Mick has always done very well in math. Through elementary school, he was one of
ID: 3490049 • Letter: M
Question
Mick has always done very well in math. Through elementary school, he was one of the first to answer the teacher's questions, solve the new types of problems, and turn in assignments. Now he's in seventh grade and is having trouble with math. He recognizes that the concepts are more complex, but feels certain he is capable of understanding and performing better. He believes he has identified the problem. He doesn't approach his homework with the same focus he did in the past. He has a habit of multitasking when he does his homework.
Based on Mick's identification of the problem, describe the steps he might take to use a general problem-solving strategy to solve the problem.
Explain specifically what he needs to do at each step.
Explanation / Answer
In cognitive psychology, the term problem-solving refers to the mental process that one goes through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.
Mick in the given scenario should first try to focus his mind on the subject concerned and try to block out distractions of any kind. This would allow him to begin the task without procastination and improve concentration. Mick should stop multitasking when he does his homework because it results in diminished focus and poor quality of work outcome.
Problem solving is directed thinking focused towards dealing with a specific problem. It has three elements: the problem, the goal, and the steps to reach the goal. Here in Mick's case the problem lies with understanding the concepts of math. The following are the steps that Mick could employ to solve his current problems in relation to math:
- Mick should develop a strong problem-solving attitude, where he gives positive affirmations to himself like, "this problem can be solved" or "I must persist until a solution is reached". These would help him adopt a playful, curious and inquisitive attitude to the problem concerned.
- The next step is to identify the problem by asking himself open-ended questions and clearly writing it down on paper. This helps in attaining clarity and expanding his understanding of the problem.
- Next is using appropriate associations and using images like symbols, drawings etc to help generate ideas related to the topic concerned. This is the technique of mind mapping. The basic map will examine the given problem while the additional mind maps with information bin heuristic strategies will be called heuristic maps. These would enable Mick to acquire working knowledge on how to solve the math problems.
- Mastering key concepts that is having a firm understanding of the key concepts that underlie a mathematical topic before moving to work on another. This lays the foundation of how one should approach similar problems in the future. Do not try to memorise the process.
- Mick should work on the principle of "practice, practice, and more practice since the more he answers maths problems the better. After this it is important to review the solution of each problem as well as errors committed.
- Creating flashcards with all concepts, terminology, and definitions would help Mick consult them at any time and recap.
- Math is a subject that requires more concentration hence a distraction free study environment would help in solving complex equations or problems better.
- Work backwards, this is sometimes necessary when one needs to start with the information given at the end of a problem and then working towards the data presented at the beginning big the problem.
- Logical reasoning would help Mick in finding solutions when it looks like it is impossible to solve them. Many times one can get the answers by using the process of elimination. Here we narrow down our options until we find the right one.
In conclusion, these are the steps that Mick could take in helping him deal with mathematics.