Problem Solving Ideas That Work

problem solving

ideas that work

what is our aim?

we present

some practical methods

of problem solving

what is our approach?

we combine two ideas:

problem solving tools

and

mind mapping

what are

problem solving tools?

here's a definition

- naive yet useful:

anything that may help

to solve a problem

examples of problem solving tools

• ask questions: what? – why? – how? – who? ...

• brainstorming

• break a problem down into parts

• ask a colleague

here comes a

basic

problem solving tool:

IDEAL

IDEAL stands for

I identify problems and opportunities

D define alternative goals

E explore possible strategies

A anticipate and act

L look and learn

why is IDEAL useful?

IDEAL is

• a powerful guide through problem solving

• easy to use

• easy to memorize

• flexible

how to use IDEAL

we add tools

to each

of the IDEAL stages

identify problems and opportunities

• ask what? - why? - how? -who? ...

• ask for causesthen ask for causes of causes etc.

• break the problem down into parts

• draw a diagram of your problem

• collect information about the problem

define alternative goals

• set SMART goals:

S specific

M measurable

A attainable

R relevant

T time bound

• what might a role model do?

explore possible strategies

• brainstorming

• transfer solutionsfrom another area to your problem

• talk to others

anticipate and act

• assess possible outcomes

• make a to do list

• act

look and learn

• did you reach your goals?

• why or why not?

• potential for improvement?

what is mind mapping?

mind mapping

is a special form

of note taking

its basic promise:

to make better use

of your brain

here are the

classical

mind mapping rules

use paper

in landscape format

start in the center

... and let your map grow in all directions

use a central image

... because brains love images

use different colours

... to add information

... to stimulate your brain

write basic ideas

round the center

connect ideas to the centerby "branches"

... and give structure to your map

add sub-branches etc.

... and order your thoughts in a meaningful hierarchy

use keywords

rule of thumb: 1 word per branch

... to save time and writing space

... because single words produce more associations

use images, numbers, arrows...

... to give further structure to your map

... but avoid cluttering your map

you can

adapt these rules

here are some

examples

use only one colour

... to save time

... to avoid distraction

use nonstandard map layout

... for better structure and overview

ignore 1-word-per-branch rule

... for more precise meaning

use short links instead of branches

... to save time

these adaptations

reflect my personal preferences,

nothing more

how to

combine

tools and mind maps

we present two ideas:

1. IDEAL mapping

2. tool mapping

IDEAL mapping

use the IDEAL tool

in a mind map

first, state the topic

start with

I = identify problems and opportunities

develop details

proceed with

D = develop

alternative goals

continue with

E = explore possible strategies

again, add details

you may

start a new

IDEAL cycle

tool mapping

use two mind maps

at a time

first map:

a problem map

for your actual problem

second map:

a tool map

with a collection

of problem solving tools

here's a sample tool map,

using the tools mentioned earlier

how to use

tool maps

most important:

create your own tool maps!

adapt your tool maps

from time to time

use your tool map

• as a recipe book

• for inspirationin case you're stuck

trust your intuition

- avoid over-formalism

what are the

advantages

of tool maps?

tool maps offer

valuable help

you get insight

into your

problem solving behaviour

some notes

the IDEAL tool

is presented in

John Bransford / Barry Stein:

"The IDEAL Problem Solver"

Freeman 2002

hasty, narrow, fuzzy and

sprawling thinking:

this analysis comes from

David N. Perkins' book

'Outsmarting IQ'

The Free Press 1995

mind map and mind mapping

are trademarks

registered

by the Buzan Centre, London

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