Problem-solving steps

1. Define the problem

• Narrow down what the problem is
• What are the unknowns?
• Can you identify what the contributing factors are?

2. Design a plan(s)

• Generate as many different ideas on how to solve the problem as possible
• Have you seen the problem before in a different form?
• Do you know of a related problem? Can you solve it?

3. Select the “best” 

• Reduce the pool of ideas to one or two that will likely solve the problem or at least contribute to solving the problem.
• Can the plan be implemented?
• Is it effective?
• Is it efficient?

4. Implement the plan

• Carry out the plan one step at a time
• Can you see that the step is correct?
• Can you prove that it is correct?
• Can you check the results?
• Can you derive the results differently?
• Can you use the results or the method for some other problem?

Evaluate the plan

• Can you check the results
• Could you have arrived at the results differently?
• Can you use these results or may be the method for some other problem?

Develop good attitudes 

1. Create a good solution rather than just obtaining any solution
2. Do not assume that one approach is the best approach
3. Don’t rush to a judgment -- try to get the whole picture before developing any solution ideas
4. Form a good initial representation of the problem -- this is a crucial step!!
5. Ask the appropriate questions
6. Explore all possible alternatives