PROBLEM SOLVING

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS :

Problem-solving skills are relevant for evolving solutions to a problem or set of problems. A problem is a gap between desired state of affair and actual state of affair at a particular point of time. In order to overcome this gap, relevant action is required. For identifying this action, problem-solving skills are required. Problem-solving skills are relevant not only for case-based group discussion as widely perceived but are relevant to topic-based group discussion too. Your problem-solving skills will be reflected in your following actions during group discussion process.

A. While discussing a topic or case, adopt systems approach, that is, treat the topic/case as a system and identify its different components (technically called subsystems) and their interrelationships. For example, if you are talking about status of education in India, classify education into three categories: primary education, secondary education, and higher education; these three categories of education have high relationships – a higher-level education is highly dependent on a lower-level education.

B. In order to identify issues involved in topic/case, apply your creative power. Through this power, you can identify root causes underlying issues. For example, while discussing the reasons for poor status of education in India, do not just mention lack of funds, lack of discipline in the society, etc. These may not be root causes but intervening causes resulted from root causes, for example, lack of commitment on the part of concerned governments or similar such causes.

C. While suggesting a solution to any problem, check its feasibility and its effect on other components of the system, otherwise, there is likelihood that your solution may solve one problem but may generate more problems. If possible, also mention how your solution can be implemented. For example, if you mention that governments should allocate more funds to education, also mention from where these funds should come as governments always feel lack of funds.

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