Activity 6. 1


Why is problem solving analogous to learning? 


Both processes involve heavy emphasis on change in behavior and importance of integrating knowledge gained through experience. Since our class has defined learning as "a process inferred that involves a relatively permanent change in behavior or the capacity to behave that is the result of our direct or indirect experience", we recognize that it is our experiences that changes our behavior. It is unlikely that we would learn anything without experiencing anything in some way. Similarly, authors Pretz, Naples & Sternberg recognize that our experiences play a role in the problem solving process as well. 


If, when solving a problem, a person has no previous experience with the situation, her attempt to "develop a solution strategy" (Pretz, Naples & Sternberg, 4) might not successful. However, since she has gained experience from her failed solution (or successful solution - for she would remember what do if the problem arises again), she is more likely to succeed in solving the problem in a future attempt. 


So, as a heart and a pump jack (a pump jack is the horse head mechanism for pumping oil from a well into a tank - they are usually seen in the middle of fields) are analogous in that they both pump liquids throughout their systems, problem solving and learning are analogous in that they both capitalize on the importance of cleaving information from experiences. 


Is all learning problem solving or do we learn without solving problems? 


It seems that while most conscious learning is problem solving, any latent learning or subconscious learning is not problem solving. To bring in a tenet of constructivism, any attempt to correct disequilibrium would be considered problem solving (ie. there is a problem that is causing a dissonance between what you had expected and reality). Even so, spontaneous learning can still happen without the problem or dissonance motivating the process. 


Take children, for example. Once a child reaches two or three, he becomes a SPONGE. Literally, everything in his surroundings becomes a valuable tool for learning ("What's that? What's this? Why are you doing that?...". His vocabulary expands drastically and he learns many things - there is no problem solving involved, simply learning. 


Connect central concepts in the assigned readings to an important problem that you have recently solved or that you are trying to solve


For another class, I had been attempting to contact a professional in the community for an interview. Now, I've had difficulty contacting people for interviews and such before through my job at Residence Life. This time, in order to be more prepared, I initiated the interview three weeks before it was due to avoid any complications. 


However, despite the professional's initial excitement about being interviewed, two weeks went by without a response to my questions. I had sent a preliminary email to gauge her process; I decided to wait on sending another and give her the benefit of the doubt - after all, she is a hard working lady!


Still no response. Obviously, my solution of waiting for a response did not work. The Friday before assignment was due (on that next Tuesday), I began to get nervous. I had to reevaluate my options. I needed to decide whether I had time to contact another professional in the community before the due date or if I should put all hopes in my first interviewee. 


I decided to stick with the first interviewee because, not only was I very interested in her program and contribution to society, but there was no time to contact anyone else. I sent her an email on that Friday explaining when my assignment was due and followed that with another email on Saturday and Monday morning. With the assignment being due at midnight the next day, I was getting beyond anxious. Fortunately, Monday afternoon she did come through, emailing me back wonderfully crafted answers to each of my questions. The assignment was saved and my grades were out of immediate peril.


It was essential for my grade that I evaluate the information, and plan a suitable solution to my problem. When my first (slightly weak) decision to wait out the silence failed, I needed to step up, reevaluate the situation and plan accordingly. Using the past experience to bolster my new plan, which was to send prodding emails until she responded, I was successful in my endeavor.