Department of Science and

Technology Education (DeSTE)

Learning unit 5:
Teaching problem-solving
 Learning objectives

• distinguish between different types of problems and different

reasoning techniques;
• discuss the kinds of knowledge necessary to solve a problem;
• discuss and apply various ways to support learners in solving
problems; and
• guide learners to implement problem-solving strategies
successfully when solving problems.
 What is problem-solving?

• Problem-solving may be defined as an active process in which a

person attempts to effectuate a change from an initial state to a
new, desired state.
 Types of problems

1. Well-Defined Problems
• Clear goals.
• Specific constraints.
• Single or limited solutions.
• Solvable through algorithmic or procedural steps.

Coding a Calculator:
• Write a program in Python to perform basic arithmetic
operations.
• Reasoning Techniques: Algorithmic thinking,
procedural steps.
• Solution: Implement functions for addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
 Types of problems

2. Ill-Defined Problems
• Ambiguous goals.
• Multiple solutions.
• Varying constraints.
• Require creative and heuristic approaches.

Designing a User Interface:

• Develop a user-friendly interface for a new
mobile application.
• Reasoning Techniques: Heuristic evaluation,
user-centered design.
• Solution: Iterative prototyping, user feedback.
 Types of problems

3. Convergent Problems
• Converge to a single correct answer.
• Require specific knowledge and logical reasoning.

Debugging Code:
• Find and fix a syntax error in a JavaScript function.
• Reasoning Techniques: Analytical thinking, specific debugging
methods.
• Solution: Locate the error, correct the syntax, test the function.
Binary Conversion:
• Convert the decimal number 156 to binary.
• Reasoning Techniques: Mathematical conversion rules.
• Solution: Perform division by 2, record remainders (result:
10011100).
 Types of problems

4. Divergent Problems
• Allow for multiple possible solutions.
• Encourage creativity and exploration.

Brainstorming Software Features:

• Generate ideas for new features for a project management
software.
• Reasoning Techniques: Creative thinking, ideation.
• Solution: Create a list of possible features, evaluate their feasibility.
Innovative Use of AI:
• Propose a novel application for artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Reasoning Techniques: Creative problem-solving, innovative
thinking.
• Solution: Ideas such as predictive diagnostics, AI-assisted surgery.
 Types of problems

5. Routine Problems
• Solvable by applying known methods or rules.
• Often repeated or familiar tasks.

Creating a Spreadsheet:
• Enter sales data into an Excel spreadsheet and calculate
totals.
• Reasoning Techniques: Application of known spreadsheet
functions.
• Solution: Use SUM function, create tables for data entry.
Setting Up Email Accounts:
• Configure multiple email accounts in an email client.
• Reasoning Techniques: Following step-by-step instructions.
• Solution: Input server settings, test connections.
 Types of problems
6. Non-Routine Problems
• Require novel approaches.
• May not have a predefined method for solving.

Resolving Software Conflicts:

• Troubleshoot why a new software installation is causing system
crashes.
• Reasoning Techniques: Diagnostic reasoning, exploratory
testing.
• Solution: Identify conflicting processes or software, apply fixes.
Developing a Custom Algorithm:
• Create an algorithm to solve a specific problem, like route
optimization.
• Reasoning Techniques: Algorithm design, trial-and-error.
• Solution: Develop, test, and refine an optimization algorithm.
 Types of problems

7. Simple Problems
• Low complexity.
• Straightforward solution path.

Formatting a Document:
• Change the font and text alignment in a Word document.
• Reasoning Techniques: Basic application of formatting tools.
• Solution: Use toolbar options to adjust font settings and alignment.
Creating a Shortcut:
• Create a desktop shortcut for a frequently used application.
• Reasoning Techniques: Basic file management.
• Solution: Right-click on the application, select “Create shortcut.”
 Types of problems

8. Complex Problems
• High complexity.
• Interrelated components and variables.

Developing a Web Application:

• Build a fully functional e-commerce website.
• Reasoning Techniques: Project management, full-stack
development.
• Solution: Design UI/UX, develop front-end and back-end,
integrate payment systems.
Network Configuration:
• Set up a secure, multi-site network with VPN access.
• Reasoning Techniques: Network design, security
implementation.
• Solution: Configure routers, firewalls, and VPN settings.
 Types of problems

9. Static Problems
• Conditions and constraints do not change over time.

Static Website Design:

• Design a static webpage for a personal portfolio.
• Reasoning Techniques: HTML/CSS skills, layout design.
• Solution: Write HTML and CSS code to structure and style the
page.
Basic Encryption:
• Encrypt a text using a simple Caesar cipher.
• Reasoning Techniques: Application of a known encryption
method.
• Solution: Shift each letter by a fixed number of places in the
alphabet.
 Types of problems

10. Dynamic Problems

• Conditions and constraints change over time.

 Real-Time Data Analysis:

• Develop a system to analyze and visualize live social media
trends.
• Reasoning Techniques: Dynamic data handling, real-time
processing.
• Solution: Use APIs to fetch data, apply analytics, visualize results.
 Adaptive AI Systems:
• Create an AI that adapts to user behavior over time.
• Reasoning Techniques: Machine learning, dynamic model
training.
• Solution: Implement adaptive algorithms, continuously update the
model.
 Types of problems
11. Tactical Problems
• Short-term focus.
• Immediate action needed.

Quick Bug Fix:

• Resolve a minor bug in a software application before a client
presentation.
• Reasoning Techniques: Rapid troubleshooting, immediate action.
• Solution: Identify the issue, apply a quick fix, test the application.
Responding to Cybersecurity Threats:
• Address a sudden cybersecurity threat detected in a network.
• Reasoning Techniques: Immediate threat assessment, quick
mitigation.
• Solution: Isolate the threat, apply security patches, restore
normal operations.
 Types of problems

12. Strategic Problems

• Long-term focus.
• Involves planning and resource allocation.

 Long-Term IT Planning:
• Develop a 5-year IT infrastructure plan for a growing company.
• Reasoning Techniques: Strategic planning, resource allocation.
• Solution: Assess current needs, forecast future growth, plan
upgrades.
 Technology Integration Strategy:
• Plan the integration of new technology across multiple
departments.
• Reasoning Techniques: Long-term planning, cross-functional
coordination.
• Solution: Develop an integration roadmap, schedule deployments.
 Types of problems

13. Analytical Problems

• Solvable through analysis and logical reasoning.

Performance Analysis:
• Analyze the performance metrics of a web application to
improve loading speed.
• Reasoning Techniques: Analytical thinking, data interpretation.
• Solution: Identify bottlenecks, optimize code or server
configurations.
User Data Interpretation:
• Interpret user behavior data to enhance user experience.
• Reasoning Techniques: Data analysis, pattern recognition.
• Solution: Analyze usage patterns, propose UX improvements.
 Types of problems

14. Creative Problems

• Require innovative thinking.
• No single correct solution.

Designing a Logo:
• Create a unique logo for a tech startup.
• Reasoning Techniques: Creative design, visual thinking.
• Solution: Use graphic design tools to develop and iterate on
logo concepts.
Innovative App Concept:
• Develop a novel app idea that leverages augmented reality.
• Reasoning Techniques: Innovative thinking, conceptual
development.
• Solution: Brainstorm potential uses, create a prototype.
 Types of problems

15. Ethical Problems

• Involve moral or ethical considerations.
• Solutions must align with ethical principles.

Data Privacy:
• Decide how to handle user data in compliance with privacy laws.
• Reasoning Techniques: Ethical reasoning, legal considerations.
• Solution: Implement data protection measures, ensure
compliance with regulations like GDPR.
AI Ethics:
• Address ethical concerns in the deployment of an AI system.
• Reasoning Techniques: Ethical analysis, stakeholder
consultation.
• Solution: Develop ethical guidelines, adjust AI usage accordingly.
 Types of problems

16. Operational Problems

• Related to the functioning and processes of systems.
• Often involve efficiency and optimization.

 Server Maintenance:
• Plan and execute the maintenance of a web server without
causing downtime.
• Reasoning Techniques: Operational planning, risk management.
• Solution: Schedule maintenance during low-traffic periods, test
changes in a staging environment.
 Efficiency Optimization:
• Improve the efficiency of a software development workflow.
• Reasoning Techniques: Process analysis, optimization techniques.
• Solution: Identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, implement
new tools.
 Types of problems

17. Conceptual Problems

• Involve understanding and applying concepts.

Understanding Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):

• Explain the principles of OOP and how they apply to software
development.
• Reasoning Techniques: Conceptual understanding, theoretical
analysis.
• Solution: Define classes, inheritance, polymorphism, provide
examples.
Cloud Computing Concepts:
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of cloud computing.
• Reasoning Techniques: Conceptual analysis, comparative
evaluation.
• Solution: List benefits (scalability, cost-efficiency), limitations
(security concerns, dependency on internet).
 Types of problems

18. Practical Problems

• Involve real-world applications and practical solutions.

 Building a PC:
• Assemble a personal computer from components.
• Reasoning Techniques: Practical skills, component
compatibility.
• Solution: Follow assembly steps, test functionality.
 Implementing a Backup System:
• Set up an automated backup system for company data.
• Reasoning Techniques: Practical application of backup
strategies.
• Solution: Choose backup software, configure scheduling,
verify backups.
 Types of Problems
19. Social Problems
• Involve societal and interpersonal issues.
• Solutions often require collaboration and negotiation.

Digital Literacy Training:

• Develop a program to improve digital literacy in a community.
• Reasoning Techniques: Educational planning, community
engagement.
• Solution: Create
 Knowledge for problem-solving

1.Factual Knowledge
Definition: Factual knowledge refers to information that is
concrete, specific, and verifiable.

Role in Problem-Solving:
• Provides foundational understanding of concepts and
principles relevant to the problem.
• Enables recognition of patterns and connections between
different elements of the problem.
• Forms the basis for formulating hypotheses and making
informed decisions.
Example: In a programming problem, knowing the syntax and
semantics of a programming language constitutes factual
knowledge.
 Knowledge for problem-solving

2. Conceptual Knowledge
Definition: Conceptual knowledge involves understanding
abstract concepts, theories, and relationships between ideas.

Role in Problem-Solving:
• Facilitates the organization and categorization of information
related to the problem.
• Helps in identifying underlying principles and generalizations
applicable to different problem instances.
• Supports creative thinking and innovation by enabling the
synthesis of new ideas.
Example: Understanding the concept of object-oriented
programming (OOP) principles when designing software
solutions.
 Knowledge for problem-solving

3. Procedural Knowledge
Definition: Procedural knowledge encompasses knowing how to
perform specific tasks or procedures and the steps involved in
executing them.

Role in Problem-Solving:
• Guides the implementation of systematic approaches to
problem-solving, such as algorithms and methodologies.
• Enables the execution of step-by-step processes to achieve
desired outcomes.
• Supports the application of techniques and methods learned
through practice and experience.
Example: Knowing the steps to follow when debugging code,
including identifying errors, isolating issues, and testing solutions.
 Knowledge for problem-solving

4. Metacognitive Knowledge
Definition: Metacognitive knowledge involves awareness and
understanding of one's own cognitive processes, including knowledge
about when and how to use different strategies for learning and
problem-solving.

Role in Problem-Solving:
• Facilitates self-regulation and monitoring of problem-solving progress.
• Helps in selecting appropriate problem-solving strategies based on
the nature of the problem and personal strengths.
• Supports reflection on past problem-solving experiences to improve
future performance.
Example: Recognizing when to seek help from peers or resources,
monitoring comprehension while reading a problem statement, and
adjusting strategies accordingly.
 What is a gameboard?
A gameboard in an educational context is a tool used to structure
learning activities in a game-like format.

It typically includes:
• Spaces or Nodes: Representing tasks or challenges that
students must complete.
• Paths: Connecting the spaces, guiding the progression.
• Rules: Governing movement across the board and completion
of tasks.
• Goals: Endpoints or objectives to be reached.
• Gameboards engage students by providing a clear visual
structure and often incorporate elements of competition or
gamification, making learning more interactive and enjoyable.
 Example of a Gameboard in Computer
Applications Technology (CAT)
Let's create a simple gameboard for learning about Basic
Networking Concepts in CAT. The gameboard will be a path
that students follow to learn and complete activities about
different aspects of networking.

Gameboard: Networking Adventure

Objective: Students navigate through various networking
challenges to reach the goal, becoming proficient in basic
networking concepts.
Gameboard Layout:
• Start: Introduction to Networking
1. Task: Watch a 5-minute video on what networking is and
list three key points.
2. Reward: Move to the next space.
• Node 1: Types of Networks
1. Task: Complete a matching activity to pair network types (LAN,
WAN, etc.) with their descriptions.
2. Reward: Earn 10 points and move to the next space.
• Node 2: Networking Devices
1. Task: Identify and drag networking devices (router, switch, hub) to
their correct function on an interactive worksheet.
2. Reward: Earn 20 points and move to the next space.
• Node 3: IP Addresses
1. Task: Solve a crossword puzzle where the clues are related to IP
addressing concepts.
2. Reward: Earn 15 points and move to the next space.
• Node 4: Network Topologies
1. Task: Draw or describe at least two network topologies and explain
their advantages and disadvantages.
2. Reward: Earn 25 points and move to the next space.
• Node 5: Protocols
1. Task: Fill in a table with the correct networking protocols and
their functions (HTTP, FTP, etc.).
2. Reward: Earn 20 points and move to the next space.
• Node 6: Security
1. Task: Complete a quiz on basic network security measures.
2. Reward: Earn 30 points and move to the next space.
Goal: Network Design Challenge
3. Task: Design a simple network for a small office, considering
all learned concepts, and present it to the class.
4. Reward: 50 points and completion of the game.
Rules:
• Points: Accumulate points for each task completed.
• Progression: Must complete each task to move to the next node.
• Collaboration: Students can work in pairs but must submit
individual work.
• Tools: Use educational software like Kahoot! for quizzes, Google
Drawings for network diagrams, and interactive worksheets or
apps for other activities.
• Outcome: By completing the gameboard, students will have an
overview and understanding of networking fundamentals and
practical experience in designing a network.
 Next lesson

• Cognitive strategies and techniques for problem solving

• Metacognitive strategies for problem solving
• Computational thinking
• Classroom practices