, PTSD, brain injuries, and professional coaching for enhanced job performance.

Bob worked with a wide range of individuals including athletes, professional musicians, corporate CEO’s, and the U.S. Marines. His techniques were designed to address specific issues to improve lives. Bob also published his first book, “The Incredible Journey of Loving Ourselves” in 2022, providing a personal guide for finding our best selves. Bob firmly believed that self-improvement and learning was ongoing, and one was never too old to change the direction of their life with guidance, support, and self-love.

Bob was actively engaged with a broad network of family and friends, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was an avid fisherman and regularly took a group of friends up to his favorite Wine Lake fishing spot in Ontario Canada. He enjoyed movies, basketball, telling a good story or joke, and playing competitive games of poker and euchre with family and friends. He was also a humanitarian, serving on the advisory board of A Safe Haven Foundation in Chicago, a non-profit organization that strives to restore hope and opportunity to individuals in crisis by providing treatment, housing, support services, and career opportunities.

While Bob’s physical presence will no longer be with us, his lasting legacy of self-love and self-improvement will continue to bring comfort and hopefully inspire everyone who knew Bob to carry on his mission of making a difference in people’s lives.

On Monday May 20, 2024, at 1:00 pm., a funeral mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, Chicago, IL (validated parking entrance at 14 W. Superior).

A Celebration of Life will follow at Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Limited on-site parking is free (Washington gate entrance). Additional on-site parking is provided at a cost of $4.00 per hour, (1371 W. Randolph gate entrance).

Please feel free to attend both or either events of the memorial day.

It is Bob’s request, and of the family, that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to A Safe Haven Foundation: www.asafehaven.org.

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Improve Problem-Solving Skills with These 5 Methods!

In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, developing problem-solving skills has become more critical than ever. Not only does it help us face and overcome challenges efficiently, but it also facilitates development and achieving goals more quickly. Join Kounselly in exploring how to develop problem-solving skills in this article.

Essential Factors for Developing Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are among the most important in personal and professional life. To develop these skills, you need to improve:

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Analytical and critical thinking are foundational in problem-solving. They help you understand the nature, evaluate, and question hypotheses and solutions for different problems. You can view issues from various angles to uncover hidden problems or gaps in proposed solutions.

Creativity and Flexibility

Creativity and flexibility help you find unconventional solutions and quickly adapt to changes in the problem-solving process. They expand your ability to respond by providing diverse solutions, overcoming barriers that traditional solutions might encounter.

Confidence and Patience

Confidence helps you make decisive decisions and take action, while patience helps you persist in the problem-solving process even when facing difficulties. With these two virtues, you can maintain strong motivation and not get discouraged by challenges.

Communication and Collaboration Skills

Effective communication helps you accurately convey issues, solutions, and requirements, while collaboration helps you leverage the knowledge and skills of other team members. Good communication skills enable you to work more effectively in a team environment and ensure that solutions are implemented in a coordinated and efficient manner.

Knowledge and Expertise

For problems in your field, issues will be resolved more quickly when you possess extensive knowledge and solid expertise. They provide a strong foundation for analyzing and solving complex problems in the same field later.

Steps to Develop Problem-Solving Skills

To develop problem-solving skills effectively, you need to follow a clear and systematic process. Here are the basic steps to develop these skills:

• Identify the Problem: Identifying the problem is the first and most crucial step in the problem-solving process. This includes accurately determining the problem, understanding the context and related factors, and analyzing the impact of the problem.
• Set Goals and Criteria: Once you have enough information, you need to set specific goals and criteria to help you evaluate different solutions and choose the most optimal one.
• Develop Creative Solutions: Do not hesitate to propose new, even somewhat different ideas. Creativity in finding solutions can help you come up with effective and feasible options.
• Implement and Monitor Results: After selecting the optimal solution, the final step is to implement and monitor the results. You need to create a detailed plan for implementing the solution, ensuring that every step is controlled and adjusted as needed.

4 Methods to Improve Problem-solving skill

Using various methods and techniques can help you find effective solutions when solving problems. Here are some common methods and techniques you can apply:

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a technique that encourages freely contributing ideas without fear of criticism. Afterwards, the ideas are evaluated and filtered to select the most potential solutions. Regular brainstorming practice without mentioning risks helps minimize barriers and paves the way for creativity.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a useful tool to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges related to the problem you are solving. This method helps you better understand the current situation and identify factors that can affect the problem-solving process.

5 Whys Method

A simple yet powerful technique to find the root cause of a problem recommended by many experts is the 5 Whys. You start by asking “Why?” about the initial problem and continue asking “Why?” for each answer until you understand the root cause. Typically, this process involves about five “Why?” questions.

Mind Mapping

Using a diagram to organize and link information helps you view the problem more visually. When the complete picture of the problem becomes clear, you can easily identify risks and explore potential solutions.

Daily Practice of Problem-Solving Skills

To develop and improve problem-solving skills, you need to practice regularly. Here are some ways you can apply daily:

• Practice Through Real Situations: Each time you face and solve a problem, your skills improve. Seek and participate in work projects, volunteer activities, or even small problems in daily life.
• Attend Courses and Workshops: Many courses are designed specifically to help you understand the steps in the problem-solving process, from identifying the problem to developing and implementing solutions. Attending courses and workshops on problem-solving skills will provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop your skills.
• Learn from Others’ Experiences: Listen and learn from those around you, especially those with excellent problem-solving skills. They can share useful experiences and strategies that you can apply.
• Develop Creative Thinking: Creative thinking is crucial in problem-solving. You can view issues from various angles and encourage yourself to propose breakthrough solutions.

Improving problem-solving skills is a continuous and ongoing process. Start applying the methods shared by Kounselly today to enhance your skills and achieve success in both your work and life!

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15 Ways to Learn How to Improve Problem Solving Skills

Although it seems like some people have strong problem-solving skills, there is a strategy that anyone can use to improve them. how to improve problem-solving skills?

All right, your skills are significantly enhanced in this area – and the best part is that most of these activities are also interesting!

Use these ten creative tips to improve your problem-solving skills, develop more strategic ways of thinking, and train your brain to do more by learning how to improve problem-solving skills.

How to improve problem-solving skills

The glory of Apple’s Steve Jobs – in the words of his colleagues – was one of the greatest problem solvers of his time. Therefore, it is no surprise that many companies today are hunting down problem solvers. After several discussions with my students about problem-solving skills, I decided to choose one of the most widely used and effective five-step formulas from project management, called Ideal: Identification, Definition, Testing, Law, and Vision.

Here’s how you can make the most of your time at university to improve your problem-solving skills …

1. Identify the problem

To summarize, my definition of problem-solving skills is very simple: it is the ability to identify the nature of a problem (break it down) and to develop effective measures to address the challenges associated with it by learning how to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills .

In fact, in some challenging situations, many students become obsessed with emotions and see only major obstacles, obstacles, or problems. However, big problem solvers usually try to identify the root causes of problematic situations – the nature of a particular problem that is clearly prominent can be solved, and ultimately resolved by learning how to improve problem-solving skills.

It’s not bad to say that the situation is bad or out of control, because it’s so abstract and unbearable. It is more important to explain where that problem and challenge comes from. Albert Einstein once said: “The solution to a problem is often more important than its solution, which is simply a matter of mathematical or experimental skills.” answer on how to increase problem-solving skills.

In my experience, the first step in developing valuable problem-solving skills is to learn how to look at each identifiable problem. For example, recently in the MDP / Global Classroom at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), my students are preparing for a semester abroad program for sustainable urban development.

A host university – Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – asked them to identify a solution to their problem and prepare a research proposal on sustainable urban development. Of course, in the first brainstorming session, students only talk about what is good and what does not work. But it was too common for a problem-solving proposal. My proposal was to try to identify the nature of the problem systematically and by summarizing a particular situation in a paragraph.

2. Determine the main component of the problem

The next step in problem-solving – and learning problem-solving skills – is the ability to break the problem into smaller pieces or smaller and more efficient parts, define the key elements of the problem, and know how to solve problems in life .

It is an essential step and a skill to develop both psychologically and managerially. Instead of facing a giant, scary, impossible-to-climb monster mountain, you have to learn how to define smaller roads between the hills and rocks. When you break down a big problem into smaller elements, then you are no longer facing an impossible task and can go about making several very concrete steps to achieve the goal and solve your problem-solving steps .

For example, my students in the MDP program at Al-Farabi KazNU met experts and policy practitioners and identified several problems. However, those problems were so complex and so big that they scared the students, who were not sure they could come up with a solution within one semester. We had to conduct several additional rounds of exercises to define the main elements of each problem and prepare a table where a large problem was broken down into several elements.

3. EXAMINE possible solutions

Finding possible solutions is a very tricky step in the problem-solving process, as on the surface it looks like most of the work is already done and the ultimate goal is close. In reality, students should not try They should find the most effective ways and turn them into a successful success story. Steve Jobs often liked to suggest that when his team was confronted with a problem they had to search for “an elegant, really beautiful solution that works.”

Here students also have to remember that there are risks and factors that are not easy to foresee (but possible to try). In order to become more effective, students need to find creative approaches to mastering, with the aid of techniques such as a problem-solving tree.

For every branch (a problem element), students have developed multiple leaves (possible solutions). An important part of this step of the problem-solving process is to create logical links between different potential solutions, thus reinforcing solutions and creating synergies on how to improve problem-solving skills.

4. ACT on resolving the problem

Developing a step-by-step execution plan and acting effectively and decisively is the final touch in the problem-solving process. This is also an important skill as it deals with how effectively students identify, define its elements and examine possible solutions; all still boils down to the ability to execute the action plan Within this problem-solving formula students should also master skills such as monitoring and evaluating the entire action implementation process and – if it is a group undertaking – learn how to delegate certain parts of the work to each other or to external stakeholders.

5. LOOK for lessons to learn

At the moment when the problem is solved, I suggest that students sit down with all their problem-solving trees and action plans, either alone or together if it is a group project. This is the moment to look back and see if there is a need to tune up the work that has been completed. Especially valuable is taking the time to evaluate the entire process and formulating lessons learned so that the next problem-solving project will be more effective and produce even more elegant solutions.

6. Create “mental distance”

What is the emotional distance? According to Constant Level Theory (CLT), it is “something that we do not think is happening now and here.” In some instances, there is a possibility of taking the view of another person or thinking of the problem.

Scientists have shown that by increasing the emotional distance between us and our problems, we will have an increase in creative solutions. This happens because thinking more outstandingly helps us to create unexpected connections in unexpected relationships, thereby increasing our minds’ ability to solve problems.

7. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

As with any other sleep or waking state, Rapid Eye Movement (RME) sleep directly enhances the brain’s creative processing. REM sleep “stimulates cooperative networks, allowing the new brain to create new and useful associations between unrelated brain ideas” and “not like memory consolidation” that occurs when becoming aware.

8. Tune out some work

In a study of cardiac rehabilitation patients, oral fluid testing was performed without music and after exercise. The results showed that when they listened to music while at work, participants doubled their scores on oral fluid tests as they performed in silence. According to the study’s lead author, “a combination of music and exercise may stimulate and increase cognitive arousal while helping to organize cognitive output.”

9. Keep an “Idea Journal”

You’ll be able to quickly record important thoughts, write personal experiences, create sketches, and explore ideas while keeping an “Idea Journal” with you. Solving problems by sorting your thoughts into paper and then showing them more purposefully is easier than all the thoughts that stick in your head (and will provide better problem-solving strategies).

10. Participate in Yoga

The vital combination of body awareness, breathing, and meditation required during yoga practice has been shown to significantly increase cognitive test scores. In the study of the University of Illinois, the short response time, more accuracy, and attention were increased in other results.

11. Eat some Cheerios

The name is Cheriyas Effect has been given by physicists that the last few cheerios in a bowl are stuck together. The cause of this phenomenon is surface tension.

Takeaway comes when it encounters tension while trying to solve a problem, cling to those around you. Depending on the experience and ideas of others, even those from different career fields. Draw the connection. Emotions of emotional distress. Work together to get the job done.

12. Dance out your heart

Did you know that dancing has a positive impact on nerve processing, possibly creating new neural pathways that cause dopamine-depleted blockages in the brain?

This means that if you are involved in ballet or any other form of dance, then doing this can narrow down your thoughts. In other words, it can help you find a suitable, appropriate answer to the problem. If you need isolated thinking (looking for multiple answers to a problem), engaging in more advanced types of dances, such as hip-hop or tap, can only use the technique.

13. Work your brain with logic puzzles or games

Winning tactics for chess, sudoku, Rubik’s cube, or other brain-assisted games actually put the problem behind, not far behind. The same strategy can be applied in realistic strategic-thinking situations.

To develop your brain muscle and develop new troubleshooting strategies, practice some logical puzzles and other games.

14. Use mind maps to help visualize problems

Mind maps, a visual snapshot of a problem and its possible solutions help focus the mind, stimulate the brain, increase the capacity for creative thinking, and create more ideas for solutions.

Make a mind map by drawing your problem as the central idea. Adding “main branches” is all the cause of the problem. Use “sub-branch” for more details.

Next, create a separate mind map of all possible solutions to the central problem. Add “main branches” that can help your colleagues such as solve problems, apply strategies, and use other resources. Add “sub-branch” for more details. Make a final branch with the most appropriate solution for the major problem. Use “sub-section” for details.

Through this exercise, you will see that any “branch” or alternative is the most effective, time-saving, and cost-effective problem-solving process.

15. Play some football

Our brain has found a link between “executive function” and sports success. When in action, our brain is multitasking in moving, anticipating, strategizing, responding, and performing. Doing all of these things at once requires huge amounts of brain activity.

We plan, because, when monitoring our actions and problems, our work can be related to the world — all solutions at once. Therefore, it can be concluded that when you play football or some other fast-moving game, you can expedite your brain to think, process, and respond to problems. In fact, solving problems and making decisions is not a daunting task.

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Why is Problem Solving Skills Important to Learn?

What are problem solving skills? Problem solving skills can be defined as an act to define a problem, finding the root cause of the problem (including performing identification, setting a priority, and choosing the right solution alternatives), and implementing the solution that is chosen.

Problem solving skills are required not only in business life but also in daily lives. However, not many people think of this as a must-have set of skills of life. As a result, not many people are dealing with problems in a right way.

But why does problem solving skill become important? This is because this kind of skill will help us to resolve the dispute happening not only within our relationship with others, but also resolving the problems within ourselves.

According to some Kepner-Tregoe, problem solving is the main idea of human evolution. Problem solving abilities will make it possible to them to keep thriving. That is why an effective problem solving becomes important not only in working situation but also in the setting of daily life,

You might wonder ‘what is problem solving skills’ method that we have already talked about. Well, there are various sources mentioning different amount of procedures you need to do when it comes to problem solving. However, problem-solving skills include these items mentioned below:

• Identifying the problem – Before getting too far, it’d be better to understand which kind of problem you are having.
• Define the problem – What comes next as the team problem solving strategies is to define the problem. If the previous step resembles to learning the situation, this procedure equals to writing down what the true problem is. Doing so will help you to further understand what acts you need to take.
• Exploring the problem – In this procedure, you are required to dig deeper what is causing the problem. By understanding what is there to fix, you can define what actions you need to take to start the fix.
• Start taking action – After you list down what the problems are and what actions you can take to resolve the problem, do what you can do. It is better to be done as soon as possible than making the problems getting unresolved. Or, getting bigger.
• Always look back – Once you’ve done what you can do in terms of resolving the problem, it’s time to evaluate yourself.

What You Can Get from Learning Problem Solving

As mentioned earlier, you can benefit many things from learning problem solving skills. Several benefits that you can get from that can be listed as follows:

• First, you can make yourself more sensitive in terms of identifying problem.
• Then, you will be used to brainstorm while thinking about any possible solutions.
• Next, you may also get trained for testing the solutions first before implementing it wholly.
• Lastly, by keeping the habit of ‘always look back’, you will learn that it is important to analyze results.

The Unexpected Benefit from Problem Solving

Now you know that learning problem solving skills will leave you nothing but some great benefits. But do you know that learning problem solving skills in the workplace will also give you the opportunity to grow yourself?

This is because the problem solving skills definition , example, and benefits mentioned above told you that it is important to always learn retrospectively and progressively. While you can learn how to learn in a retrospective way, progressively learning can help you to grow and learn a lot from your previous mistakes.

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Helping transport professionals fast track their success

Five key problem solving skills for professionals

Problem solving is a key success skill for professionals. 

It is a skill that is invaluable to protect your future career, whether in the public or private sector, and your personal life.

What are the five key skills that are needed to be a good problem solver?

Analytical Ability  – knowing how to gather data, articulate, analyse, and visualise information, solve complex problems and make decisions.

Lateral Thinking  – involves looking beyond the obvious and the usual modes of thought and throwing away preconceptions and using your inspiration and imagination to solve problems by looking at them from unexpected perspectives.

Logical Reasoning  – asking the important questions, gathering and assessing relevant information, arriving at well-reasoned conclusions while staying open-minded and then communicating effectively to arrive at solutions

Initiative  – seizing upon opportunities and taking the lead to solve problems, rather than to pass them on to other people. It can also involves anticipating potential problems and taking pre-emptive steps to resolve them.

Persistence  – This is the ”stick to it” factor. Perseverance and persistence are highly related to the ability to not only solve the problem, but to also enact a solution.

One way to look at problem solving is using the  IDEAL method :

The “I” stands for  identifying  the problem – What is it? Why is it a problem and not something less?

The “D” stands for  defining  the context of the problem – How is this problem impacting other people or other parts of the business? What are the consequences if we don’t solve it?

“E” is for  exploring  possible strategies – This is brainstorming solutions in a non-judgmental way and then and only then cutting down the list to a few possibilities.

“A” is for  acting  on the best solution – This is where you pick the best solution and implement it.

While “L” is for look back and  learn  – this is the post-delivery phase… where you critically examine how things went and what could be improved for the next time.

Problem solving relies on analytical ability, lateral or creative thinking, logical reasoning or critical thinking, initiative and persistence. 

Our brains are required to switch from critical to creative thinking at different stages of problem solving.

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Problem-Solving Skills| Definition And exampls

Thinking about the ability to recognize problems, come up with alternatives and execute such solutions as would be most efficient. Such skills are fundamental in several areas of life, especially in professional setups which constantly face challenges and obstacles.

Important among these problem-solving skills include creative thinking, decision making capabilities, analytics capacities and critical thinking.

Why Is This Skill Important?

Problem-solving skills are important because it enables individuals to handle sudden obstacles and complex situations efficiently. These skills assist in making informed decisions, streamlining processes and achieving goals.

In the workplace, strong problem-solving Skills lead to increased productivity, better team dynamics and a competitive edge in the job market.

Showcase New Skills

This shows that you are always growing personally as well as professionally as you keep updating your resume with new problem-solving skills. Adaptable candidates who can bring fresh ideas or solutions into their teams are preferred by potential employers.

Bringing out these competences can transform your career significantly.

Benefits of Problem-Solving Skills

• Improved Decision-Making: Developing effective problem solving enhances your decision-making capacity through assessment of all options available before settling on a particular one as being the best approach.
• Increased Efficiency: This way you can identify issues immediately they arise reducing cycle times which boosts overall efficiency at work place.
• Better Critical Thinking : We become better at analyzing things critically when we engage in these activities hence our ability to make some changes towards what might give us more desirable results tend to improve.
• Greater Adaptability: With a good number of problem-solving skills we will find ourselves easily adapting when circumstances change while not shying away from dealing with any other emerging ones confidently too.
• Boosted Confidence: Solving problems successfully makes you feel more confident and shows that you can deal with tough situations.
• Better Teamwork: By working together to solve issues, effective problem solving can improve teamwork and enhance communication within a group.
• Promotion Opportunities: Strong problem-solving skills are highly sought after by employers, making it easier for one to secure a try at what they want from their employment place.
• Enhanced Creativity: Being involved in problem-solving brings about new ideas thereby promoting creativity and leading to the development of unique solutions.
• Reduced Stress: When we have the know how to handle problems efficiently, stress associated with unresolved issues is minimized.
• Personal Growth: Developing your problem-solving abilities all the time contributes to personal development and lifelong learning.

Problem-Solving Skills Examples

The first step of any problem-solving process is researching. Research entails an in-depth understanding of a given issue through gathering information, evaluating this data and synthesizing it. Good research skills help you identify the root causes of issues and develop well-informed solutions.

This may involve reading academic journals, analyzing case studies, running surveys or consulting expert opinions. A combination of these sources will provide you with wider perspective on the issue under consideration which is important for an efficient approach towards solving the same.

Moreover, thorough research ensures that your solutions are evidence-based and follow best practices hence increasing effectiveness.

To break down complicated problems into simpler ones, you need to have analytical skills. This will involve going through data, finding relationships between them and then making inferences about the underlying aspects.

It is also important that one’s analysis be characterized by critical thinking and attention to details so as to understand a problem better, dissect it systematically and come up with informed strategies. A

n example of this would be an individual who analyzes financial accounts, customer feedback or market trends in order to identify what went wrong.

Decision-making

Decision-making forms part of problem-solving where one assesses several options before choosing the most appropriate action. For instance, it requires weighing pros and cons of different solutions, considering potential risks as well as predicting how your decisions may affect your organization.

A good decision is one that combines intuition based on past experiences with logical analysis which takes account of all relevant factors affecting the company. To some extent, this means gathering information from all sources including stakeholder meetings in order to predict long term effects of decisions made now.

Furthermore decision makers must be open-minded enough to amend their strategies as result of new inputs hence modifying original solutions without compromising effectiveness.

Communication

Effective communication entails being able to express problems clearly; share ideas both upwards and downwards and work effectively within teams when solving problems together. In other words clear concise communication allows everyone else on the team understand exactly what you mean when discussing your ideas on possible ways for solving the stated problem at hand .

Here in lies active listening ; constructive criticism giving; open discussions facilitating etcetera. Effective communicators are those who manage to create mutually inclusive environments thereby bridging gaps between several multifaceted angles of reasoning from which inventive solutions arise at the end .

Moreover good presentation skills play a significant role in gaining support from stakeholders so that they can commit themselves towards implementing whatever you suggest.

Dependability

Dependability is a fundamental problem solving skill which calls for reliability, consistency and trust. This involves taking responsibility for the identification and resolution of problems so as to ensure that tasks are completed effectively and efficiently. Through dependability, it becomes apparent to colleagues that they can rely on you when it comes to honouring commitments hence producing excellent results .

In addition being someone who is always looking out for any potentialities of issues turning into significant challenges; thus, before they become major problems ,someone should be able to anticipate them beforehand hence coming up with the best approach.

How to Include Problem-Solving Skills in a Job Application

On a resume.

To increase your chances of getting hired, include problem-solving skills on your resume. Begin by listing some instances where you applied those skills successfully. If possible use numbers to define specific accomplishments rather than just saying “solved customer issues” or “customer complaints”.

Furthermore, enhance your CV with action words such as analyzed, developed implemented improved etcetera indicating your abilities in solving problems.

In a Cover Letter or an Interview

Optimize your cover letter by providing more information on how you solve problems. Do not miss the opportunity to elaborate on this in your cover letter. It will tell a story about how you faced certain challenges and overcame them successfully.

Such an approach enables employers ascertain that you apply your problem solving skills practically in real life situations. Are you ready for further explanations about these examples during the interview? In order to make it clear, use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Forage Resume Writing Masterclass

Although they might be good at defining problem-solving abilities well enough preparing students for writing resumes is essential for articulating them clearly. Just as writing masterclasses offered by Forage teach people how to create powerful curricula vitae; they can also help trainees become better at pointing out their creative thinking skills while drafting such papers as well.

Hence, one’s resume will become attractive among others when he or she learns how to compose it with remarkable details that describe problem-solving experiences.

How to Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Learn how to identify problems.

The first thing for developing strong problem solving skills is the ability to accurately identify what constitutes a problem. Seeing is the most important aspect of accurate observation and thinking. Take notice of persistent problems or areas where processes are flawed. Start asking questions that probe deeply into issues so as to understand their root causes.

You can handle a problem well if you understand it better. Routinely doing this activity will help prevent future incidents from escalating into full-blown problems and results in proactive problem management.

Think Digitally

In today’s technology focused world, digital thinking is important. Gain insight on software and other digital tools you can use when solving problems such as project management platforms, data analysis programs, etc… They allow you collect information and analyze trends towards making informed decisions.

It is because of your digital literacy that you can encounter untried challenges for creative solutions. Besides, be up-to-date with technology if you want your problem-solving skills to be up-todate too through learning new tools; keeping them alive at all times.

Collaborate

Collaboration is one way through which problem-solving skills are developed by people. Teamwork introduces diversity in thoughts and ideas thereby leading to more innovative answers than an individual would have thought alone. Brainstorming sessions should therefore involve group contributions while feedbacks from different quarters should be given due considerations during team work.

Every person has to listen keenly and speak clearly so that nobody gets confused about what they are doing together. Thus creating such environment contributes much towards efficient solution of problems by saving time spent on their resolution as well as building stronger teams within the organization alike.

To effectively solve problems, one must be adaptable. Flexibility is important, and you must be willing for the changes in your approach when necessary. These problems can evolve and the best solutions may need adjustment along the way. Develop a change-friendly mentality where you expect things to be uncertain.

Practice resilience and improve on adaptability by learning from past experiences. This skill helps maintain calmness during tough times and create alternatives after initial plans fail, making it possible to move ahead even in challenging conditions.

Put Yourself in the Middle of Tough Moments

Taking part in difficult situations can help enhance your problem-solving capacity greatly. Seek out challenging tasks or projects that take you outside your comfort zone. You become able to understand how you can maneuver through complex issues practically because of this hands-on experience.

Reflect on these experiences to identify what worked well and what could have been done better next time round. By deliberately placing yourself in tough moments, you build confidence and competence in problem solving, making you better prepared for future challenges.

Career Aptitude Test

These tools are designed to make people understand their individual strengths, interests as well as preferences so that they can find suitable career paths for themselves. They also evaluate different skills, personality traits as well as inclinations indicating potential job roles that would match an individual’s unique profile.

Students, career changers and individuals who would like clarity on their professional direction should especially use them.

Analytical skills are crucial for roles requiring critical thinking, data interpretation and problem solving technique among other attributes . In this case a test will outline your level of ability to determine patterns from information provided , make rational decisions based on such patterns as well as come up with ideas that will help overcome obstacles.

Some professions such as data analyst , financial advisor , scientist or engineer require strong analytical abilities . The test might have sections which assess whether or not someone can interpret charts, graphs and complicated information thus giving a clear image of someone’s analytical strengths.

Innovation and unique approaches to problem-solving are fostered by originality in various industries. A career aptitude test measures your creativity skill through activities which demand non-conventional thoughts, idea generation and artistic expression.

Occupations in design , advertising writing and performing arts often require high level of creativity. For instance a test may involve brainstorming sessions , story telling or visual design tasks thus enabling a person to know how creative he can be at work.

Career aptitude tests have immense influence on self -discovery as well as career planning . Such examinations provide an insight into potential career paths that one can take depending on their analytical skills and creativity.

Whether you’re starting your career journey or considering a change, taking a career aptitude test can help guide you toward fulfilling and suitable professional opportunities.

What are problem-solving skills?

These are the skills that incorporate recognizing, creating solutions for them as well as implementing the solutions effectively.

Why are problem solving skills important?

These skills are very useful in handling problems, making informed decisions and achieving set goals both personally and professionally.

How can I improve my problem solving skills?

Identify accurately, think digitally, collaborate from different sources, stay adaptable and challenge yourself with difficult assignments to become smarter at fixing things.

How do I showcase problem solving skills on my resume?

Use action verbs while describing specific cases where you have resolved problems successfully by providing measurable achievements.

What role does communication play in problem solving?

Effective communication ensures that ideas, solutions as well as feedbacks are all conveyed clearly during collaboration hence successful resolution of problems is made possible

Russell F. Jones, holding a Master in psychology from the University of Florida. He writes for Smart Parent Solutions, offering practical advice on parenting and child development. His engaging content helps parents navigate family life with confidence and ease. Russell enjoys sharing his knowledge and spending quality time with his family.

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What is Problem-Solving in Nursing? (With Examples, Importance, & Tips to Improve)

Whether you have been a nurse for many years or you are just beginning your nursing career, chances are, you know that problem-solving skills are essential to your success. With all the skills you are expected to develop and hone as a nurse, you may wonder, “Exactly what is problem solving in nursing?” or “Why is it so important?” In this article, I will share some insight into problem-solving in nursing from my experience as a nurse. I will also tell you why I believe problem-solving skills are important and share some tips on how to improve your problem-solving skills.

What Exactly is Problem-Solving in Nursing?

5 reasons why problem-solving is important in nursing, reason #1: good problem-solving skills reflect effective clinical judgement and critical thinking skills, reason #2: improved patient outcomes, reason #3: problem-solving skills are essential for interdisciplinary collaboration, reason #4: problem-solving skills help promote preventative care measures, reason #5: fosters opportunities for improvement, 5 steps to effective problem-solving in nursing, step #1: gather information (assessment), step #2: identify the problem (diagnosis), step #3: collaborate with your team (planning), step #4: putting your plan into action (implementation), step #5: decide if your plan was effective (evaluation), what are the most common examples of problem-solving in nursing, example #1: what to do when a medication error occurs, how to solve:, example #2: delegating tasks when shifts are short-staffed, example #3: resolving conflicts between team members, example #4: dealing with communication barriers/lack of communication, example #5: lack of essential supplies, example #6: prioritizing care to facilitate time management, example #7: preventing ethical dilemmas from hindering patient care, example #8: finding ways to reduce risks to patient safety, bonus 7 tips to improve your problem-solving skills in nursing, tip #1: enhance your clinical knowledge by becoming a lifelong learner, tip #2: practice effective communication, tip #3: encourage creative thinking and team participation, tip #4: be open-minded, tip #5: utilize your critical thinking skills, tip #6: use evidence-based practices to guide decision-making, tip #7: set a good example for other nurses to follow, my final thoughts, list of sources used for this article.

12 SMART Goals Examples for Problem Solving

Everyone should aim to develop their problem-solving skills in life. It’s critical for career growth and personal development. That’s why establishing SMART goals is a valuable tool for achieving success and reaching desired outcomes.

This article will provide SMART goals examples for effective problem solving. Gaining inspiration to pursue these goals can help you become more organized and effective in problem-solving situations.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART framework is an amazing way to establish practical goals . For those unaware, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Still confused? SMART goals are:

• Specific: Accomplishing goals starts with defining them and how they will be achieved. The more detailed your goals for problem solving, the greater the likelihood you have of meeting them.
• Measurable: Having a quantifiable goal is a crucial SMART component. Tracking your progress makes modifying or adjusting the path forward easier if needed. You’ll also have a tangible way to determine whether or not your objectives have been met.
• Attainable: Try to decide on what is realistically possible before pursuing goals. If possible, break down your overarching goal into smaller objectives that fall within your current capabilities. Setting too high or unrealistic expectations cause you frustration and even giving up on your aspirations altogether.
• Relevant: You must align your actions with your core values . Hence, take some time to reflect on how you want your goals to reflect your interests and values.
• Time-based: Success doesn’t come without hard work and dedication, so you should have a specific timeline when working toward your dreams. You will stay organized and motivated throughout the journey when you set a deadline.

In today’s world, being able to identify and solve problems using analytical skills can’t be undervalued. Following the 5 SMART criteria above will allow you to achieve better results with fewer resources.

Here are 12 examples of SMART goals for better problem solving:

1. Define the Problem

“I’ll create a plan to define and describe the problem I’m trying to solve by the end of two weeks. This will allow me to identify the exact issue that needs to be addressed and develop an effective solution promptly.”

Specific: The goal outlines the task of defining and describing a problem.

Measurable: You can measure your progress by creating a plan after two weeks.

Attainable: The statement is within reach because it requires critical thinking and planning.

Relevant: Defining an issue is required for enhanced problem solving.

Time-based: There is a two-week timeline for accomplishing this goal.

2. Analyze Root Cause

“I will take the time to thoroughly analyze the root cause of a problem before I attempt to come up with a solution. Before jumping into a solution, I’ll consider the possible causes and try to figure out how they interact with each other.”

Specific: The SMART goal outlines what will be done to analyze the root cause of a problem.

Measurable: You could measure how often you take the time for analysis.

Attainable: This is realistic because taking the time to do a thorough analysis is possible.

Relevant: Gaining a better understanding of the root causes of a problem can lead to more effective solutions.

Time-based: You’ll follow this process every time you solve a problem, so this goal is ongoing.

3. Be Willing to Collaborate With Others

“For the duration of 10 months, my goal is to be willing to collaborate with others to find the best solution for any problem at hand. I want to be open to exchanging ideas and listening to the opinions of others so that we can solve our problems efficiently.”

Specific: The person must proactively strive to collaborate with others.

Measurable: You can keep track of how often you collaborate monthly.

Attainable: This is feasible because it requires only the willingness to collaborate and exchange ideas.

Relevant: Collaboration allows you to find better solutions and grow your network.

Time-based: You have 10 months to pursue this particular target.

4. Evaluate Alternatives

“I will review and evaluate at least three alternative solutions to the problem by the end of this month. I’ll evaluate the costs and benefits of each solution, prioritize them based on their potential effectiveness and make my recommendation.”

Specific: You will need to review and evaluate three alternative solutions.

Measurable: Count how many alternative solutions you listed.

Attainable: With enough time and effort, anybody can review and evaluate multiple solutions.

Relevant: This is related to problem solving, which can advance your professional career .

Time-based: You have one month for goal achievement.

5. Implement Action Plan

“To ensure that my action plans are implemented effectively, I will create a timeline with concrete steps and review it every two weeks for the 6 months ahead. I want all aspects of my plan to take place as scheduled and the process is running smoothly.”

Specific: The aim is to create a timeline and review it every two weeks for 6 months.

Measurable: The person can compare their timeline to the actual results and ensure that every aspect of the plan takes place as scheduled.

Attainable: This goal is achievable if the individual has the time, resources, and support.

Relevant: Realize that implementing an action plan applies to problem solving.

Time-based: Success will be reached after 6 whole months.

6. Ask the Right Questions

“I’ll learn to ask the right questions by reading two books on effective questioning strategies and attending a workshop on the same topic within the next quarter. This will allow me to get to the root of any problem more quickly.”

Specific: The goal states what to do (read two books and attend a workshop) to learn how to ask the right questions.

Measurable: You can check your progress by reading the books and attending the workshop.

Attainable: This is a reasonable goal and can be met within the given time frame.

Relevant: Asking the right questions is key to solving any problem quickly.

Time-based: Goal completion should be accomplished within a quarter.

7. Be More Flexible

“I will seek opportunities to be more flexible when problem solving for the following 8 months. This could include offering creative solutions to issues, brainstorming ideas with colleagues, and encouraging feedback from others.”

Specific: This SMART goal is explicit because the person wants to become more flexible when problem solving.

Measurable: Check how often and effectively you follow the three action items.

Attainable : This goal is achievable if you dedicate time to being more open-minded.

Relevant: Flexibility is integral to problem solving, so this goal is highly relevant.

Time-based: Eight months is the allotted time to reach the desired result.

8. Brainstorm Solutions

“I want to develop a list of 5 potential solutions by the end of this month for any problem that arises. I’ll brainstorm with my team and research to develop the options. We’ll use these options to evaluate the most feasible solution for a specific issue.”

Specific: You should come up with a list of 5 potential solutions with your team.

Measurable: Actively count how many potential solutions you come up with.

Attainable: This goal can be achieved with research and collaboration.

Relevant: Brainstorming solutions help you evaluate the best option for a certain issue.

Time-based: You should strive to meet this goal by the end of the month.

9. Keep a Cool Head

“When encountering a difficult problem, I will strive to remain calm and not rush into any decisions. For three months, I’ll take a few moments to pause, gather my thoughts and assess the situation with a clear head before taking action.”

Specific: The person identifies the goal of remaining calm when encountering complex problems.

Measurable: It is possible to measure success in terms of how long it takes to pause and assess the situation.

Attainable: Taking a few moments before taking action is realistic for most people.

Relevant: Keeping a cool head in difficult situations is beneficial for problem solving.

Time-based: This SMART statement has an end date of three months.

10. Don’t Make Rash Assumptions

“I will no longer make assumptions or jump to conclusions without gathering facts. I’ll strive to be more open-minded when finding solutions to problems and take the time to consider all perspectives before making a decision.”

Specific: The goal is explicit in that individuals aim to be open-minded.

Measurable: You can evaluate how often assumptions are made without gathering facts or considering all perspectives.

Attainable: Anyone can take the time to consider different perspectives before making a decision.

Relevant: This is suitable for those who want to be more mindful and make better decisions.

Time-based: Since the goal is ongoing, you will pursue it on a daily basis.

11. Take Responsibility

“I will take responsibility for all my mistakes and be open to constructive criticism to improve as a professional by the end of the next quarter. I’ll also learn from my mistakes and take steps to ensure they’re not repeated.”

Specific: The statement is evident in that you will take responsibility for all mistakes.

Measurable: Progress towards this goal can be measured by how well you respond to constructive criticism.

Attainable: This is possible since the person is willing to learn and improve with constructive criticism.

Relevant: Taking responsibility for your mistakes is an important skill, making this an appropriate goal.

Time-based: You have one quarter to complete the SMART goal.

12. Let Your Creativity Flow

“I want to explore the range of my creative problem-solving abilities and come up with solutions for difficult situations. To do this, I’ll take a course in creative problem solving and apply the principles I learn to practical scenarios within two months.”

Specific: You will take a course in creative problem solving and apply the principles learned to practical scenarios.

Measurable: By enrolling in the course, you can monitor your learning progress over time.

Attainable: The goal should be realistic concerning time and resources.

Relevant: Recognize that creativity is vital in many industries.

Time-based: You should ideally reach this goal after two months.

Final Thoughts

Setting SMART goals is a fantastic approach to solving any problem. They provide a clear structure for breaking down complex tasks into manageable chunks and encourage goal-oriented thinking.

While SMART goals may not work for every situation, they can offer a valuable framework for solving complex issues. Thus, it’s beneficial to experiment with this tool to develop problem-solving strategies tailored to individual needs.

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Discovery Play with Littles

2:01 pm ·

15 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I looked over to her table and she’s crying. Again. While everyone else is happily working away, she sat there, unable to move, just crying. 

Not asking for help.

Not trying to solve her problem.

Just crying.

I took a deep breath before heading over. We’ve already been at this for several months…isn’t it about time the problem-solving has kicked in yet?

One glance and I could tell what her problem was. She didn’t have her pencil.

Know how I knew?

It laid on the floor beside her. In plain sight.

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t jump right in and solve problems for kids. It’s good for them to try to solve the problem themselves. This is something she struggled with. 

I reminded myself of the need for patience and empathy as I walked up to her. “What’s wrong, Amanda?” 

“I…can’t…find…my…pencil….” she sputtered out between sobs. 

“Ok, that’s a problem we can solve. What have you tried?” 

“I don’t know.” 

After a long time trying to first, calm her down, and second, come up with some strategies she could try, she finally found her pencil. At that point, everyone else had finished the project. 

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to your problem . This can be quite tricky for some young children, especially those with little experience in finding more than one way to solve a problem.

Why is Problem Solving Important? 

Problem-solving skills are used throughout childhood into adulthood. As adults, we solve problems on a daily basis. Some problems we solve without thinking much- I wanted to make tacos for dinner but forgot to buy the ground beef. What are we going to have for dinner now?

Other problems are significantly more complicated. 

Problems for kiddos can be problems with friendships, the inability to find something that’s needed, or even what to do when things don’t go your way. 

Kids who lack problem-solving skills struggle to maintain friendships or even begin to attempt to solve their own problems. 

Children who lack problem-solving skills are at a higher risk for depression as well.

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are:

• Breaking Down a Problem into Smaller Parts
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Logical Reasoning
• Perseverance

That’s a big list to teach toddlers and preschoolers. Where do you begin?

The Problem-Solving Steps

Sometimes kids are so overwhelmed with frustration that it affects their ability to solve problems.

Kids feel safe in routines, and routines help them learn and grow. After a few times of repeating this routine, you’ll find your kiddo starts to do this on their own. 

It’s important not to skip straight to solving the problem , because your kiddo needs to be in a calm state of mind to solve the problem, and also they need to know their feelings are valid. 

• The first thing to do when your kiddo is struggling with problem-solving is to validate their emotions.

In doing this, they will feel more understood and learn that their emotions are okay. There are no bad feelings, and we must learn how to manage our emotions. 

This might sound something like “Oh, I can see you are really frustrated that the block won’t fit on there right. Let’s take some deep breaths to help us calm down before we think about what to do next.”

• Next, work through your calm-down process . This may be taking some deep breaths together, hugging a stuffie, or giving your kiddo some quiet time to calm down their heart and mind.
• Identify the problem . This sounds like something you may have already done (before the meltdown) but it’s important to be very clear on the problem you’re solving. Have the child tell you their problem out loud.
• Move on to solution-finding . When your kiddo is ready, talk about what the problem is and three possible solutions. When possible, let your kiddo do all of the talking. This allows him to practice his problem-solving skills. It’s important to remind him that the first thing he tries may not work, and that’s ok. There’s always another way to solve the problem. If he’s prepared for this, solutions that don’t work won’t be such a frustrating experience. 
• After you’ve done that, test your solutions one by one. See what works. If you haven’t found a solution yet, go back and think of different ways you might be able to solve your problem and try again.

Are you tired of hearing “It’s TOO HARD!” followed by a meltdown?

Using this one simple phrase you’ll get in this powerful lesson, you’ll not only be able to help your kiddo not give up but you’ll:

>Activate their superpower of perseverance so that they can turn around a meltdown and keep trying

>Inspire them to use perseverance …even when it’s hard

>Teach them to recognize the warning signs of giving up , and how to turn it around by taking control of their choices.

Grab your powerful FREE video lesson to teach your kiddo one of the most powerful keys to perseverance.

Powerful Activities that Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Toddlers & Preschoolers

These activities below may look simple, but don’t let that deter you from trying them. A lot happens in little developing brains and these powerful activities help toddlers and preschoolers make connections and develop {many} essential skills-more than just problem-solving.

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Puzzles are fun and a great way to encourage cognitive development in children. They are great for spacial reasoning and strengthening problem-solving skills. They also develop memory skills, critical thinking, and the ability to plan and execute the plan. Toddlers will enjoy the simple puzzles, and preschoolers will do great with floor puzzles with larger puzzle pieces.

Doing Simple Chores

Doing simple chores is a great way to teach children problem-solving skills, and it strengthens responsibility and perseverance as well. 

During the toddler years , you may start with just picking up their toys, or helping you put their dirty clothes in the hamper. 

Preschoolers can take their dirty dishes to the sink (or load them in the dishwasher), collect the trash, dust, wipe baseboards, and do their own personal care items like making their bed, taking care of their dirty clothes, and putting clean clothes away.

Stacking Rings

When watching a toddler play with stacking rings it doesn’t look like much is happening, but playing with these toys is full of ways to encourage development. It helps with visual and spacial perception and planning ahead, but it also with balance control, crossing the midline, creative play, and gross motor skills. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to practice problem-solving. 

Playing Hide-and-Seek

Hide and seek has many surprising benefits for kids. Playing hide and seek is like a treasure hunt that helps develop gross motor skills and encourages physical development, as well as problem-solving skills. It also helps young children develop visual tracking, working memory, and social-emotional skills.

Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called role-play) builds important skills. Through pretending to be in different situations, kids develop social skills, emotional skills, better communication, and problem-solving skills. Imaginative play is a great idea for young toddlers all the way to older children.

Free Play 

Many young children don’t have {enough} time for free play. Free play is important for healthy brain development , not only developing imagination, cooperation, physical skills, and independence but also providing a great opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

Playing with Wooden Blocks

Building blocks are a fun way for children to develop creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and if working with others, cooperation, communication, and friendship.

Playing Memory

Memory games improve attention, focus, visual recognition, and concentration. It helps children recognize details and of course, strengthens problem-solving skills. 

Ask Questions

When I see my son struggling with something, my first instinct is to give him choices or at least lead him in the right direction. The better thing to do is to ask very open-ended questions that lead his process, not his thoughts.

Questions like “What’s one way to solve your problem?” are much more effective in teaching problem-solving skills than “Well, where did you last see your stuffy?” 

Read Books and Social Stories

Reading books is one of my favorite ways to teach any skill. It’s extremely effective at teaching, and it’s also an amazing bonding time with kids.

When we read stories, our brain reacts as if we’re living in the story. This is why reading books about skills such as problem-solving is so effective. 

Kids of all ages learn from the people they love . (Yes, even those older kids who you don’t think are paying attention.) Often as adults, we’re too busy going through our daily routine to think about talking about the way we solved the problem at work that day.

Talking about how you use skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and integrity is a great way to set an example, and an expectation that this is how we do things, and it will provide encouragement for your kiddo to do the same.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a great group activity that can strengthen your child’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When Your Kiddo is Ready, Add These Activities

Preschoolers would benefit from all of the fun activities on the list above and when they’re ready, feel free to add in the following activities.   

Mazes are great for problem-solving and perseverance, but your kiddo will need to have decent fine motor skills to do these activities. Mazes are one of our favorite activities. We love to take our activity book of mazes in the car with us for road trips. 

Board Games  

Board games are a good way to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, planning skills, patience, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They also strengthen family relationships by providing some intentional time of connection .

Any board game can also be turned into an academic game with just a deck of cards for whatever skill you’re working on. If you’re working on the alphabet, put one letter on each card. Before each player’s turn, they draw a letter card and say the letter’s name. (You may accidentally forget the name of a letter every now and then to see if your kiddo is really paying attention!) 

Allow Opportunities for Hands-On Investigations

Kids are tactile. They love to touch and explore things with their hands. This is a good activity for toddlers also, as long as they are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage. Hands-on exploration is great for language development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.

Allowing kids to investigate with their hands allows them to see how the world works up close. It also gives them time and space to try to make things work…and problem-solve when it doesn’t go as they think it should.

The Most Difficult Way (and Most Important Way) To Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills

Watching our kids struggle is hard ! We don’t want to see them having a hard time…and most of the time we don’t want to deal with the impending meltdown. Standing back and giving our kids time and space to work through even simple problems is hard to do. It’s also the most important way to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

As parents, we’re like frogs in boiling water. When our kids are infants, they need us to recognize their needs and solve them immediately. As they get older, they can point to what they want, but we still have a lot of interpreting and problem-solving to do on our own. If we aren’t careful, we stay in this stage and don’t teach our kiddos the steps to problem-solving for themselves. 

The next most difficult thing? Allowing natural consequences to happen. (As long as your child is safe of course.) If your child saves their money for a long time to buy a new toy, but walks down the toy aisle and picks up something you know they’ll be disappointed with, let it happen. It will teach a valuable lesson that will last for years to come.

Another Essential Part of Problem-Solving

Perseverance is a big part of problem-solving. We are rarely able to solve problems the first time, and it’s essential that kids can find more than one solution to a problem. Studies have found that perseverance is actually the biggest predictor of success, even more than aptitude or raw talent. 

An entire module is dedicated to perseverance in our course for kids, Super Kid Adventures . Your kiddo will get 25 teacher-led lessons on character traits (perseverance, empathy, friendship, responsibility, and wellness) and activities that take their learning further. 

Want a free preview? Grab a FREE Perseverance video lesson that teaches your kiddo one of the most important secrets that help them use perseverance.

Want More? 

If you like this, you’ll love: 

The Ultimate List of Books that Teach Perseverance

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Young Children

How to Help Your Child Develop Self-Help Skills

Your Turn 

What are your favorite ways to teach problem-solving skills?

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a mama of two boys, a former teacher, and the founder of Discovery Play with Littles. Her mission is to make raising kids with character simple and fun. Join us for our best learning through play ideas, character growth activities, and family connection ideas so you can watch your child thrive.

Reader Interactions

As a SLP trying to guide parents as I work with their child. I would like to know what toys to recommend to my parents as I assist in guiding their child’s development in cognition and expressive language.

Perseverance is the biggest predictor of success, even more than raw talent or aptitude.

Grab a FREE lesson to teach your kiddo one of the keys to perseverance...which is how we talk to our brains.

They'll learn what to say when they encounter something difficult, and why it's so important.

PLAY is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Mr. Rogers

Why is Problem Solving Important in Child Development?

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

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.

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

MSU Extension

Problem-solving skills are an important factor in academic success.

Elizabeth Gutierrez, Michigan State University Extension - May 11, 2012

Updated from an original article written by [email protected]..

Parents and caregivers can ensure their children's success by teaching and modeling effective problem-solving at home.

Helping your child learn how to problem solve is a critical skill for school readiness. Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teacher; therefore, modeling good problem solving skills is very important. Children learn by watching parents and caregivers handle different situations and solve problems. If a parent handles problems by yelling, throwing things, hitting, grabbing or using other unacceptable strategies, a child will learn to do the same thing.

Often, adults will prevent their children from seeing all conflicts or disagreements. Remember, it is important for children to see adults negotiate differences, compromise and resolve conflicts. Learning to negotiate differences in a constructive way and allowing children to see how this is done is very effective and important. If parent and caregivers handle these situations privately, there is no example for the child/children to learn from.

Children can learn how to be assertive verbally as a result of seeing and listening to how adults resolve conflict. Another simple way a child can learn how to be assertive verbally is by role-playing with puppets and through pretend play with an adult. When using these techniques, it is important to help your child think of constructive ways to respond to different situations. By using puppets and role-play, your child can also learn about how others may feel in specific situations. When using these techniques, it is important not to criticize or label the child for past misbehavior.

There are some basic steps to problem solving from Incredible Years :

• Identify the problem.
• List the possible solutions or courses of action.
• Weigh the possible solutions.
• Choose a solution to try.
• Put the solution into practice.
• Evaluate the solution.

Using effective problem solving techniques will help children avoid conflict with others in a school setting and in their everyday lives. It will also strengthen children’s beginning empathy skills and help them learn more positive attributions about another person’s intentions. Effective problem solving skills is essential for academic and social success.

For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension . For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters . To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Effects of decision-based learning on student performance in introductory physics: The mediating roles of cognitive load and self-testing

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• Published: 29 August 2024

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• Soojeong Jeong   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8476-2501 1 ,
• Justin Rague 2 ,
• Kaylee Litson 3 ,
• David F. Feldon 4 ,
• M. Jeannette Lawler 5 &
• Kenneth Plummer 6  

DBL is a novel pedagogical approach intended to improve students’ conditional knowledge and problem-solving skills by exposing them to a sequence of branching learning decisions. The DBL software provided students with ample opportunities to engage in the expert decision-making processes involved in complex problem-solving and to receive just-in-time instruction and scaffolds at each decision point. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of decision-based learning (DBL) on undergraduate students’ learning performance in introductory physics courses as well as the mediating roles of cognitive load and self-testing for such effects. We used a quasi-experimental posttest design across two sections of an online introductory physics course including a total N  = 390 participants. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, DBL instruction did not have a direct effect on cognitive load and had no indirect effect on student performance through cognitive load. Results also indicated that while DBL did not directly impact students’ physics performance, self-testing positively mediated the relationship between DBL and student performance. Our findings underscore the importance of students’ use of self-testing which plays a crucial role when engaging with DBL as it can influence effort input towards the domain task and thereby optimize learning performance.

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1 Introduction

Students’ experience and performance in introductory STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses have been identified as one of the most influential factors on STEM major attrition in college (Hunter, 2019 ; Seymour & Hewitt, 1997 ; Watkins & Mazur, 2013 ). Many students perceive these introductory courses as a difficult hurdle, because they deal with a variety of complex concepts and quantitative problem-solving skills (Ornek et al., 2008 ), which highlights the need for adequate instruction. However, current instructional practices remain largely lecture-based, thematic approaches and thus are limited in their ability to help students understand the relevance of complex concepts and the abstract relationships between these concepts in various problem-solving situations (Plummer et al., 2020 ).

Decision-based learning (DBL) is a novel pedagogical approach that organizes instruction around the decision-making processes of experts during complex problem-solving (Plummer et al., 2020 ; Sansom et al., 2019 ). In DBL, students are exposed to a sequence of learning decisions in which the result of each decision depends upon the level of prior knowledge and the previous decision, resulting in an observable decision tree. This decision tree allows students to make important connections between salient features of a problem and the conditions under which to execute beneficial schema patterns to solve problems effectively (Plummer et al., 2020 ; Sansom et al., 2019 ). However, few studies have investigated the effects of DBL in college STEM classrooms (e.g., Sansom et al., 2019 ).

To better understand mechanisms underlying the effects of DBL on student learning and performance, it is also imperative to consider other factors that may be associated with the pathway from DBL to student outcomes. For example, cognitive load—defined as the mental resources devoted to completing a task (Sweller, 1988 )—can be hypothesized as a mediating factor for DBL effects since students are exposed to isolated steps intended to increase the proportion of information processing of salient problem-solving features (Plummer et al., 2020 ). Within the DBL framework, students are expected to experience less extraneous cognitive load, which may lead to more effective and efficient learning as discussed in several previous studies on DBL (e.g., Plummer et al., 2020 ). However, this claim has not previously been empirically tested.

In addition, self-testing is a special form of self-monitoring, defined as “deliberate attention to some aspect of one’s behavior” (Schunk, 1983 , p. 89). Self-testing is a well-documented self-regulatory strategy (Boekaerts, 1996 ; Schunk, 1983 ; Zimmerman, 1990 ), which may also play an important role in mediating the relationships of DBL to cognitive load and learning performance. For instance, if DBL reduces cognitive load, this may leave students more cognitive capacity for using effective learning strategies to regulate their own learning process (e.g., self-monitoring through practice quizzes) and thereby increase the likelihood of successful learning (de Jong & Ferguson-Hessler, 1986 ; Seufert, 2018 ). The relationship between self-regulated learning and cognitive load has been receiving much attention recently, but empirical investigations on this issue are just emerging (Seufert, 2018 ).

Using a path analysis mediation framework, the present study examined the effects of DBL instruction on student performance in introductory physics, while considering cognitive load and self-testing as potential mediators.

2 Literature review and hypothesis development

2.1 decision-based learning (dbl).

Decision-based learning (DBL; Plummer et al., 2020 ) is a novel instructional practice focused on developing conditional knowledge (i.e., knowing under which circumstances to deploy a given strategy during problem solving) to help promote student problem-solving skills. DBL posits that instructors, as experts in their domain, often fail to provide adequate instructional explanations to their students, who are novices in the field, due to a phenomenon called ‘the expert blind spot’ (Feldon, 2007 ; Plummer et al., 2020 ; Swan et al., 2020 ). That is, experts acquire automaticity for their skills through extensive practice, which allows them to perform those skills unconsciously and effortlessly (Nathan & Petrosino, 2003 ). As a result, experts often cannot view problem-solving processes from a novice’s perspective and thus omit critical information or procedures when describing their processes, which can hinder student learning (Hinds et al., 2001 ; Zhu et al., 1996 ; Walsh, 2007 ; Gobet, 2005 ). To overcome the expert blind spot, DBL unpacks experts’ decision-making processes during complex problem-solving, also called an expert decision model , and structures instruction around the decision model (Cardenas et al., 2020 ; Plummer et al., 2020 ).

DBL also posits that experts’ automated skills are largely based on their abundant repertoire of conditionalized knowledge (Cardenas et al., 2020 ; Plummer et al., 2020 ; de Jong & Ferguson-Hessler, 1986 ; Frederiksen, 1984 ). Experts process a vast body of conceptual and procedural knowledge, but, more importantly, they know when and under what conditions their conceptual and procedural knowledge applies to solving problems (Amolloh et al., 2018 ; Lorch et al., 1993 ; Swan et al., 2020 ; Swan, 2021 ). However, conventional instruction, which often relies heavily on lectures and assigned readings, tends to focus largely on conceptual and procedural knowledge with less emphasis on conditional knowledge (Swan et al., 2020 ; Swan, 2021 ). In contrast, the primary focus of DBL is to make conditional knowledge explicit in instruction. DBL guides students through experts’ decisions, allowing them to recognize the conditions that dictate when and why such decisions are made (Plummer et al., 2022 ).

One of the teaching methods known to enhance students’ problem-solving skills is problem-based learning (PBL) (Hmelo-Silver, 2004 ). Both DBL and PBL share foundational similarities but differ significantly in their instructional approaches. DBL provides a structured decision model that systematically guides students through the necessary conditions for making informed decisions. In contrast, PBL allows a relatively higher degree of exploration, letting students discover what they need to know to solve problems with less initial guidance. This greater reliance on exploration in PBL can sometimes impose an unnecessary cognitive load on students, resulting in less effective learning outcomes (Kirschner et al., 2006 ). Conversely, the highly structured scaffold in DBL can help students not only understand what decisions to make but also the specific conditions under which various decisions would be appropriate, offering more direct and stepwise guidance compared to PBL’s more open-ended exploration. However, DBL and PBL are not entirely opposite or competing methods; instead, they can complement each other (Plummer et al., 2022 ). Fischer et al. ( 2021 ) argue that the effects of DBL instruction may be enhanced when followed by PBL activities.

While the implementation of DBL is still in its infancy, studies have provided promising initial evidence of the effects of DBL on student learning (e.g., Pixton, 2023 ; Plummer et al., 2020 , 2022 ; Sansom et al., 2019 ; Tesseyman et al., 2023 ; Vogeler et al., 2022 ). Sansom et al. ( 2019 ), for instance, examined whether DBL instruction helped improve undergraduate students’ performance on heat and enthalpy problems in a general chemistry course and found that students who were taught with DBL performed significantly better than their peers who received business-as-usual instruction. Additionally, their survey findings indicated that the majority of students perceived that using DBL helped them analyze a given problem and choose the correct equation to solve the problem, which suggests that DBL was conducive to developing students’ conditional knowledge.

Similarly, Vogeler et al. ( 2022 ) evaluated the implementation of DBL in a graduate-level introductory statistics course by measuring students’ learning gains through pre/post/follow-up assessments. Results indicated that students’ conditional knowledge, related to statistical analysis (i.e., selecting appropriate statistical methods for given research problems), increased significantly between pre- and post-assessments. Significant improvement was also maintained between post and follow-up. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of DBL on student learning across a variety of disciplines. In this study, we examined whether DBL instruction helped improve undergraduate students’ problem-solving performance in introductory physics. Based on the findings of previous studies, we hypothesized that:

DBL instruction has a positive effect on student performance in introductory physics.

2.2 Cognitive load

Cognitive load is considered an indexed summation of the experienced mental load within a learning environment and the intentional mental resources applied toward a task (Paas, 1992 ; Sweller et al., 1998 ). According to cognitive load theory (CLT; Sweller et al., 2011 ), successful learning and performance require the cognitive load imposed during instruction to remain within the capacity of the learner’s working memory. CLT also posits that unnecessary or ineffective cognitive load is caused largely by inappropriate instruction, which “requires learners to engage in either a search for a problem solution or a search for referents in an explanation” (Paas et al., 2003 , p. 2). Many studies have demonstrated that instructional methods that provide explicit, step-by-step procedural guidance on how to solve a problem or complete a task (e.g., worked examples), yielded better learning and performance, compared to other methods with incomplete explanations or limited guidance (Atkinson et al., 2000 ; Sweller et al., 1998 ; Tofel-Grehl & Feldon, 2013 ).

In DBL, learners engage in a complete sequence of conditional decisions required to solve a problem by focusing on one decision at a time, which can result in a reduction in potential cognitive overload (Sansom et al., 2019 ). At each decision point, learners are also provided with sufficient information or instruction (i.e., just-enough-just-in-time instruction ) necessary to make the current decision, which can also help them manage their cognitive load (Cardenas et al., 2020 ). Furthermore, DBL is designed to help learners understand how parts are related to the whole of solving a problem by structuring a process for accessing information without having to go through the nuanced processes of critical examination (Plummer et al., 2020 ). As such, we argue that DBL instruction can decrease unnecessary cognitive load during learning. While this notion may be theoretically acceptable, no study has explicitly examined the relationship between DBL and cognitive load. Taken together, we hypothesize that students using DBL will experience less cognitive load than those taught with traditional instruction, which will in turn lead to their greater learning performance in physics.

DBL instruction has a negative effect on cognitive load.

Cognitive load has a negative effect on student performance in introductory physics.

Cognitive load mediates the effect of DBL on physics performance.

2.3 Self-testing

Self-testing is a learning technique to assess one’s own knowledge and understanding of instructional materials, such as testing oneself with questions or using practice problems (Carpenter et al., 2017 ; Hartwig & Dunlosky, 2012 ). Practice testing in general, including being tested by others and self-testing, has long proved to be effective in enhancing student learning (Carpenter et al., 2016 , 2017 ; Dunlosky et al., 2013 ; Hartwig & Dunlosky, 2012 ; McDaniel et al., 2007 ). From a self-regulated learning perspective, self-testing is a special form of self-monitoring, which involves students’ ongoing efforts to deliberately observe their own processes and products of learning (Lan, 2005 ; Zimmerman & Paulsen, 1995 ). Zimmerman and Paulsen ( 1995 ) argue that self-monitoring improves learning by allowing learners to obtain more accurate information about their learning progress and thus make better self-regulatory decisions about their subsequent study.

The relationship between DBL and self-testing has not previously been investigated. More broadly, however, Plummer et al. ( 2022 ) found initial evidence that supports the occurrence of self-regulation (i.e., monitoring one’s cognitive activities) during DBL. Their findings indicated that DBL promoted students’ self-regulation by enabling them to see the bigger vision of the content. The authors also state that a decision model helps learners “identify strategies that are conducive to resolving a variety of knowledge gaps” (p. 726). Similarly, Seufert ( 2018 ) argues that instructional approaches that provide explicit guidance and support (e.g., worked examples or process worksheets) can foster students’ regulation by “providing rules of thumb for the decision on adequate strategies depending on crucial factors” (p. 124). As such, we argue that students learning physics through DBL will become more aware of their understanding of the content and will more actively seek and engage in ways to monitor and regulate their own learning, such as self-testing, compared to their peers not using DBL, thereby achieving better performance in physics. Thus, the following are hypothesized:

DBL instruction has a positive effect on self-testing.

Self-testing has a positive effect on student performance in introductory physics.

Self-testing mediates the effect of DBL on physics performance.

While there is limited evidence directly examining the relationship, we expect that students’ perceived cognitive load would be negatively related to their use of self-testing strategy while learning physics with DBL. A possible theoretical account for this argument is that, when learners are cognitively overloaded and lack internal (e.g., working memory capacity) or external resources (e.g., scaffolds), they might not be able to invest additional effort in self-regulatory processes (Seufert, 2018 , 2020 ). In DBL, learners are provided with explicit instruction and sufficient scaffolds, which can help them avoid unnecessary cognitive load and thus can free up their cognitive resources to monitor and regulate their subsequent study more effectively and thereby increase their performance. Thus, we hypothesize as follows:

Cognitive load has a negative effect on self-testing.

Figure 1 depicts the hypothesized relationships among variables used in the study.

Hypothesized path model of DBL, cognitive load, self-testing, and learning performance

3.1 Research design

This study used a quasi-experimental posttest design with nonequivalent groups to examine the effects of DBL on learning performance. Two learning conditions, a DBL condition and a non-DBL condition, were randomly assigned to one of two sections of an online physics course. Although students were allowed to self-select the course in which they were enrolled, making this study quasi-experimental rather than a true experimental design, they were unaware of the specific instructional condition (DBL or non-DBL) to which they would be assigned. This means that while students chose the course section based on their preferences or schedules, they did not know whether they would be experiencing the DBL or the non-DBL condition. This approach helps to control for selection bias to some extent because the students’ choice of section was not influenced by the specific instructional method used. Both condition groups had the same instructor and received identical instruction and assessments, ensuring that any differences in learning outcomes could be attributed to the instructional method rather than to other external factors. The only difference between the groups was the implementation of the DBL approach for two specific lessons (Chap. 2 and 5).

3.2 Participants

Participants included N  = 390 undergraduate students enrolled in an online introductory physics course, called Physical Science 100, at a large private religious university in the western United States. Students were spread across two subsections of the same online course. One section contained n  = 180 students who were taught using DBL instruction while the other section contained n  = 210 students who received standard instruction.

Demographic information was not collected for participating students within the study. However, at the time of the study, university-reported undergraduate demographics suggest approximately 81% of students are white, 7% are Hispanic or Latinx, 4% are two or more races, 3% are Asian or Pacific Islander, and fewer than 1% are either Black or Indigenous Americans. Further, approximately 50% of students at this university are men while 50% are women.

3.3 DBL software

The fundamental principles of DBL do not require a high-tech platform or system to be applied to instruction (Cardenas et al., 2020 ) and earlier implementations, in fact, often utilized simple technologies, such as PowerPoint or handouts (e.g., Plummer et al., 2020 ). Recently, however, software was developed to fully optimize the specific affordances relevant to DBL (Cardenas et al., 2020 ). In this study, we implemented the DBL software in introductory physics courses. The software facilitates the development of expert decision models (see Fig.  2 ), populating a problem bank with conditionally organized problems or scenarios, creating questions to decision paths, adding just-enough-just-in-time instruction for each decision point, and creating interleaved assignments (Cardenas et al., 2020 ).

Example of a decision model developed for the course

Figure  3 presents the first two screens of the DBL software used in our study. The first problem guides students through the process of using the software. Students are given a series of scenario problems (e.g., “A book sitting on a table. Gravity is balanced by the upward force from the table, and no other forces act on it. Describe its motion.”) and in each problem students are asked to choose an answer in each decision point (e.g., “How do the forces compare?”) until the problem is solved.

Screenshots of the DBL software

Students interested in more detailed instruction could click on the “How Do I Decide” link, which took them to a short lesson with multiple slides, including some video and audio clips. Figure  4 presents part of the short lesson (5 out of 17 slides) for the “how do I decide” on identifying balanced and unbalanced forces.

Short lesson example for “How Do I Decide”

3.4 Instructional context

The course was an asynchronous course delivered fully through a learning management system (LMS) over 15 weeks. The course covered introductory physical science topics, such as Newton’s Laws, forces, and motion. It focused on six specific course outcomes related to a conceptual understanding of the fundamental ideas of modern scientific theory, as outlined in the course syllabus:

Apply Physical Principles. Students will be able to recognize and apply the fundamental principles presented in this course to simple physical situations.

Express Scientific Ideas. Students will be able to express their thoughts (in oral, graphical, and written formats) on scientific topics clearly, including appropriate use of basic scientific vocabulary and effective interpretation of quantitative data.

Scientific Observations. Students will be able to explain how scientific observations led to the development of these few principles and the models built on them.

Further Scientific Questions. Students will be able to explain how these principles and models in turn lead to further scientific questions.

Science and Religion. Students will be able to reflect rationally upon the interface between science and religion.

Issues of Public Policy. Students will be able to evaluate scientific data and claims in order to make rational decisions on public policy issues that affect their community.

Course materials included the textbook Physical Science Foundation (edition 5.0) by J. Ward Moody. Students were expected to participate in 34 lessons, 34 homework activities, and 9 article essays throughout the course. Lessons were meant to replace lectures and included a mix of text, video, animations, and practice exams. Homework materials were designed to allow students to practice difficult content. Article essays were designed to provide students with the opportunity to read and write about an assigned article and discuss it with other students. Students were further expected to take four midterm exams and one final exam. Midterm and final exams were open book, timed, and all administered in the LMS. Students’ final grades in the course were based on lessons (15%), homework activities (20%), article essays (10%), midterm exams (30%), and the final exam (25%).

3.5 Implementation process

The DBL software was used in two lessons (Chap. 2 and 5) designed to teach Newton’s laws of motion, were provided to the intervention group during the first week of the class. There were 23 DBL problems in Chap. 2 and 20 problems in Chap. 5. Students were provided with an external link to instructions on using the software, but these instructions were not required. Students in the control group were taught the same three lessons using standard instruction methods. In this traditional approach, they were given the same set of problems as the DBL group, but the learning process differed significantly. Instead of engaging in the DBL software, the control group students learned how to solve the problems through the instructor’s usual explanations and demonstrations. The instructor employed a lecture-based format, providing detailed solutions and theoretical explanations to illustrate the concepts.

At the end of each lesson session, both groups of students were asked to respond to three self-report cognitive load items. After completing the first nine lessons and before taking the first midterm exam, students were required to complete a practice exam consisting of 30 questions. Students were able to take it as many times as they wanted; they were able to redo it until they received full credit, but that meant redoing the entire assignment and answering all the questions again. Students were then given a midterm exam.

3.6 Data collection and measures

Data collection included using self-reported responses of cognitive load items, the number of practice exam attempts, and midterm exam scores. Students’ cognitive load was measured using 3 items adapted from previous cognitive load scales (e.g., Paas, 1992 ). Responses were rated on a 9-point Likert scale. The question items were “How much mental effort did you invest in this chapter?” (1 = very, very low mental effort, 9 = very, very high mental effort), “How easy or difficult did you find this chapter?” (1 = very, very easy, 9 = very, very difficult), and “How complex was the material in this chapter?” (1 = very, very simple, 9 = very, very complicated). The 3 items were averaged to create a composite score for cognitive load, with McDonald’s omega showing high reliability for the present sample (𝜔 = 0.80). Cognitive load was measured during the lesson (Chap. 5) directly preceding the practice and midterm exams.

Students’ self-testing was defined by summing the number of practice exam attempts per student. These attempts were determined by extracting time stamps recorded through the LMS where the courses mainly took place. The time stamp records were coded to count the number of practice exam attempts for each student, ensuring an accurate reflection of self-testing behavior. These data were collected after the midterm exam had concluded to ensure that all practice attempts were accounted for.

Physics learning performance was measured using their midterm scores (total possible points = 33). The midterm exam scores used are derived from established assessments routinely employed by the instructor and have consistently aligned with course objectives and content. The exams have a history of accurately reflecting students’ understanding of the material and have been used over multiple terms to ensure consistency in assessing learning outcomes.

3.7 Data analysis

To examine the effects and mechanisms of how DBL instruction affects students’ learning performance in physics, we evaluated a path model depicted in Fig.  1 that includes both direct and indirect effects. Path models are useful for examining a series of linear relationships among variables; in the present context, path analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the DBL intervention and learning performance, through self-reported cognitive load and self-testing. Within this model, multiple direct and indirect relationships among variables were examined. The model included 6 direct relationships among variables (shown in the arrows in Fig.  1 ) as well as 4 indirect relationships: (1) intervention → cognitive load → learning, (2) intervention → self-testing → learning, (3) cognitive load → self-testing → learning, and (4) intervention → cognitive load → self-testing → learning. The indirect effects were computed by multiplying the path coefficients present in the indirect relationship. For example, the indirect effect of intervention → cognitive load → learning was computed by multiplying the direct relationship between intervention and cognitive load with the direct relationships between cognitive load and learning. Multiplying coefficients in this manner leads to asymmetrical standard errors of the estimated indirect coefficient, which must be addressed before examining statistical significance.

Bootstrapping methods are commonly used in mediation analysis to correct asymmetrical standard errors and produce unbiased confidence intervals (MacKinnon, 2008 ). In the present study, we evaluated the statistical significance of indirect effects using 5,000 bias-corrected bootstraps, and reporting 95% confidence intervals. If the confidence interval for the effect did not contain zero, the effect was considered statistically significant and was further interpreted. Analyses were evaluated in Mplus version 8.4. Missingness was handled using full-information maximum likelihood estimation.

Table  1 shows the descriptive statistics of the variables of interest across intervention conditions. The mean scores for cognitive load were slightly above the 5.0 scale midpoint in both DBL and control groups. Students in the DBL group had non-significantly higher mean scores for cognitive load than those in the control group. The means for self-testing and learning performance were non-significantly higher in the DBL group than the control group. Across the entire sample, cognitive load was correlated negatively with self-testing ( r  = − .12, p  = .03) and learning performance ( r  = − .22, p  < .001). Self-testing was positively correlated with learning performance ( r  = .23, p  < .001).

The direct effects are shown in Fig.  5 . Results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in students’ physics learning performance between the DBL and control groups. In other words, DBL instruction did not directly impact student learning ( β  = 0.04, 95% CI [− 0.06, 0.15]) and thus Hypothesis 1 was rejected. Similarly, DBL did not have a direct effect on cognitive load ( β  = 0.04, 95% CI [− 0.06, 0.14]) and self-testing ( β  = 0.10, 95% CI [− 0.00, 0.19], rejecting Hypotheses 2 and 5, respectively. In contrast, several significant direct effects were observed. Students’ perceived cognitive load had a negative effect on their use of self-testing ( β = − 0.12, 95% CI [− 0.23, − 0.02]) and learning performance ( β = − 0.20, 95% CI [− 0.29, − 0.09]), supporting Hypotheses 3 and 8, respectively. Consistent with Hypothesis 6, self-testing has a positive effect on student performance in physics ( β  = 0.20, 95% CI [0.10, 0.30].

Standardized path coefficients. Solid lines indicate significant paths while dashed lines indicate non-significance

To examine the mediating roles of cognitive load and self-testing, we tested the significance of indirect effects among variables (see Table  2 ). Cognitive load did not mediate the relationship between DBL instruction and physics learning performance (IE = − 0.01, 95% CI [− 0.035, 0.010]) and thus Hypothesis 4 was not supported. Notably, however, self-testing had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between DBL and students’ learning performance (IE = 0.02, 95% CI [0.002, 0.045]), indicating that the intervention impacted student performance through self-testing, as was previously predicted (Hypothesis 7). The other two indirect effects of DBL examined (DBL → Cognitive load → Self-testing, DBL → Cognitive load → Self-testing → Performance) were not statistically significant.

5 Discussion

Few studies have empirically determined the effects of DBL instruction on student learning. Even fewer have explored the underlying mechanisms driving these effects. This study contributes to this limited body of literature by examining both the outcomes and the underlying processes of DBL in an introductory physics course. Our findings offer mixed evidence regarding the effectiveness of DBL as an instructional method for improving students’ problem-solving skills. We will now discuss the main findings of our study, followed by the practical implications and limitations.

Our findings showed no direct impact of DBL on students’ performance in their study of physics, contrary to previous studies that have reported favorable effects of DBL on student learning (e.g., Plummer et al., 2022 ; Sansom et al., 2019 ; Vogeler et al., 2022 ). This discrepancy highlights a crucial point for discussion; while prior research often posits beneficial impacts of DBL, our empirical evidence suggests these effects may not be as straightforward or universally applicable. For example, studies by Sansom et al. ( 2019 ) and Vogeler et al. ( 2022 ) found significant improvements in student performance with DBL, indicating that step-by-step guidance for problem-solving contributes to these improvements. However, our study did not replicate these results, highlighting potential variability in DBL’s effectiveness across different contexts and implementations.

DBL did not directly impact students’ cognitive load, and cognitive load did not mediate the relationship between DBL instruction and physics learning performance, both contrary to our expectations. Descriptive statistics indicated that the DBL group reported higher cognitive load compared to the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The absence of a direct connection between DBL and cognitive load in our study suggests that DBL, as implemented, may not have sufficiently reduced extraneous cognitive load to allow students to utilize their cognitive resources effectively for learning. However, it is also important to note that DBL did not increase cognitive load, which is a positive aspect. These findings stand in contrast to existing theoretical assumptions and empirical evidence, which suggest that highly structured instructional methods like DBL should reduce cognitive load and thus improve learning outcomes (Sansom et al., 2019 ; Sweller et al., 1998 ).

One potential explanation for these findings could be associated with the novelty of the DBL model and its software. DBL itself is a novel instructional model that requires students to understand a new method of problem-solving using conditional knowledge. Implemented within a computer-based environment, the DBL software may add to the challenge. The dual task of learning this new pedagogical approach and mastering the accompanying software could present significant challenges for students. Researchers have pointed out that until students gain experience in navigating a new learning environment, the environment itself may incur an additional cognitive load, which may impede learning (Atkinson et al., 2000 ; Choi et al., 2014 ; Carpenter et al., 2016 ). In fact, in Sansom et al. ( 2019 )’s study, which found positive effects of DBL, participants did not use DBL software as it had not been developed. Instead, they applied the DBL model in a traditional classroom setting. Consequently, the dual adaptation process might have diminished the overall effectiveness of the intervention in our study.

Another possible explanation is that presence or absence of certain DBL critical features can impact performance (Vogeler et al., 2022 ). In their study, Vogeler et al. ( 2022 ) found that when students had an equal amount of practice problems within and outside of the decision model that their mastery of the conditional knowledge-related learning outcome increased. In addition, apart from Sansom et al. ( 2019 ), those studies which found an increase in student performance used DBL activities to interleave old and new material on a regular schedule. The DBL intervention for this study was more like Sansom et al. ( 2019 ) study where the DBL activities were sprinkled across a few lessons during an entire semester.

Next, we discuss key findings of our study related to self-testing. The hypothesis that DBL instruction positively predicts self-testing was rejected; no significant difference was found in students’ frequency of use of practice exams between the DBL and control groups. This unexpected result suggests that DBL may not have influenced students’ engagement with self-testing practices as hypothesized. One possible explanation for this finding is related to the diverse motivations and behaviors of students regarding practice exams. It is likely that students who engaged with practice exams fewer times fell into one of two groups: those who were content with their knowledge in the course and felt no need for additional practice, and those who were struggling with the course material and chose to avoid practice due to a lack of confidence or motivation. This dichotomy in student behavior highlights the complexity of predicting educational outcomes based solely on instructional methods.

However, despite the lack of a direct relationship between DBL and the frequency of self-testing, the data revealed that the frequency of students’ self-testing was a significant determinant of their midterm scores. Additionally, DBL had an indirect effect on student performance through self-testing. These findings underscore the critical role of self-testing in academic performance. Self-testing is widely recognized as an effective learning strategy that enhances memory retention and understanding of the material (Hartwig & Dunlosky, 2012 ). When students test themselves, they engage in retrieval practice, which strengthens their ability to recall and apply knowledge, thereby improving their academic performance (Dunlosky et al., 2013 ). These results are also generally in line with previous studies showing significant effects of self-monitoring (e.g., Lan, 1996 ; Chang, 2007 ). Chang ( 2007 ) also demonstrated that self-monitoring techniques, including self-testing, positively affected students’ academic performance by helping them identify areas of weakness and focus their study efforts more effectively. According to theories of self-regulated learning, students regulate subsequent learning behaviors based on their assessment of their current status of learning, possibly leading to better learning performance (Boekaerts, 1996 ; Schunk, 1983 ; Zimmerman, 1990 ). Although DBL did not directly increase the frequency of self-testing, it may have promoted an environment where students felt more empowered to engage in self-regulatory behaviors, which then positively impacts performance.

Lastly, we highlight another key finding of our study: the impact of cognitive load on self-testing. Our findings revealed that cognitive load negatively impacted self-testing, aligning with our initial expectations. High levels of cognitive load may diminish the cognitive resources necessary for engaging in self-regulatory activities (Seufert, 2018 , 2020 ). More importantly, our results showed a structural relationship among cognitive load, self-testing, and learning performance. Specifically, we found that cognitive load impacts learning performance indirectly through self-testing. This mediation effect underscores the pivotal role of self-testing in translating cognitive load into improved academic performance. Given the increasing interest in understanding how cognitive load affects self-regulation (Seufert, 2018 , 2020 ), our findings are particularly encouraging. They suggest that managing cognitive load is crucial for fostering self-regulatory behaviors that ultimately enhance learning outcomes.

Our findings offer important implications for the practice of DBL, emphasizing the crucial role of instructors. The following practical implications primarily focus on providing guidance for instructors who want to implement DBL. First, instructors should encourage self-testing by providing ample opportunities within the course. Instructors can offer various methods for self-testing, such as quizzes, practice exams, and interactive activities, to enhance the effectiveness of DBL. While self-testing is often voluntary, incorporating incentives or rewards can motivate students to engage more frequently in this practice. By fostering a culture of self-assessment and providing diverse opportunities for self-testing, instructors can help students optimize their learning and fully realize the potential benefits of DBL. Second, to manage students’ cognitive load, instructors should provide students with explicit instruction on how the DBL software works as well as substantial practice opportunities in order to become accustomed to the software. Likewise, instructors should consider integrating DBL gradually, starting with simpler tasks and progressively increasing complexity as students become more comfortable with the system. These efforts would help prevent the potential cognitive overload that students might experience while adapting to the new learning environment. Third, continuous support is essential for the successful implementation of DBL. It is crucial to monitor students’ progress and cognitive load regularly to identify and address any issues promptly. By creating a structured and supportive learning environment, instructors can maximize the benefits of DBL and improve overall student performance and engagement. Lastly, as important as emphasizing the role of instructors is the issue of how to support these instructors effectively. Providing comprehensive training on the DBL software and its pedagogical applications is essential for teachers to successfully integrate it into their teaching practices. This training should include both technical aspects of the software and strategies for managing and supporting students’ cognitive load. Ongoing professional development opportunities can help teachers stay updated with the latest DBL advancements and best practices, ensuring sustained success in DBL implementation.

While this study sheds light on our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of DBL, our findings should be interpreted with caution due to several limitations—related to sample homogeneity, instructional contexts, motivational variables, and measurement tools. First, the homogeneity of our sample poses a limitation. Our study was conducted at a single university in the western United States, with a predominantly white student population, which may limit the generalizability of our findings to other educational contexts and populations. The absence of comprehensive demographic data, such as students’ socioeconomic backgrounds and prior educational experiences, further limits our ability to assess how these factors might influence the effectiveness of DBL. Future studies should include more diverse samples and collect detailed demographic information to enhance the generalizability of the results. Second, the focus of our study on introductory physics courses taught by a single instructor may limit the applicability of our findings to other educational settings. By concentrating on a specific course and instructor, we may have overlooked variations in instructional approaches and contexts that could impact the effectiveness of DBL. Expanding research to include different types of courses, instructors, and institutional environments will provide a more comprehensive understanding of DBL’s potential benefits and limitations. Additionally, exploring how DBL integrates with other pedagogical approaches, such as flipped classrooms and collaborative learning, could offer valuable insights into its broader applications. Third, our study did not account for potentially influential motivational variables. Research has shown that motivational beliefs, such as students’ self-efficacy, goal orientation significantly impact their use of self-testing strategies (e.g., Chang, 2007 ) and perceived cognitive load (e.g., Feldon et al., 2018 ). By excluding these variables, we may have missed critical aspects of the psychological processes underlying DBL. Future research should incorporate these motivational and psychological factors to better explain the mechanisms driving the effects of DBL and to identify factors that may enhance or hinder its effectiveness. Lastly, the measurement tools used in this study may not have fully captured the complexity and dynamic nature of cognitive load and self-testing. Future studies should employ advanced tools such as real-time analytics and interactive assessments. Additionally, integrating qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews and observational studies, could provide deeper insights into students’ subjective experiences and strategies during learning.

Although DBL has great potential for the improvement of student learning, this assertion remains largely theoretical (Cardenas et al., 2020 ). Our findings provide empirical evidence regarding the educational benefits of DBL on self-testing practices, and self-testing’s impact on midterm scores. However, much remains unclear about the impact of DBL on student learning behaviors and ultimately, student learning performance. Overall, the results suggest that DBL can be an effective instructional tool for students to acquire complex, conditional knowledge and develop self-regulatory skills that may transcend beyond learning specific knowledge and instead help students engage differently with the process of learning (Plummer et al., 2020 ). Findings also provide valuable insight into the interactions that can explain DBL effects on student learning, highlighting the importance of considering relevant cognitive processes, such as mental workload and use of self-regulation strategies in research and practice in DBL.

Data availability

All data used in this study will be made available upon request.

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Problem Solving in Sales: 7 Techniques To Improve Your Skill

In sales, mastering problem-solving becomes the bridge between closing deals and losing opportunities.

Why? Because at its core, sales is applied problem-solving. You're not simply closing deals or pushing products; you're removing obstacles that prevent your customers from achieving their goals.

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Effective sales rely on understanding unique customer challenges and crafting solutions that effectively address them. 

Here's how to master the problem-solving process for sales success:

Uncover the Problem

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• Identify the root cause of their challenges.

Break it Down

Go beyond surface-level concerns and understand the problem's core.

Come up with an Effective Solution

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By mastering these steps, you can transform into a trusted advisor who consistently closes deals and fosters lasting customer relationships.

Why is Problem Solving Important in Sales? 

Problem-solving has become even more important in sales today due to several key factors:

Adapting to evolving customer needs

Today's marketplace is highly competitive , with customers having access to a wider range of options than ever before. This means that simply having a good product or service isn't enough. 

Salespeople need to devise new and better ways to understand the unique needs and challenges of each customer and demonstrate how their offering solves those specific problems in a way that stands out from the competition.

Differentiation from competition

Customers face a sea of similar options, so simply offering a good product isn't enough. This is where problem-solving becomes your weapon.

By sharpening your problem-solving skills, you can:

• Uncover unique customer challenges : Go beyond generic features and identify the specific issues customers face.
• Craft effective solutions : Showcase how your offering addresses their pain points, not just features.
• Shift the conversation : Move from features to solutions, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.
• Become proactive: Anticipate customer needs and offer preventive solutions, gaining a competitive edge.

Essentially, problem-solving allows you to differentiate yourself. By addressing customer challenges effectively, you demonstrate the true value your offering brings, justifying your price point and present a compelling proposition that stands out from the crowd. 

Build trust and long-term relationships

Today’s buyers want an almost rep-less buyer journey because they don’t trust salespeople to promote their best interest. This is why building trust and long-term relationships with customers is more important than ever. Salespeople who can demonstrate their ability to solve sales problems effectively are perceived as valuable advisors and trusted partners. This fosters loyalty and repeat business, which is crucial for sustainable success.

How To Improve Your Sales Problem-Solving Skills 

1. improve your sales acumen with expert-led sales training programs.

Sales acumen is the combination of skills, knowledge, and experience that empowers you to excel at selling. This includes:

• Understanding and empathizing with customer pain points
• Anticipating customer needs proactively
• Tailoring solutions to specific challenges
• Build trust through expertise, active listening, and empathy
• Collaborating effectively as part of a problem-solving team

While these skills seem essential for any salesperson, a surprising statistic reveals that only 13% of clients feel salespeople truly understand their needs . This highlights a gap between how sellers approach sales and how buyers want to buy, often due to inadequate problem-solving skills. If you can’t uncover your customer’s problems and needs you don’t stand a chance at selling them a solution.

Investing in expert-led sales training can bridge this gap significantly. Programs like the Pclub's Platinum Passport offer exclusive access to learn directly from the top 0.01% of sales professionals. These training programs can equip you with the practical problem-solving and B2B sales skills necessary to:

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• Develop tailored solutions that resonate with their specific circumstances.
• Navigate complex situations and objections with confidence and clarity.
• Build trust and credibility as a trusted advisor who can solve their problems effectively.

2. Develop a high emotional intelligence threshold

2024 brings a complex sales landscape: cautious buyers, increased stakeholder involvement in purchases, and longer sales cycles. This environment demands a crucial skill: high emotional intelligence (EQ).

Here's why EQ is essential:

• Deeper Customer Understanding : Salespeople with high EQ excel at building rapport and fostering trust. They can read social cues, understand emotions, and create an open environment where clients freely express their challenges and emotions. This leads to deeper understanding and accurate diagnoses of customer problems.
• Confidently Handling Objections : Objections are inevitable, but high EQ salespeople view them as opportunities to uncover deeper needs. They remain calm and composed, acknowledge concerns, and address them with empathy, transforming objections into chances to craft compelling solutions.
• Adaptable Communication : Tailoring your approach to each customer's unique personality and decision-making style is key in sales. High EQ allows you to adapt your communication based on emotions, leading to relevant and impactful solutions that resonate with each individual.

By mastering EQ, you become a trusted advisor, equipped to navigate the complexities of modern sales and consistently close deals effectively.

3. Learn how to identify your buyer’s true pain points

Your potential customer’s true pain point is the challenge that aligns with their financial priorities. Every business operates within limited financial resources, which forces them to prioritize how they allocate these resources. 

When a pain point directly impacts their financial priorities, it creates a sense of urgency and justifies the investment in a solution. This urgency becomes crucial for successful sales negotiations and closing deals.

Even if you possess the best of emotional intelligence and sales negotiation skills, struggling to sell against the core financial challenge can hinder success. Consider your reaction to the illustration below: 

• Person A: Needs visibility for better sales coaching (solution-oriented statement).
• Person B: Faces an urgent need to prevent a significant valuation loss due to cash flow issues.

Clearly, Person B exhibits a more defined and urgent problem. Person A, while facing a challenge, frames it as a solution they already have in mind.

The key here is to master how to identify the "Why" behind the "What". That’s how you uncover the true business pain point. 

4. Improve your sales negotiation skills

Negotiation is an integral part of the sales process, and mastering it is crucial for effective problem-solving. 

A HubSpot study reveals that 58% of buyers want to discuss pricing on the very first call. This can be a major obstacle for salespeople as it can lead to premature price discussions before the value proposition has been established.

Diving into price negotiations without establishing yourself as the preferred vendor is risky. It often leads to over-discounting because the focus shifts to price point instead of the value your product or service offers. 

This scenario makes it difficult to achieve a win-win outcome as the buyer lacks a clear understanding of the business value you bring.

Honing your sales negotiation skills helps you overcome this challenge and become a more effective problem-solver.

5. Leverage team collaboration

Problem-solving is rarely a solo endeavor. Sales leaders and sales managers should encourage collaboration inside the  sales team specifically for developing new problem-solving techniques. 

Sales team members can initiate brainstorming sessions with the marketing strategy department or even social media team to uncover innovative solutions. 

That way, you share insights and strategies that not only enhance the sales process  but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within your team.

6. Include creativity in your sales process

Including creativity in your sales process is about strategically applying creative thinking and unconventional approaches to enhance your creative problem-solving process and ultimately, create a better sales strategy. 

Here's how creativity empowers your sales reps to solve problems and close deals:

• Capture Attention : Move beyond conventional outreach tactics. Remember how Gong secured a meeting through a personalized video pitch from the Old Spice Guy? This unexpected approach cuts through the noise and increases engagement.
• Simplify Complexities: Transform static case studies into engaging animated customer success stories. Adding visual elements and a touch of whimsy simplifies complex solutions, creating emotional resonance and fostering understanding.
• Connect on an Emotional Level : People remember stories 12 times better than facts. By weaving compelling narratives into your presentations, you create a memorable customer experience, fostering trust and leaving a lasting impression beyond statistics.

By embracing creativity, you become more than just a salesperson; you transform into a strategic problem solver equipped to diagnose specific challenges and overcome them effectively.

7. Analyze sales data to generate insights

Much of sales success relies on your ability to transform information into valuable insights. That’s why being able to analyze sales performance data and metrics to make informed decisions is a vital sales skill . 

Sales data, often housed in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, acts as a goldmine of insights waiting to be discovered. 

By analyzing metrics like win/loss ratios, conversion rates, and sales cycle length, you can uncover hidden patterns and trends that might be the root cause of various sales challenges. 

Is your lead generation strategy falling short? Data analysis can reveal specific challenges , areas to optimize for improvement, such as ineffective marketing campaigns or a mismatch between your ideal customer profile and your targeted outreach efforts.

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• Enterprise Apps , Project Management

App Development Bootcamp: 10 Essential Skills and Tools for Aspiring Developers

• By Baseline Admin
• Last updated August 27, 2024

One of the most in-demand competencies nowadays is app development. With the growth of smartphones and the need for creative applications, organizations and people are ready to build apps that deliver unique solutions or engaging experiences. An app development boot camp may provide aspiring developers with the knowledge and resources necessary to excel in this fast-paced industry.

This article examines the essential knowledge and resources that an app development bootcamp usually covers and explains their significance for aspiring developers.

1. Understanding the Basics of Programming

Before diving into app development, having a solid programming foundation is important. Most bootcamps start by teaching the fundamentals of programming languages that are commonly used in app development, such as:

JavaScript:  mostly used for building websites, but it is increasingly being used to create mobile apps, particularly when using frameworks like React Native.

Python : Widely used in data science and backend programming, Python is a wonderful language for beginners due to its readability and simplicity.

Java : A mainstay of the programming community for many years, Java is necessary for developing scalable and reliable Android applications.

Swift : Apple’s programming language for iOS development is called Swift. Swift is a fantastic option for creating apps for Macs, iPads, and iPhones as it is intended to be both powerful and intuitive.

An excellent app development bootcamp exposes students to these languages via practical exercises and projects that let them use what they’ve learned in real-world situations.

2. Mastering the Art of Problem-Solving

Writing code is only one aspect of programming; another is problem-solving. A competent developer may approach an issue systematically, divide it into doable chunks, and come up with a workable solution. Developing problem-solving abilities is frequently emphasized in bootcamps through:

Algorithmic Thinking : A solid understanding of algorithms and data structures is essential for maximizing code performance and guaranteeing scalability.

Testing and Debugging : Understanding how to find and address bugs is critical. Boot camps educate people on how to write tests and debug code to ensure that apps work as intended.

Version Control Systems : Git and similar tools are essential for tracking code changes, working with other developers, and monitoring a project’s progress over time. Knowing how to utilize Git and websites like GitHub is an essential skill taught in an app development boot camp.

3. Learning Front-End Development

Developing an application’s user interface and user experience is a component of front-end development. Since consumers will be interacting with this directly, it must be user-friendly and visually appealing. Important subjects addressed in front-end development comprise:

HTML/CSS : HTML and CSS are the fundamental building blocks of web development. HTML provides a webpage’s structure, and CSS creates its style and layout. Designing apps that are both responsive and aesthetically pleasing requires a solid understanding of these.

If you’re looking to convert designs into code, mastering tools that help with “ Figma to HTML ” can streamline the process of turning your visual designs into functional web pages.

JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries : To create dynamic and interactive user interfaces, it’s essential to become familiar with well-known frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js. For instance, React Native enables developers to utilize React to create mobile applications that function on both iOS and Android platforms.

Responsive Design : A key component of front-end development is creating apps that function flawlessly across various screens and devices.

4. Diving into Back-End Development

Back-end development works with databases, server-side logic, and application programming interfaces (APIs); front-end development concentrates on the appearance and feel of an application. Key competencies in this field include:

Server-Side Languages : Backend development requires an understanding of languages like Node.js (the JavaScript runtime), Python (with frameworks like Django or Flask), Ruby (on Rails), and PHP.

Databases : Effectively storing and retrieving application data requires proficiency with databases, both SQL (such as MySQL and PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (such as MongoDB and Firebase).

RESTful Services and APIs : To facilitate communication inside and across applications, acquiring the skills necessary to develop and utilize APIs is imperative.

5. Understanding Mobile App Development Platforms

A critical decision in app development is choosing the platform on which to build your app. Android and iOS are the two main operating systems. An app development bootcamp offers knowledge on the following two:

Android Development : This field employs Kotlin or Java to develop applications for Android smartphones. Understanding Android Studio, the Android SDK, and other ecosystem-specific tools is necessary for Android development.

iOS development is the process of creating apps with Swift and Xcode for Apple products. To create high-quality iOS apps, one must be aware of the iOS Human Interface Guidelines and make use of Apple’s frameworks, such as UIKit and SwiftUI.

Cross-Platform Development : Using frameworks like Flutter and React Native, developers can create apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase, saving time and money. These skills are taught in many bootcamps.

6. Embracing DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

The significance of DevOps, a collection of procedures that integrate software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops), is emphasized by modern app development techniques. Important DevOps topics addressed at bootcamps include:

Continuous Integration (CI): continuously testing new code to ensure it doesn’t interfere with existing functionality once it is frequently integrated into a common repository.

Continuous Deployment (CD) : Code changes are automatically sent to production after passing every test. This guarantees that consumers receive bug fixes and new features in a timely and dependable manner.

Containerization and Cloud Services : In today’s cloud-first world, knowing how to utilize Docker for containerization and AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for application deployment and management is becoming more and more crucial.

7. Focusing on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design

Success for an app frequently depends on how effectively it satisfies user demands and how user-friendly it is. Essential UX/UI design ideas are covered at bootcamps, such as:

Prototyping and wireframing: methods used to develop a visual representation of an application’s structure. In boot camps, software like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma are frequently taught.

User-Centered Design : It is essential to comprehend the target audience and create with their demands in mind. This includes carrying out usability testing, user research, and user persona creation.

Accessibility : It’s not only wise to ensure that apps are usable by people with impairments, but it’s sometimes required by law. Boot camps teach best practices for developing accessible applications. To further enhance your app’s success, consider partnering with a UX agency in San Francisco that specializes in creating user-friendly and accessible designs tailored to your target audience.

8. Enhancing Collaboration and Communication Skills

Developing an app is rarely a one-person job. Collaboration with customers, project managers, designers, and other developers is frequently necessary. Boot camps stress the significance of:

Agile Methodologies : For efficient project management, it’s critical to comprehend Scrum methods and Agile concepts. This covers retrospectives, daily stand-ups, and sprint planning.

Effective Communication : It’s important to be able to explain technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Exercises in project presentation and drafting succinct, understandable documentation are frequently included in boot camps.

Tools for Team Collaboration : Working knowledge of Slack, JIRA, Trello, and Confluence may help you organize projects and keep your team communicating smoothly.

9. Learning the Business Side of App Development

While technical knowledge is crucial for app development, commercial acumen is just as vital. It comprises:

Monetization Strategies : Understanding various app monetization strategies, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, advertising, and freemium models.

User Acquisition and Marketing : Knowing how to get users to an app using digital marketing techniques, app store optimization (also known as ASO), and promotion.

Analytics and User Feedback: Monitoring app performance and collecting user input using analytics tools is essential for ongoing app improvement.

10. Building a Portfolio and Preparing for the Job Market

Attending a bootcamp offers the chance to develop a portfolio of projects that highlight your abilities, which is a big benefit. Typically, boot camps offer:

Capstone Projects : These are extensive assignments that make use of every ability picked up during the boot camp. They are a great approach to demonstrate your skills to possible employers.

Career Support : A lot of bootcamps include career services, such as help with job placement, interview preparation, and resume checks. Additionally priceless are networking possibilities with graduates and experts in the field.

Aspiring developers may find that attending an app development bootcamp is a great method to get the knowledge and expertise required to succeed in the IT sector. Bootcamps offer a comprehensive education that equips students for a successful career in app development by emphasizing problem-solving, front-end and back-end development, mobile platforms, DevOps practices, UX/UI design, and the business aspects of app development.

Whether you aim to build the next big app, join a dynamic development team, or “ Hire HTML developers ” to strengthen your web projects, the skills and tools gained from a bootcamp will serve as a solid foundation for your journey into the world of technology.

Baseline Admin

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, applying for tutor position at a military college, what to expect.

Hey! I've been considering applying for a tutor position at Georgia Military College. Does anyone have experience with this, or similar college tutoring positions? I'm curious as to what to expect in terms of responsibilities and how to prepare. Any tips are welcome!

Tutoring at a military college such as Georgia Military College can be quite a fruitful experience, especially if you thrive in structured environments and enjoy the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' academic progress.

While each college may have distinct expectations, in general, tutors are usually responsible for facilitating group sessions and one-on-one tutoring, and they may also be called upon to help develop educational materials. Broadly, you would be assisting to reinforce the students’ understanding of a particular subject(s) that aligns with your expertise.

The key to preparation is to have a solid grounding in the subjects you plan to tutor. Brush up on your knowledge and be prepared to explain complex concepts in a simplified, understandable manner. It's helpful to develop a variety of approaches for explaining concepts as students may have diverse learning styles. Practice problem-solving techniques that you can teach to the students.

In a military college setting, you might also need to bear in mind that the students you'll be tutoring could be undergoing a rigorous regimen considering the dual commitments of academics and military training. Empathy, patience, and strong communication skills can be quite beneficial in this regard.

Use any teaching, coaching, or mentoring experience you have to guide your tutoring sessions. But remember, tutoring is a two-way street—you’re there to guide and assist, not necessarily to provide all the answers.

To further prepare, it might be useful to revisit old notes or textbooks from when you studied the subject, research common areas of difficulty among students, or even learn more about effective teaching strategies.

Lastly, be ready to provide examples of your problem-solving skills and capacity to work with diverse groups during the interview process. They might also have preference for those who have previously served in the military or have understanding of the military environment, but this entirely depends on each individual college's requirements.

While tutoring can be challenging, it's also rewarding to see students develop and master new skills. Your guidance can truly make a difference in their academic journey. Best of luck!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

• general knowledge

Math Puzzle: You are a genius if you can solve this math puzzle in 11 seconds!

Math Puzzle: Only geniuses can solve this math puzzle in 11 seconds. Are you one of them? Test your problem-solving skills now!

A math puzzle is a type of brain teaser that tests the reader's critical thinking and problem-solving skills by challenging them to solve a problem. These challenges have the potential to boost intelligence and improve concentration.

A brain teaser challenge mostly involves solving a puzzle, cracking a code, finding a hidden object or mistake, or detecting the fault in the image.

Regular practice of such challenges helps enhance problem-solving skills and also provides a healthy workout for the brain.

Are you a genius?

Let’s find out!

Also read : 

Math Puzzle - Solve Math Puzzle in 11 Seconds

In the image shared above, a math puzzle with three types of shapes (i.e., triangle, square and circle) is presented before the readers. 

The challenge for the readers is to solve the math puzzle by finding the value of the different shapes in 10 seconds.

This math puzzle will test your analytical and logical thinking skills.

Your time starts now!

Look at the image and study the pattern carefully.

Have you found the value of the shapes?

Hurry up; time is running out.

There are only a few seconds remaining.

The time limit is over now!

Have you successfully solved the math puzzle?

Congratulations to those readers who were able to solve the math puzzle within the time limit.

You are a genius with a high IQ.

Those who couldn’t solve the math puzzle need to practice such challenges regularly to improve their speed and accuracy.

  Now check out the solution provided below.

Solve the Math Puzzle: Solution

In this puzzle, we see that:

Triangle + Square + Circle = 12

2 circles = 10

2 square + circle = 11 

Putting the value of the circle in the above equation, we get

2 Square = 11 - 5

In the next step, we can find the value of the triangle by putting the value in the first equation.

Triangle + 3 + 5 = 12

Triangle = 12 - 8

Triangle = 4

If you loved solving this brain teaser, share it with your friends and family and see who performs the best.

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