Problem solving is a process to choose and use the effective and beneficial tool and behaviours among the different potentialities to reach the target. It contains scientific method, critical thinking, taking decision, examining and reflective thinking. This method is used in the process of solving a problem to generalize or to make synthesis.

1. K. DEVENDRAKULA THIRUMAGAL
Assistant professor
Lakshmi College of Education
Gandhigram
Dindigul D.T
Tamilnadu , India
k.thirumagal84@gmail.com

2. 
Problem solving is a process to choose and use the
effective and beneficial tool and behaviours among the
different potentialities to reach the target.
It contains scientific method, critical thinking, taking
decision, examining and reflective thinking.
This method is used in the process of solving a problem
to generalize or to make synthesis.
PROBLEMSOLVING METHOD

3. 
 “Problem solving is planned attack on difficulty for
finding out satisfactory solution”-M.N.Singh and
S.B.Maheswary.
“A Problem exists for an individual when he has a
definite goal, which he cannot reach by the behaviour
pattern which he already has available”-Gates
DEFINITIONS

4. 
In the class room situation, problem solving
can be viewed in two phases
A way of thinking
A way of teaching
Phases in problemsolving

5. 
Any problem posed before the learners should possess the
following characteristics if it has to be educationally valuable.
Such problems should be:
Clear and definite.
Challenging and hence interest generating.
Suitable to the age, needs and physical & mental capability of
pupils.
Related to actual life situations.
Understandable to the learners who face it.
Characteristics of a problem in a learning
situation

6. 
Thought provoking.
Corrected to the existing knowledge of the
learners.
Worthwhile and of practical value.
Workable with the resources available.
Feasible within the time available.
cont.

7. 
Maintain the spirit of discovery among students.
Give proper guidance to the students from the beginning
till the solutions is reached.
Extend optimum help to each student in case difficulties
are experienced.
Supply only extra information regarding the problem.
Establish rapport with students, for the smooth
competition of the work
Teacher’s role in problem solving

8. 
Sensing the problem.
Interpreting, defining and delimiting the problem.
Collect the relevant data.
Organising and evaluating the data.
Formulating tentative solution.
Arriving at the final solution.
Steps in the problem solving method

9. 
Problem survey:-Analyzing a problem situation for
details to be studied.
Problem description:-Providing a clear statement
of the problem to be studied.
Problem discussion:-Making sure that the students
understand what is involved in the problem
Stages in problemsolving

10. 
Problem limitation:-isolating those parts of the
problem that can be attacked profitably.
Planning for action:-Preparing suitable hypothesis
for investigation.
Further analysis and limitation:-Tentative testing
of hypothesis to identify those most likely to yield a
solution.
cont.

11. 
INDUCTION
It is like teaching with discovering method.
Cases are observed carefully.
The similarities and dissimilarities are found.
Then you can reach the general rule or law with the
techniques "generalization" or "making abstract" from the
similarities.
TECHNIQUES USED IN PROBLEM
SOLVING METHOD

12. 
It is reverse of induction technique.
Some general laws and rules which are reached
before are given to the students and want them to
apply this method to different singular case.
The convenience of it to the one of the case is
controlled mentally.
DEDUCTION

13. 
It provides the active participation of the students in teaching-
learning activity.
It habituates student to study regularly and organized.
It provides students o gain scientific view and thinking.
It makes students to be interested in learning.
It helps to improve the sense of responsibility of students.
It provides students to face the problems boldly and to deal with
it in a scientific approach.
ADVANTAGES OF PROBLEMSOLVING
METHOD

14. 
It helps students to adopt the view of benefit from
others ideas and to help each other.
It predicates the learning to a more logical and doughty
foundation.
It improves the ability of making proposes and putting
forward the hypothesis.
It helps students to adopt the idea of not to be hurry to
make a decision.
CONT.

15. 
It takes too much time.
It is not possible to apply this method to all disciplines.
It can load some worldly burdensome to students.
It can be difficult for students to provide the materials
and sources which is required for solving the problem.
Evaluating the learning can be difficult.
DISADVANTAGES OF PROBLEMSOLVING
METHOD

16. The limitations are mainly due to ineffective use of the problem
solving method.
 When a classroom is completely teacher dominated then in such a classroom
the problem solving method will fail.
 Difficult to organise e- contents of syllabus according to this method.
 Time consuming method.
 All topics and areas cannot be covered by this method.
 There is a lack of suitable books and references for the students.
 Method does not suit students of lower classes.
 Mental activity dominates this method. Hence there is neglect of physical
and practical experiences.
Limitation