PROBLEM SOLVING

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What is problem solving?

■ Problem solving is a process of working

through the details of a problem to reach
a solution.
■ Problem solving is the process of
identifying a challenge or question,
analyzing it, and finding an effective
solution. In computer science, this usually
involves creating a logical series of steps
to solve a problem using code.
What is problem solving?
■ Compare it to solving a puzzle or
planning a trip. Just like a puzzle has
pieces that fit in a specific way, a
problem has elements and
requirements that need to be
addressed in a logical sequence.
■ Solve a problem may use the seven
steps of problem solving.
Seven Steps in Problem
Solving
1) Define and Identify the
Problem
2) Analyze the Problem
3) Identifying Possible
Solutions
4) Selecting the Best
Solutions
5) Evaluating Solutions
6) Develop an Action Plan
7) Implement the Solution
Define and Identify the
Problem
■ Write down a statement which summarizes the
problem. This statement may be long if the problem is
complex.

■ Set a goal for solving the problem.

Analyze the Problem

■ Ask these questions:

• How long has the problem been going
on?
• What are the causes of the problem?
• What are the effects and symptoms of
the problem?
• Are there multiple steps to solving
this specific problem?
Identifying Possible Solutions

■ Brainstorming
• Those working to solve the problem
should come up with as many
solutions as possible.
• All ideas should be written down to
evaluate later.
 Selecting the Best
Solutions
■ In this step use the brainstormed
list of possible solutions.
■ Discuss each of the possible
solutions and why they may or
may not work.
■ Select the most feasible solution.
Evaluating Solutions

■ Make a T chart with pros of the

solution on one side and the cons
on the other.
■ Ask these questions after making
the T chart:
• What are the advantages of each
solution?
• Are there any disadvantages to the
solution?
• Do disadvantages outweigh
advantages?
• Would the solution actually solve the
problem?
Develop an Action Plan

■ Make a step by step plan

which should include:

• Tasks, what is to be done

• Estimated time to complete
each task
■ When this plan is complete
post it where it will be seen.
Implement the Solution

■ Follow the steps in the Action Plan

■ If things start to get complicated make a
three column chart:
• What could go wrong?
• How can you prevent this from happening?
• How will we fix it if something does go
wrong?
■ Evaluate results:
• Is the problem solved?
ALGORITHMS AND FLOWCHARTS

■ A typical programming task can be divided into two

phases:

■Problem solving phase

■Implementation phase
Problem solving phase
■ Produce an ordered sequence of steps that describe
solution of problem
■ This sequence of steps is called an algorithm.

Implementation phase
■ Implement the program in some programming
language
Story: The Procrastinating Student

 Story Summary: Jamie, a college student, constantly

postpones studying and completing assignments. As exams
approach, Jamie feels overwhelmed, anxious, and starts
struggling with sleep due to stress. Despite wanting good
grades, Jamie finds it hard to break out of the
procrastination cycle and seeks advice but continues to
delay taking action.
 Problem Statement: Jamie’s habit of procrastination is
leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and poor academic
performance, which is affecting both mental well-being and
academic success.
Story: The Overworked Café Owner

 Story Summary: Sam owns a small café that is becoming

increasingly popular. However, as the café grows busier,
Sam feels overwhelmed by the responsibilities of managing
staff, maintaining inventory, and handling customer service.
Despite the success, Sam is exhausted, missing family time,
and has even started losing passion for the business.

 Problem Statement: The rapid growth of Sam’s café is

causing them to feel overworked and burnt out due to
excessive responsibilities, which is impacting both their
personal life and passion for the business.
The Team’s Lack of Communication
■ Story Summary: A team of engineers is working on a
project with a tight deadline. Each team member is
responsible for a specific task, but they rarely communicate
about their progress. As the deadline nears, they realize
some tasks were duplicated, while others were left
incomplete. Tensions rise, and team morale drops as they
scramble to fix mistakes.

■ Problem Statement: The engineering team’s lack of

communication is leading to duplicated work, incomplete
tasks, and rising tensions, ultimately risking the project’s
success and team morale
Story: The Isolated New Student

 Story Summary: Mia has just moved to a new school and

is struggling to make friends. She finds it difficult to join
conversations and feels left out in group activities. Over
time, Mia becomes increasingly withdrawn, and her grades
begin to slip as her sense of isolation grows. Teachers
notice the change but are unsure of how to help.
 Problem Statement: Mia’s social isolation at her new
school is causing her to feel lonely and disconnected, which
is impacting her mental well-being and academic
performance.
Story: The Unhappy Employee

 Story Summary: Alex works in a corporate job that offers

stability and decent pay, but the work feels unfulfilling. Alex
has ideas to improve company processes but is discouraged
by a lack of support from management. Over time, this
dissatisfaction grows, and Alex begins considering other job
options, despite the benefits of the current position.

 Problem Statement: Alex’s dissatisfaction with their

current job due to lack of support for new ideas is leading to
disengagement and consideration of leaving, which could
result in the company losing a valuable employee.