How to Solve Problems

Overview of Lesson

When we are learning fluid mechanics (or any subject) we face many challenges and frustrations.
Each challenge or frustration can be viewed as a problem. Problem solving is the process of making this problem go away.

Similarly, doing projects involves many challenges and frustrations, each of which can be viewed as a problem.

Thus, problem solving is a skill that is helpful for

  • learning
  • doing project
  • etc.

Benefits of this Lesson

  • Learn how to invert problems so that they become goals.
  • Learn four strategies for attacking "insurmountable problems:" (a) iteration, (b) Polya's question, (c) decomposition, and (d) sphere-of-influence.
  • Learn how to use Wales' approach to structure a task.

Goals (What we will accomplish in this lesson)

Learners can describe the problem solving mindset

Learners can explain decomposition, iteration, and Polya's questoin

Learners can structure a task using Wales' structure


Plan (steps to reach the goals)

1. Goal Setting.
Recommend: Write down personal goals for this lesson. Ask yourself, what do I want? What are my motivations for studying engineering? Make your goals specific (i.e. measurable) and challenging. For more information, see "how to write goals."

2. Topic
a. topic
b. topic

3. Lesson Review (Reflective Thinking)
a. Assess your learning using this form. Print1 and staple the form to front of your homework. Resource: (How to write an SII).
b. Assess this lesson using this (form).


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