Quality Standards of Effective Problem Solving

Understands the Problem

· Identifies the goal and states essential questions that show consideration of the key elements of the problem

· Clearly articulates the problem

· Identifies and describes constraints or limiting conditions to solving the problem

· Explains how constraints or limiting conditions are obstacles to solving the problem

Plans to Solve the Problem

• Brainstorms strategies

• Evaluates options, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each based on constraints and limiting conditions

• Challenges self to try new and different solutions

• Determines information needed to solve the problem

• Develops a hypothesis

Carries out the Plan

• Actively seeks information needed to solve the problem

• Follows through on chosen strategy

• Monitors the implications of action taken.

• Revises strategy if the situation arises

• Shifts strategy or the analysis of the statement of the problem as new information becomes available

Evaluates the Results

• Analyses and interprets the information collected, drawing reasonable inferences based on data

• Modifies the hypothesis as necessary

• Designs criteria for and evaluates the effectiveness of the selected strategy

• Assesses the value of the solution and whether results are coherent, logical, realistic and practical

Communicates the Findings

• Communicates findings based on ConVal Quality Standards of Effective Communication